First published: 18/03/16.

Michael Turtle

Hoi An

Hoi An (Inscribed)

Hoi An by Michael Turtle

I have mixed feelings about Hoi An.It is a beautiful place - a charming little historic town that is completely authentic and has mainly the original buildings from when it was a trading port. It has a safe and friendly atmosphere and it is a joy to walk around and explore, or sit and spend an afternoon at a bar or cafe.

Yet it is SO full of tourists and it just feels like the city has lost a little bit of its soul because of that. So many homes on the outskirts of the historic centre have become guesthouses and now tourists sleep where relatives once might have. I feel like everyone with a motorbike sees themselves as a potential taxi driver. And then there are the women shouting desperately for me to “buy something”.

I enjoyed my time there and I don't blame the locals for making an income from all the visitors. But it does affect my overall view of the site.

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