| | Apr 12, 2006 - Hoi An, Vietnam - A Shopping Extravaganza | (click to enlarge)
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| Hoi An, Vietnam - Shopping Extravaganza
Long before we reached Vietnam, I knew Hoi An was going to be one place on the trip that I did shopping. This historic, charming town set on the Thu Bon River has a history of having some of the best tailors in Vietnam. Instantly upon arrival, you can see this is still a major industry in town. The streets are loaded with shops and tailors to have clothes of any kind custom made. Mannequins are covered up in Hugo Boss look-a-like suits, fancy gowns, dress shirts and ties. Attached are signs of recommendations from travellers around the world touting the shop to be one of the best with friendly service and great clothes making skills? Every corner you turn there is someone else inviting you into their shop to have a look. 'Got your clothes made?' 'How about a nice pair of shoes to go with them?' ' Have your shoes and clothes done already - what about a moto down to the beach to relax for the day?' With the number of locals asking for your business this would be the perfect place to send a lonely, depressed person. In no time, they would feel like the most popular person in the world!
Despite the constant harassment in an attempt to get your business, we loved Hoi An! The town is charming with interesting historic buildings, a small feel, incredible food unique to this area and a great place to sit back and just chill out for a while. On one level, it reminded us of Luang Prabang in Laos that we enjoyed so much although Hoi An is much bigger and busier. We stayed here for a total of 5 days, which was more than enough time to get an abundance of clothes custom made. In fact, I went a little crazy and had a suit, 2 sports jackets, 5 shirts, 2 shorts, 2 pair of pants, a pair of dress shoes and 2 pair of sandals along with a couple things to give Eric for his birthday all custom tailored and loved every minute of the shopping. It was so easy to do, as all of the above cost me less than the cost of one suit and pair of shoes back home. For thirty dollars we had it all boxed up and shipped home by sea mail where I eagerly await word that it has arrived safe and sound.
The people in Hoi An were what made our stay and shopping so enjoyable. Each day as we headed down to Shop 52 in the Clothing Market to see Na for another fitting and adjustment, we inevitably ended up spending hours there laughing with her, the shoe maker in the booth around the corner and meeting other travellers also shopping like a kids in a candy store. The toll of being on the road daily had pretty much worn out my small daypack and I figured it was time to purchase a new one. Sandwiched between two tailors, we found Thu, a friendly Vietnamese lady that sold bags and luggage. After purchasing a new daypack from her, she was so nice she insisted that Eric and I come back the following day to her home to have tea and some Cao Lao, a local specialty. She was excited to meet new people from around the world and get the chance to practice her English and tell us more about her country and life. Her hospitality was so nice and genuine it was a breath of fresh air from some of the conniving sales people we met further north in Hanoi.
It was fond memories of these shop owners we took with us as we swung our legs over the back of 2 motorcycles to set off on an adventure along the road less travelled. We left Hoi An with a mixed emotions of excitement and uncertainty as we set off for our next 5 days on a motorcycle touring the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
TRAVEL TIPS FOR HOI AN
1. The charming town is a must see for every visitor to Vietnam. Take time to wander around the small town soaking up the atmosphere and taking in the scenes of the old streets and buildings. Visit the covered Japanese bridge and some of the historic buildings that now have an admission fee to ensure the conservation of the historic buildings and architecture in the city.
2. If you prefer to stay on a beach rather than in town there is a growing number of beach resorts just a few kilometres from town and you can then take a moto into the city centre. Alternatively, it is just as easy to stay in the town and take a moto out to the beach for the day for some sun and surf.
3. Be prepared to be invited by vendors into their shops every time you set foot outside your hotel. If you are not interested just give them a polite 'No Thank You' and keep walking. It may seem as harassment to you but they are only trying to earn a living.
4. If you are having clothes made, do your research and shop around. Some places offer really cheap prices but also give you poor quality clothes that will fall apart after one or two cleanings. Don't hesitate to ask them to alter your clothes and correct any imperfections you are not happy with. It is normal for the clothes not to fit perfect on the first or second fitting.
5. Hoi An also has a thriving arts scene of local Vietnamese artists. If you are interested in purchasing any local art this would be a great place to do some shopping
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