Today we took advantage of the hotel Shuttle to Hoi An which is an old town south of Danang. The trip would take about 2 hours and as we were the only ones going from the hotel we had a comfy car and our own driver.
We were offered a look at the marble carving on the way and as always this turned into a 'tour' with shopping opportunities. The marble sculptures were pretty impressive and the size and complexity of the hand carved work is incredible. It was pretty reasonably priced given the level of skill and hours of labour and we could have shipped a massive piece to Australia for a 'flat rate of $100'! We passed on the opportunity this time but did end up with a few small souvenirs (it's soooo hard to walk out with nothing after using the loo and being so well looked after).
Then it was on through Danang to Hoi An. The driver dropped us at a silk making demo first where we saw the process of silk worms growing and making cocoons which were then unravelled into thread for weaving the fabric.
We saw a quick demo of the weaving and then we were shown into the embroidery room, with rows of women stitching fine embroideries designed from photo's and paintings. Now while I would love to have time to sit and stitch all day, these ladies work 8 hour days, 6 days a week. Again the prices were pretty reasonable given the hours of work and I hate to think how much the workers are paid after the company takes its cut.
Then we were taken for tea....and to be encouraged to look at clothing designs in the the fabric rooms. We explained that we were leaving at 1pm as arranged with the driver. Five minutes later the driver appears and says no problem if we need to stay longer! I was content loading up with silk scarves but Rich and the kids were all soon measured and then selected fabrics. An hour later the order is made and we were are told to come back at 3pm to collect, and if anything needs adjusting it will be sent to our hotel. We had talked about getting some clothes made but didn't really think we could manage it in the time we had so the family were happy to have this treat after all.
Finally we were were ready to head into the Old Town which was the purpose of the trip, only to be guided into the lantern making and wood carving area. Love those lanterns so did indulge and buy one which again seemed so inexpensive ($10) for the labour involved but they are so gorgeous. I just hope Australian customs lets it through. And that it will fit in the suitcase.
And at last we made it to the Old Town which is very pretty and full of arty shops, souvenirs, nice eating places and a scattering of ancient buildings. We wandered into temples and across the covered Japanese bridge. It wasn't too crowed but very, very hot! After look around we gave in and went for a cooling drink and some lunch which revived us enough to wander around a bit more before heading back into the main town.
We found our driver and returned a little early to collect the new clothes. Amazingly everything was finished so after a round of trying on and parading and being checked over by many of the assistants, just a few minor adjustments to Rich's suit trousers were needed and then we were on our way. It's incredible what can be made and the quality and finishing was a very high standard. Apparently they have dressmakers working 24 hours to keep up with demand. The staff were all lovely and enjoyed seeing the kids excited and happy.
On the way back through Danang our driver gave us a bit of a tour and took us over the Dragon bridge (only stopping to take photos this time thankfully). There are many bridges in the city and they are all pretty spectacular. Next time we come I think a stay in Danang will be on the list.
Back at the hotel we had missed a couple of our planned afternoon actives but managed to catch a session on the trampolines.
And now for the best 5....
Rich
- Marble madness! Marble makers some beautiful sculptures
- Hoi An tailors which wasnt really just a tailors. (In fact a massive tourist trap!!!) the experience of getting measured up and fitted was great.
- Silk picture embroidery - learning and seeing the how of this amazing work.
- Just as you thought you could escape - Chinese lanterns! My wife is a sucker for lanterns!!!
- The Hoi An old town was pretty cool - lots of history there which was interesting - could have been made a lot more of, sadly turned into just a giant sales shop - rather than genuine history - but the tiny streets and old buildings were most endearing.
- Dragon bridge! We need a bit more of this sort of decoration at home ( both Aus and UK)
Dan
- On the way to Hoi an we when to Marble Madness! It had some really detailed statues and sculptures.
- First we went to the silk shop. They showed us how they made silk which was a very interesting method
- Next they showed us the pictures made with silk woven in to another fabric.
- Then we went to where they made all the clothes and had some made for us!
- And finally we were showed the lantern shop and mum got really excited.
Sarah
- Getting my dress made was the best
- Going on the bungee jumping trampoline was fun coz I could do forward and backward flip
- The marble shop was cool and our guide kept saying she liked my pale skin
- Walking around the old town was very hot
- The silk worms were cool too
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