We were lucky. We definitely had planned to go to Hoi An while in Vietnam, but we didn’t expect to be there during a full moon lantern festival. I don’t remember if the bus ride to Hoi An was eventful or not. I think we were still reeling from the horror that was the 17 hour bus ride into Vietnam.

We did get separated while in town though trying to find a hostel. Everything was booked. So we had to split up.

But, I remember staying in the fanciest place the whole entire trip. My room had three beds. My hostel had a pool & margaritas. Hoi An is also extremely famous for clothes and shoes. Whatever custom clothes you want made, they will make it for you. People from all over the world come to Hoi An to get clothes made at a super cheap price.

I was in heaven. 

We quickly went into town and explored and found out that the festival was going on.

It was where I took that one picture.

A picture of a girl setting her lantern on the water.

The picture that started it all. 

The picture that got me emails from National Geographic magazine editors.

It seems so long ago now.

Hoi An, Vietnam. 

Here it is.