Hoi An was once Southeast Asia's busiest port. When the river silted up and traffic moved elsewhere the town took a long snooze. This hiatus preserved the town's unique architecture, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Elegant mustard-hued villas with colonnades remind us of Colonial France. Chinese temples and assembly halls, vibrant with reds, golds and fire-breathing dragons bring us back to Asia. Hoi An is renowned for its unique charm and great food it is not surprising that few think of it as a beach town. Yet one of Southeast Asia's broadest and cleanest beaches is a short bike ride away. The quiet surf, lack of crowds and minimal hustle will make you wonder why all those beachbums flock to Bali or Phuket. Enjoy the serenity while it lasts....