Go with Brian

Tag: Hoi An

  • How is the heat wave in the uk ?

    Had chicken with chilli and lemongrass for breakfast from the buffet, really good. The chilli wakes up the tastebuds quickly.

    Forecast for 35 degrees, only one answer to that – beach day.

    Nearest beach is about 2 miles from the hotel, so borrowed one of their bikes and off we go to An Bang beach. The beach is actually 30 km long but is known by different names at different areas. As you approach the beach on a bike or motorbike people jump out in front to try and get you to park with them, they all charge 10000 dong just under 30p.

    About another 10km of beach that way.

    The tall buildings in the background is where Danang city is. Between here and there are a lot of genuine 4 and 5 star resort hotels. All the big names, many claiming private beaches but it is all one beach. They are pricey but probably good value compared to other countries.

    The beachside restaurants let you use the beds for free if you buy food, as I am always buying food it is not a great hardship. Plonked myself down at La Plage restaurant.

    Had a Pappaya salad and scallops in butter for lunch. The scallops were tiny and overpowered by the peanuts, spring onions and herbs, but they were ok. Thailand has a famous pappaya salad called Som Tam, which is like fast food there as you can get it from a stall on virtually every street. They usually have it very fiery with lots of chilli. It’s very refreshing dish even loaded with chilli. This one was only a little bit spicy but was good.

    All in with a couple of beers, water and a couple of soft drinks when I was on the lounger about £7.

    Tonights dinner walking by…… joking.

  • Around Hoi An

    Skipped the buffet breakfast and headed out to get an early start as it was forecast for 32 degrees. As it was it was already 28 at 8am.

    Found Phi Banh Mi and had a sandwich there, It is all they do. Less than a pound for sandwich and a drink. Had the traditional vietnamese, it was awesome. Grilled pork, pork pate, veg, herbs and a chilli jam. The chilli is fiery but doesn’t linger long and adds an extra dimension. The baguettes are made from rice flour, really crisp on the outside. Light and fluffy on the inside. Most expensive is the special, just over a quid. The van ain’t ever going to be the same. It is a small traditional stall and shop house. Good food and cool music from the tv. Early so not many people around. Larue beer on the menu at less than 50p a bottle, had some last night and it is actually quite good. Had a Bud like flavour to me.

    Some more snaps from the walk.

    Fresh beer will be the local draught brew, 4000 is about 14 p. Expect that is for 1/2 pint, bit early in the day for me but will try and check what u get some other time.

    Went along the back streets, no tourists in sight. Not much to see other than locals going about their daily lives. Did pass a place set up for a local wedding, ideal for Manda I reckon. Expect could get the reception all in for £200. Was About 09:30; few guests already sat down drinking. Looked good inside, didn’t want to upset anybody so didn’t gatecrash.

    Hoi An is a preserved ancient town, very scenic. Lots of people come to see the old covered Japanese bridge.

    It was already crowded at 10 am so didn’t bother going inside.

    There was a couple having their wedding photos done.

    Hazarding a guess that this is a school.

    Iced black coffee for a boost to get me back to the hotel, 81p. Was nearly 3 pounds at Hollys place in Bangkok.

    The liquid in the small glass is weak green tea, it comes free with any order at some cafes. It is not really to my taste but Vietnamese Coffee is very strong and bitter, they usually load it with sugar. Sipping the tea helps clear the bitter aftertaste.

    The sign is from a restaurant near the hotel, they get glowing reviews on trip adviser etc. Ate there on the first night and thought it was only so so. I had squid with ginger and chilli and not that impressed. Beer was cheap, but so is everywhere else. I liked the sign though, get as a fart pissed indeed.

    Born to wear khaki. Once a soldier, always a soldier although I would probably get called out for the jaunty angle of my hat.

  • Emerald Waters hotel

    Was going to split a week between Danang and Hoi An but decided just to stay in Hoi An, not actually fully unpacked the backpack since I came on hols as only stayed a couple of days in each place.

    Picked up this place on Expedia for half price, paying about £23per night. Nice place with a pool.

    First place I have come across where earplugs are included.

    The reason being there is construction on both sides of the hotel, although the only time I have noticed noise is when I have been at the pool. Must be disappointing for those in the more expensive poolside rooms, ok in the cheap ones 😴

    Big balcony but nothing to view.

    Next door dry peanuts on the roof each day, at least I think they are peanuts. I could jump over the balcony to double check.

    The pool gets sun most of the day even with the building going up. This was taken about 8 am which is why it looks shady but by 10 am the sun is shining on the pool.

    A few pics of the flight from Hanoi to Danang.