Family Adventure in Hoi An's Ancient Charm

Golden Fields and Ancient Echoes

Today was a beautiful blend of rural tranquility and historical immersion. Hoi An continues to enchant us with its diverse offerings, from the serene countryside to the captivating architecture of its ancient town. It's days like these that remind me why we chose this destination for our family adventure.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at the Old Garden Restaurant (Vườn Xưa). Saoirse was particularly excited about the fresh fruit platter, while Hans enjoyed a traditional Vietnamese coffee. I opted for a comforting bowl of pho, which was the perfect start to a day of exploration. The restaurant's cozy atmosphere and friendly service set a positive tone for the adventures that lay ahead.


Discover the charm of traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Old Garden Restaurant in Hội An's historic Old Town.

Next on the agenda was a visit to the Cam Thanh Rice Fields. We decided to rent bicycles from our resort, Hadana Boutique Resort, and cycle through the countryside. The ride itself was an experience, with the wind in our hair and the sun on our faces. As we approached the rice fields, the landscape transformed into a sea of vibrant green. Farmers were tending to their crops, and water buffalos grazed peacefully in the distance. It was a scene straight out of a postcard.


Discover the serene beauty of Cam Thanh Rice Fields, an essential stop for any traveler exploring the agricultural heart of Hội An, Vietnam.

We parked our bikes and wandered along the narrow paths that crisscrossed the fields. The air was fresh and clean, and the only sounds were the gentle rustling of the rice stalks and the occasional bird call. Saoirse was fascinated by the lotus flowers that dotted the landscape, their delicate pink petals adding a touch of elegance to the scene. I couldn't resist snapping a few photos, trying to capture the beauty of this tranquil oasis.

It's moments like these, surrounded by the simple beauty of nature, that make travel so enriching.

After our leisurely stroll through the rice fields, we were ready for a change of pace. We cycled back towards Hoi An Ancient Town, eager to explore its historical treasures. Our first stop was an Ancient House. I was immediately struck by the intricate architecture and the sense of history that permeated the air. These houses, some of which are centuries old, offer a glimpse into Hoi An's rich past as a bustling trading port.


Explore the Ancient House in Hoi An, a stunning tourist attraction revealing Vietnam's cultural heritage through exquisite architecture and history.

We visited Quan Thang Ancient House, a remarkably well-preserved example of traditional architecture. Built over 150 years ago, this house showcases a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences. As we walked through the various rooms, I could imagine the generations of families who had lived within these walls. The craftsmanship was exquisite, with intricate carvings adorning the wooden pillars and beams. Saoirse was particularly intrigued by the courtyard, a peaceful oasis filled with plants and flowers.

For lunch, we chose the Hoi An Riverside Restaurant, hoping for a meal with a view. We were not disappointed. The restaurant's terrace overlooked the Thu Bon River, offering a picturesque backdrop as we savored our meal. I ordered Cao Lau, a local specialty consisting of thick rice noodles, pork, greens, and crispy croutons. Hans opted for the grilled beef with Hoi An five spices, while Saoirse enjoyed some delicious spring rolls. The food was flavorful and fresh, and the service was impeccable.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine amidst breathtaking riverside views at Hoi An Riverside Restaurant.

After lunch, we did a little shopping at the BLOOM HOI AN STORE. I was looking for a special souvenir to remind me of our time in Hoi An, and I found a beautiful hand-painted silk scarf. Saoirse picked out a colorful lantern, while Hans purchased some local tea. It's a lovely little shop with unique items.


Explore Bloom Hoi An Store for unique, handcrafted souvenirs that capture the essence of Vietnam's culture and artistry.

As the afternoon wore on, we decided to indulge in a bit of relaxation. We returned to our resort and spent a couple of hours lounging by the pool. Saoirse splashed around happily, while Hans and I enjoyed a refreshing cocktail. It was the perfect way to unwind after a day of sightseeing.

For our final meal of the day, we headed to the Red Dragon Restaurant and Cooking Class. We were all excited to try our hand at Vietnamese cuisine, and the cooking class was a fun and interactive experience. We learned how to make fresh spring rolls, papaya salad, and a delicious chicken curry. The chef was patient and knowledgeable, and we all had a great time. The best part, of course, was getting to eat our creations afterwards. The meal was a delicious culmination of our day's adventures.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine and hands-on cooking classes at Red Dragon Restaurant in Hội An.

As I sit here now, writing this blog post, I feel a sense of contentment. Today was a day filled with beauty, history, and delicious food. Hoi An has a way of capturing your heart, and I'm so grateful to be sharing this experience with my family. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Sunset view point and Diep Dong Nguyen House. I'm looking forward to another day of exploration and discovery in this magical town.

We also plan to have breakfast at Circle Restaurant | Hoi An Burgers and Tacos by Circle Cafe, lunch at HOME Hoi An - HOME Vietnamese Restaurant, and dinner at Cao Cao Grasshopper. I can't wait to see what culinary delights await us!

Even though I travel a lot, I realised I forgot insect repellent and a portable phone charger. I will buy those tomorrow before we leave the hotel. I definitely don't want to forget them!