The centre of Hoi An is very small and pedestrian-friendly, so you will be walking around most of the time.

The main thoroughfare in the Old Town is Tran Phu. Just south of the Old Town across the Thu Bon River are the islands of An Hoi to the west, reached via Hai Ba Trung and Cam Nam to the east via Hoang Dieu.

Hoi An Hoi An (Hội An – ĐVHưng) is a beautiful city in Vietnam just south of Da Nang and the Old Town is listed as a UNESCO World site.

Street sellers are prominent.

No shortage of merchandise which is of excellent quality – and cheap!

Typical street scene and authentic.

Entrance to the Chinese Temple.

Bob checking the seamless and individual handmade needlework which is exceptional by any standard.

Entrance to the Japanese Covered Bridge.

This beautiful little bridge is emblematic of Hoi An. First constructed here in the 1590s by the Japanese community in order to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream.

The entrances to the bridge are guarded by weathered statues: a pair of monkeys on one side, a pair of dogs on the other. According to one story, many of Japan’s emperors were born in the years of the dog and monkey.

Once a major port, Hoi An boasts the grand architecture and beguiling riverside setting that befits its heritage.

Within the Covered Bridge is a small temple for all to pay respects regardless of their beliefs.

I can’t wait to try this – ‘May Peace be with You’.

Ready-made clothes are abundant although a little small for me, would suit many others looking for a bargain.

The biggest mistakes visitors make are not staying long enough in the city and not letting their tailor know how many days they have in Hoi An. Expect alterations and multiple fittings to ensure it’s right and one reputable service is A Dong Silk located in Le Loi Street.

Arriving at Sabirama Cooking School, this was a definite highlight of my journey.

One of the best travel experiences is the ability to cook some of the local dishes you sampled on your journey. Look out Luke Nguyen!

I’m trying to learn how to make rice paper and it’s not so easy I’m afraid. I’ll appreciate those Vietnamese rolls much more next time I order them at home …

Sticky rice cooked the traditional way and although looks uninviting is incredibly delicious.

So at the end of the day here in Hoi An if you need to transfer to the airport the nearest is in Da Nang which has domestic connections to Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and Hue. Some international flights to Bangkok, Singapore, Siem Reap (for Angkor Wat) are available.