Hoi An is simply... Hoi An!

This review is divided into 3 parts:

Part 1: Hoi An… It's a bit yellow!

Link: https://th.readme.me/p/9888

**Chapter 2:** Hoi An's Fireflies! >> https://th.readme.me/p/9889

Part 3: Hoi An...has a sea! >> https://th.readme.me/p/9890

Day 3: My Son Sanctuary

7:00 AM. Visit the ancient city of Mi Sein

Today, I woke up early to visit the ancient city of Hoi An. I booked a day tour with my accommodation, which offered two options: round-trip by car (5 USD) or car to and boat back (8 USD). I chose the latter option, paying a little extra to experience the boat ride back. The car picked me up around 8:00 am. Before the tour, I had some time for breakfast. I walked out of my accommodation and turned right. After a few meters, I found a street vendor selling Mi Quang.

After inquiring, I learned that the vendor only sells in the mornings and returns home once they have sold out.

This Mi Quang dish looks incredibly delicious and comes in a generous portion for only 20,000 VND (30 baht). The vendor recommended squeezing lime juice and adding chili peppers for an extra kick. I followed her advice and took a bite of the chili pepper, which was so spicy that it brought tears to my eyes.

Our destination today is My Son Sanctuary, an ancient city located approximately 40 kilometers from Hoi An. Transportation options include hiring a taxi, renting a motorbike, or, most conveniently, purchasing a day tour. My Son Sanctuary, often mispronounced as "My Son" (meaning "my son" in English), should be pronounced "Mi-son" for accuracy.

At precisely eight o'clock in the morning, a large red bus arrived to pick us up in front of our accommodation.

Upon boarding the vehicle, I was greeted by a sea of foreign faces. As I scanned the group, hoping to find fellow Thai travelers, I realized that I was surrounded by tourists from abroad. The tour guide, Mr. Houng, introduced himself and assured us that he would be our guide and source of information throughout the day's journey.

Today's tour group will be called "Camel Team" to avoid confusion with other groups. The tour guide will collect an additional entrance fee for My Son of 150,000 VND during the tour (not included in the tour price).

After approximately 45 minutes, we arrived at the entrance of My Son. During this time, the tour guide allowed us to take a break and attend to personal needs. We were free to use the restroom, purchase food, or snacks as desired.

Upon arrival, visitors must proceed on foot to the entrance. Ticket booths are located at the front, where individual visitors can purchase their tickets.

Following the guide into the interior, I felt a sense of unease with the group tour format. The guide's pace was brisk, leaving me slightly disoriented.

Upon arrival at the pick-up and drop-off point, passengers will need to take a shuttle bus to reach the interior. Shuttle buses operate continuously, providing a convenient and efficient transportation option.

The journey was pleasant, with lush greenery lining the winding mountain roads.

The bus will stop at the parking lot. Here, the guide will allow you to purchase drinks and prepare for a walk of approximately 2 kilometers.

Before we begin, our guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the history and significance of this location.

The Mystical Mi-sön Sanctuary: A Journey Through Time and Faith

The Mi-sön Sanctuary, nestled amidst the verdant hills of Vietnam, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Champa civilization. Dating back over 1600 years, this sacred complex served as the paramount religious center for the Champa people, holding immense significance from the 4th to the 15th centuries.

Within its hallowed walls, the sanctuary embodies a unique fusion of beliefs, blending the veneration of mountain deities with the tenets of Hinduism. This harmonious coexistence reflects the cultural tapestry of the Champa, weaving together indigenous traditions with external influences.

To reach the heart of Mi-sön, visitors embark on a 2-kilometer trek, immersing themselves in the tranquil embrace of nature. The ancient structures are meticulously organized into distinct groups, designated as A, B, C, and so forth. Each group offers a glimpse into the architectural prowess and spiritual essence of the Champa.

Navigating through the designated pathways, one can choose to embark on a clockwise or counter-clockwise journey, unraveling the secrets of each edifice. Today, our guide leads us on a counter-clockwise exploration, inviting us to delve deeper into the enigmatic world of Mi-sön.

With that understanding, it's time to set off. The air is cool and comfortable, and there are plenty of trees. However, the uphill climb requires some effort.

Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary boasts unique architectural features, including the use of ancient bricks, intricate carvings of Hindu mythology on sandstone, and sculptures on brick walls, showcasing the exquisite artistry of the Champa people.

In 1999, UNESCO designated the Giant Panda as a World Heritage Site.

The guide led us through every nook and cranny of the castle, but the pace was so brisk and the explanations so rapid that it was difficult to grasp the full significance. Overall, it was visually impressive.

Castle Group F, destroyed by the B-52 bomber raid.

It takes about 2-3 hours to walk around all the castle groups, returning to the starting point. Then, take the shuttle bus to exit.

Upon returning to the exit, the tour of My Son Sanctuary concludes. While the site holds undeniable intrigue, the experience felt rushed due to the guide's strict adherence to the schedule. This limited the time spent at each cluster of temples, leaving a sense of incompleteness.

Sail back to Hoi An!

The guide then called us to board the bus for our return trip to Hoi An city. After about 20 minutes, the guide divided the tourists into two groups: those returning by road, who would continue on the same bus to Hoi An, and those returning by boat, who would take a boat ride back to Hoi An. I was in the boat group, so I was dropped off at a pier along the way.

The tourists have now been divided into two groups. My group is taking a boat back, so we are waiting for the boat at a pier.

Awaiting our return to Hoi An, a boat bobbed gently on the water, its interior laden with a tempting array of food. As the midday sun cast its warm glow, the timing couldn't have been more perfect.

Board the ship and prepare to return.

The boat will also serve food, a simple stir-fried mixed vegetable dish with rice. When you're hungry, anything tastes good.

Enjoy a meal while cruising and observing the scenery, people, and everyday life.

The boat also sells various beverages, such as beer, soft drinks, and bottled water. The prices may be slightly higher than usual, but enjoying a cold beer while taking in the scenery is a worthwhile experience. The boat ride takes about an hour and a half before returning to Hoi An.

The weather is pleasant, with a cool breeze.

Upon arriving at the port of Hoi An, we returned to our accommodation to freshen up and escape the heat in the cool air conditioning. After a short nap, we ventured out into the night to explore the city under the glow of the full moon during the Hoi An Full Moon Lantern Festival.

**7:00 PM. Hoi An Lantern Festival!**

Moonlight, the night before...

Tonight is a special night because it is the night we have been aiming for since we planned our trip. We wanted to be here on a full moon night, and we are so happy to be able to walk around and enjoy the festival atmosphere once again.

The original text describes a person's evening routine. Here's the translation:

Setting the alarm for 6 pm, worried about oversleeping. Waking up to shower, get dressed, and prepare to head out to the Toubon River. On the way, stopping for dinner at the same restaurant where I had salad yesterday. Today, trying a new dish: Banh Tran' Kep. It's a thin rice pancake filled with pork, onions, and various vegetables, then grilled over low heat. It smells quite good.

A plate of grilled pork belly, priced at 20,000 VND (approximately 30 Thai baht), is served with a sweet dipping sauce. The taste is quite delicious. The pork is grilled lightly, resulting in a fragrant aroma. The sweet dipping sauce complements the dish well. Adding some fresh chili to the dipping sauce would enhance the spiciness, making it even more flavorful.

After a satisfying meal, we ventured into the old town. To our surprise, we were greeted by a sea of people. "Wow!" we exclaimed, "Where did all these people come from?" The crowd was even larger than the day before, creating a vibrant and lively atmosphere.

Tonight, in the city of Hoi An, all the buildings will turn off their lights and use only the light from lanterns. As a result, tonight we will see the colors of the lanterns that are decorated around the city, looking very romantic.

Tourists enjoyed strolling around and capturing photos of the beautiful lanterns.

Paper lanterns are on sale, lined up along the banks of the Tubon River. Most of the vendors are children who are selling them to earn money.

The pleasant atmosphere enticed me to purchase a beer from a nearby vendor. I settled down on the ground, sipping my beer and enjoying the cool breeze by the riverbank. As I watched the paper lanterns drift along the water's current, a sense of tranquility washed over me.

The pleasant atmosphere enticed me to purchase a beer from a nearby vendor. I settled down on the ground, sipping my beer and enjoying the cool breeze by the riverside. Watching the paper lanterns drift along the water's current was a delightful experience. As dusk approached, the crowd grew denser, creating a lively ambiance.

The banks of the Thu Bon River are alive with activity, from traditional games to vibrant performances. While the language barrier may prevent full comprehension, the atmosphere is undeniably lively and engaging.

Crossing the Tubon River to the other side (the night market side), you will find various activities to watch, such as this group of young people singing and dancing to collect donations for charity.

The vibrant night market, adorned with a dazzling array of colorful lanterns, bustles with an influx of tourists tonight.

A floating restaurant converted from a boat is also popular with tourists. Enjoying a meal while listening to beautiful acoustic music is an experience that even captivated me as I walked by. I found myself standing still, listening until the song ended.

(Please note that I am unable to translate the provided text as it is incomplete. To ensure accurate translation, please provide the complete sentence or phrase you wish to be translated.)

Before this flame fades away..

The night was still young, so the riverside was the perfect spot to relax. More beers were bought, and we sat by the water, sipping and watching the river flow, the floating lanterns, the illuminated lamps, the moon, and the people passing by. It was a pleasant experience until the crowd thinned, the noise faded, and the time grew late. It was time to head back to our accommodation.

The bustling atmosphere of earlier in the evening has given way to tranquility in Hoi An. As I walk back to my accommodation in the darkness, the only illumination comes from the occasional streetlamp. Hunger pangs begin to gnaw at my stomach. I pass by numerous shops, all of which are closed. It seems like I'll have to go hungry tonight. However, as I approach my lodging, I notice a shop where an elderly woman is grilling something that smells delicious. Judging by her pajamas, if I were to ask her about it, she would likely respond, "We're closed, young man." But I'm famished, so I decide to take a chance and inquire if there's anything I can purchase to take away.

The Auntie's Banh Tran' Kep

The auntie informed me that the shop was actually closed, and the tables had already been put away. She was currently preparing ingredients for tomorrow's sales, but hadn't finished yet. Her shop sells Banh Tran' Kep, similar to what I had eaten earlier in the evening. However, her version involves spreading ground pork on a sheet of dough, then grilling it over low heat. Afterwards, she cuts it into pieces with scissors and serves it with a sweet dipping sauce.

Initially, I planned to buy some and take it back to my room to eat. But the auntie kindly invited me to sit and eat at the shop first, as she hadn't finished preparing everything. She even brought out a table for me. So, I decided to stay and enjoy the meal.

It seems that one dish was not enough, because it was really delicious, so I ordered another one. The aunt said... You can also order more beer. Just go and get it yourself. You can also get ice yourself... But if the aunt finishes preparing things, she will close the shop... That's okay... It's comfortable. In the meantime, I'm sitting and sipping beer, which goes very well with this menu. I'm sitting and eating happily, and I'm not lonely anymore because I have a friend to eat with... another one!

Part 3: Hoi An...has a sea! >> https://th.readme.me/p/9890

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