J+L in Transit

Arriving in Hội An

Hội An was one of our favorite places in Vietnam. It’s a small town of about 120,000 people and the whole area is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Throughout history, Hội An has been an important trade port — there are many Japanese and Chinese cultural influences still visible in the ancient town. We stayed at the Thanh Van II hotel which was a bit out of the town center, but they offered a free van service every hour. The rooms were enormous, and at 20$ a night, Hội An is a very affordable destination!

View from Our Hotel Window

Our Hotel, Thanh Van II

Hội An Ancient Town

Hội An’s ancient town is beautiful everywhere you look. There are tons of souvenir and craft shops, restaurants, coffee shops, and especially tailors. The buildings are all painted canary yellow with wooden signs (no neon here). Many of the shops are very old and built in the style of merchant houses.

Boats Lined Up in the River

Linley at the River Bridge

Agriculture Happening Right Amidst the Town

Japanese Bridge in the Ancient Town

Streets of Hội An

Chinese Meeting Hall in the Ancient Town

Birdcage at the Chinese Meeting Hall

Dragon Fountain at the Chinese Meeting Hall

Incense Coils at the Chinese Meeting Hall

Flaming Coconut Full of Curry

Cake from the Cargo Club

Durian from the Old Market

Durian Didn't Smell Too Bad, Definitely a Unique Taste / Texture

Canal in the Ancient Town

Tofu in Banana Leaf

Fried Mì Quảng Noodles

Architecture of the Ancient Town

Reaching Out Tea House & Craft Shop

Reaching Out is a charitable business in Hội An that operates a tea house and a craft workshop and boutique. It became one of our favorite spots in a city full of favorites. Reaching Out employs Vietnamese artisans who have mobility impediments, hearing impairments, learning disabilities, Down Syndrome, or other disabilities. These people may otherwise not be able to earn a fair wage, but are paid and treated very well at Reaching Out. The coffee shop is staffed completely by the deaf and a sign on the wall encourages you to “enjoy the silence”. Visit their web site here: www.reachingoutvietnam.com.

Reaching Out Craft Shop

Inside Reaching Out Tea House

The Staff and Founders of Reaching Out

Iced Coffee at Reaching Out -- Frozen Coffee for Ice Cubes, Genius

Reaching Out Tea House

Tailors of Hội An

Hội An is famous for its tailors, there are hundreds of tailor shops in the city. We opted to have some clothes made and helped design the colors, materials, and styles. The tailor takes your measurements and in less than 24 hours you can return to the shop to try on your new clothes and make any adjustments. We had several dresses and suits made since the price was right. A bespoke men’s 2-piece suit from a high-end shop was only $170. Customized dresses were often less than $15.

Linley with Dressmaker

James Being Measured

Suit Blueprints

Brand New Dress

New Suit & Dress