Hello, Hoi An

Had been meaning to visit Hoi An for ages as it’s just down the road from Da Nang, so when I saw the Tag Retreat post I thought it sounded perfect – get up early and run the 21km from Da Nang to Hoi An as a group.

Finally caught a sunrise

Hoi An Half Marathon

With the heat and the distance we opted to leave at sun up. The meeting spot was just around the corner from my beloved Raon Beach Hotel which was a beauty. We all met up, loaded our bags in a van, stretched, and got some great pics. Elliot and Paul said a few words of encouragement and then we were off.

All smiles before the start

We broke up into 2 groups – I went with the more experienced runners, at around 6min/km pace. This was ideal as it’s quick yet conversational, and within the group we would chat with different folk as we went.

A very welcome surprise were the drink stations along the way, set up by one of the runners, Adrian. As the sun came up it was nice to refuel with some ice cold drinks, before heading off again.

All the while, we were followed by some professional photographers who snapped some great action shots.

Neil and myself truckin’ along

At around 7am the first few of us started to trickle in at our destination – the Silk Beach Club – with 22km ran, as per my watch. The van was waiting for us so we unloaded the bags and made our way around the back, where a shower, pool, and bar awaited!

Silk Beach Club

This was my first time at a beach club and I don’t know why I didn’t spend every Saturday in Da Nang at one! A great way to spend a sunny day, relaxing by the pool with a nice cold drink – bliss.

Sunny morning at Silk Beach Club

More and more people trickled in as we lounged about the pool and got breakfast. Would have been so easy – and was very tempted – to just stay here for the day, but our retreat wasn’t finished, far from it, as we had a full schedule of activities.

Post-run relaxation

Activities

At midday we went over to some ice baths. I was the last in, and I’m thankful everyone had warmed it up for me 🙌

I’ve done this a couple of times the past few months, starting with Nomads in Wonderlands and usually last in the 2-3min range, but with the crowd here I had to push through and I managed to survive the 5 mins, just about.

Good for the body.. apparently

After the ice bath I went to check in at my hotel – I figured I may as well hang about a few days now that I’m here.

I got back to the beach club to relax for a few more hours and then it was time for yoga at 4pm.

This was my first time doing yin yoga, where every pose is held for 2-3 mins, and it felt great. It’s particularly good for runners and is essentially a solid stretch session. The location was class too, overlooking a paddy field.

Good for the body.. apparently

Evening

In the evening, those who were still around went for a lovely group meal at Morning Glory. We ordered a variety of dishes and the drinks and chats were flowing too.

Bit of a pub crawl after the meal, enjoying our well earned drinks and soaking up the Saturday buzz in Hoi An.

Hoi An by night

Exploring

Sunday was a day of rest and recuperation (i.e. absolutely hangin’) but on Monday I took the opportunity to explore the markets and rice fields of Hoi An.

Couldn’t leave without checking out what Hoi An is most famous for, the tailors and custom clobber.

Lots of lovely patterns

I saw some funky suits, and debated getting one, but the value wasn’t really there unfortunately and I would have to come back during the week for a fitting.

It is only a 40 min grab down the road, but I’m glad I didn’t bother as a storm came and the torrential rain meant I barely left the gaff.

So a funky floral suit is going in the next time pile for when I come back.