VitaminDC: October 2006

The old city of Hoi An is a Unesco World Heritage site. During the American war both sides agreed (in an alarming moment of clarity) not to bomb the shit out of this city. This place was a major international trading port from the 15th to 19th century. As a port of call for Dutch, Portuguese, Chinese, Indian, French, American and Japanese traders everything came through here. The mix of architecture is wholly unique a result. Apparently 800 structures of historical significance have been designated. If the tailors shops we frequented were historical then we probably saw most of them.

We were up at 5am the first day and having come in at night had no idea what the town was about. We wandered down the street and hit the market as people were setting up. The outdoor market was where it was at; a cacophony of sights, sounds and oh yeah, smells, though the fish area was surprisingly tolerable. It was total sensory overload at first, not only because of the action but everyone wants you to buy something. Most of these pics are all from the market in the old city, where we stayed. Whats missing is the noise, a constant soundtrack of chatter and horns and movement.

Dung 77, Hoi An Waterfront