With the sun returning this morning, we pressed repeat and spent the time around the hotel pool.

The storm of last night seems long gone and we are back to bright blue skies.

Michelle has a new book so is content to read and chill, whereas Andy is back in the gym trying to set a new 10k time on the treadmill!

Around 4pm we headed into Hoi An to find a tailor to make a copy of a shirt that Andy bought in Malaysia. They suggested some similar material and informed us it will be ready to pick up in 48hrs. We then went in search of a leather clutch bag that Amelia had wanted and think we’ve found a bargain at just £10!

Feeling in a productive move we then found a tour to Cham Island where we plan to spend Tuesday, snorkelling, exploring and generally enjoying the natural beauty of the old pagodas and beaches.

With early evening not for away we went out on a small lantern boat up the river along the route of the old town.

Fortunately for us we had the boat to ourselves and our lady skipper then proceeded to row us expertly up the busy stretch of river manoeuvring around the other pleasure boats.

We picked a great time to go on the boat, just as the sun started to drop and you were able to catch the changes in the night’s sky.

This is an experience we’ve been planning to do since arriving in Hoi An, as it gives you the opportunity to see the town from a different perspective and take in the spectacle of the whole place. It is truly beautiful and we are so glad to be spending some extra time here before we move back north.

Our little journey up the river took us as far as the main bridge where people flock to take pictures of the boats and the lanterns in all their splendour.

At this time of the day, with night coming, all you see are the many coloured lanterns illuminating the shops and restaurants.

As our boat trip was coming to an end, the sunset had been and gone and the night was lit by the various lanterns on land and water.

We spotted tonight’s restaurant from the water and realised it was staggering distance from where the boat stopped.

We took one last photo from the boat of the scene waterside before disembarking and taking the short walk to our new favourite spot where you can get great Vietnamese noodles for a couple of pounds.

---

After dinner we went for a wander along the river and bumped into yet another of the Disney clan. Andy just can’t resist making their acquaintance.

After our wander along the waterfront we made our way back to the bus stop, not before taking a couple more obligatory photos with lanterns and colourful flowers!

Tomorrow we are off on a bike ride to the paddy fields and vegetable gardens in the local villages. We’ve been told there’s a great cafe in the midst of the rice fields so plan to drop in there to take in the views.

We also have a cookery course to look forward to at the hotel – so until then.