After dreaming of backpacking through South East Asia for months, years even, I have finally embarked on the infamous “banana trail”, starting in Vietnam. As I will be traversing through towns, some obscure, wifi may not always be a given so until I return, most of my posts will consist of photo diaries – and the first from my journey is about the ancient town of Hoi An.

Hoi An has been listed as a UNESCO sight and due to conservation efforts, visitors need to buy an entrance ticket into the “Old Town of Hoi An”; however, your ticket is valid indefinitely and allows you access to five different heritage buildings – of which there are many so choose wisely.

Besides being incredibly quaint, Hoi An is also incredibly photogenic – a haven for Instagram-addicts and camera connoisseurs.

There are local markets, museums, and temples; plus, endless little stores selling just about everything and anything.

And did I mention that at every heritage house you’re entitled to (free) drinks – mainly various types of tea?

Although I am visiting during (apparently) “low-season”, the ancient city of Hoi An is still swarming with hoards of tourists from all over the world, literally. Nonetheless, it’s the perfect weekend getaway – just two hours from Malaysia, mind you!

If you’re already in love with, or obsessed with, the aesthetics of Hoi An then remember that all those pictured lanterns light up at night.

“Travel is fatal to prejudice, bigotry, and narrow mindedness., and many of our people need it sorely on these accounts.” Mark Twain