Hoi An is famous for it’s hand made lanterns which are on sale everywhere
also adorning shops and restaurants in the old city, looking especially magical along the riverside at night.
Apparently, once a year, (August I think) there is a Lantern Festival when the entire old town’s electricity is turned off at night and lit only by lanterns. It must be a stunning sight.
This old part of Hoi An is, not surprisingly, a Unesco Heritage site. I’m not sure what funding Unesco provides for such places but many of these beautiful old buildings are in desperate need of some TLC.
Unfortunately, I suspect the income the local shopkeepers gain from tourism would not cover the cost of such work. In fact, from what I have seen, there are fewer tourists than there are tourist souvenir shops
and the many, many tailors
where you can have a suit made in 4 hours, apparently. I am sure they’re OK but I’m not tempted.
Despite all the crumbling buildings, this part of Hoi An is spectacular and in a way looks more authentic in its dubious state of repair.
This feeling of ‘authenticity’ is also helped by the number of older locals
who seem content just to go about their business as they have been doing for many a year. Or not, as the case may be.
Those who are still working have to take a rest from time to time
leaving the younger one’s to pose for a photo
which cost me a bunch of bananas!
I still haven’t found a laundry I will be happy with although there is a lot of choice.
I will most certainly give this one a Miss!
Phileas
thelasthurrahsite 