“Hi, please can I have a conversation with you?” asks a 12-year-old Vietnamese boy named Peter, along with his younger brother Ethan, as I squeeze my way through a dense crowd of people in Hội An, the charming, well-preserved ancient town in central Vietnam.
The pair started learning how to speak English six months ago and were keen to practise with foreign travellers seeking a combination of comfort, culture and adventure.
Before we are interrupted by the pervasive motorcycle culture – forcing both locals and tourists to be street smart – Peter and I exchange a few basic questions and answers in English, as his father beams with pride from across the street.
As I pass market stalls selling fresh fruit, vegetables, electric fans, phone accessories, lanterns, knock-off designer clothes and bags, and painted coconut shells, I make the mistake of catching the eye of a business-savvy Vietnamese woman who lures me over and asks me if I want to buy any of the jewellery and trinkets she has made.
Hội An is also renowned for its tailoring industry, offering a wide range of custom-made clothing at affordable prices.
Yaly Couture was founded by 51-year-old Quynh Trinh, and has since become the place where locals and tourists visit to get their bespoke tailoring done quickly – sometimes as little as three hours, thanks to her 486 members of staff – and at traditional value.
Celebrity fans apparently include TV presenter Jeremy Clarkson, 65 – who Trinh says “ran laps around her shop” due to his excitement, and musician Mick Jagger, 82.
I decide to have a Vietnamese-inspired navy blue linen two-piece sleeveless top and trouser set made, and Trinh gifts me with a bronze half-neck keyhole maxi dress inspired by one I found on TikTok.
I’m assigned to one of her members of staff, who takes all of my measurements, helps me pick out appropriate material, arranges a fitting and makes both of my designs in less than 24 hours.
There is still so much to do in Hội An. So to better understand the original ways of Vietnamese tribal culture, I am also transported to their enchanting world at Hội An Lune Center for the Performing Arts with a production of Teh Dar – one of the Vietnamese Bamboo Circus…
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