Hue to Ho Chi Minh City

We are staying at the most beautiful hotel, called Spatel d’Annan-Imperial Boutique Hotel. It is right next to the walls of the Imperial Citadel and was once the palace of the Emperor’s physician. It is so beautiful that we have decided to stay for an extra day. We spent today sightseeing. First we were taken around the old city on a tuktuk bicycle. We saw lots of different sights and our guide was very knowledgeable. He finally dropped us off at the Imperial Citadel, where we spent the next three hours. It was an amazing place and will be even more so, when all the restorations have been completed. When we got back to the hotel I was able to enjoy a refreshing swim. In the evening we went to a local cafe where they

only served barbecue pork and crispy rice pancakes. Absolutely delicious. On the way back it absolutely poured with rain.
Wednesday 29th November
Today we had an easy day. We spent the morning reading and in the afternoon we cycled out to a Pagoda on the river. In the evening we ate at the hotel restaurant. We were dodging showers all day.
Thursday 30th November
Today we had a beautiful journey over the Hai Van Pass to Hoi An. We arrived at the Bonsai Villa hotel, which was rather less lovely

than the Hue hotel. However, for £25 per night we decided it would do. There was still no let up to the rain, so we also decided to cut our stay down to two days instead of four. We wandered into Hoi An old town. It really was beautiful, with coloured lanterns and little candle boats floating along the river. We ate some lovely food at a riverside restaurant and had cocktails at a riverside bar. Perfect except for the rain.
Friday 1st December
Still raining, so we had an easy morning, then joined a walking tour around the old town. It was very informative and interesting and included a theatre performance. We found a very good restaurant, ate dinner and took the short walk back to the hotel. It was still raining! Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow.