In Hoi An (Vietnam)

I had always skipped Hoi An when I traveled to Vietnam. But after watching The Quiet American recently, I felt like visiting this place. In the movie some of the restaurants by the riverside in Hoi An double for old Saigon. It reminds me of Melaka in Malaysia.

Another reason was a talk I attended a few years back by an archaeologist. The archeologist was part of the committee that drafted the plans for the renovation of the old city in the late 1990s. They implemented strict rules about the style and height of new buildings. The local governments supported them all the way and made sure that the locals follow the rules.

But I prefer Danang, the gateway city, more. Danang felt like a regular city and It was much more interesting talking to the people there. I ended up spending most of my time here.

Updates:

2023 March:  My wife and I went to Hoi An old city from Danang one night. It felt like Khaosan road. There was a DJ set by the riverside and many young backpackers crowded around. I remembered the archeologist. He may have a heartbreak if he returns to Hoi An.