Andrew Aigner-MuehlerHoi An taxis
June 2nd 2008 11:33
There are several methods of transportation around Hoi An - cyclo, taxi, bicycle, bus, boat - but my favourite is the motorbike. I came to refer to them as the Hoi An taxis.
On any street corner in Hoi An you will notice men and their motorbikes. If they see a tourist laden with shopping bags they will shout out and try to grab your attention. Believe me, this is a cheap and easy way of moving around town - these local men wait all day for potential customers and if you find a good driver it's smart to establish an informal arrangement with them. If you find a good driver stick with them!
On this trip I found I great driver, Hai. He just kept popping up as I walked out of the tailors, bootmakers, restaurants - I don't know how he knew where I was but he was always there. For $1 AUS, Hai would take me wherever I wanted to go - to & from the hotel, to the beach, to the markets. He even rummaged up a helmet for me (they are not compulsory in Vietnam yet) after I expressed concern that he wore one but he didn't have a spare for me. But, best of all, he took my shopping and slide it onto the handles so I did not have to lug it around.
There is something liberating about jumping on the back of a motorbike, sans helmet and zipping in and out of traffic. Is it reckless? Yes, but I loved it. Given how hot it is in Hoi An, the breeze through your hair on the back of a motorbike is addictive. Hai even took to waiting for me outside the hotel each morning........just in case. For $1 how could I refuse him?
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