A Culinary and Cultural Solo Journey in Hoi An

A Day of Discovery in Ancient Hoi An

Today was a day of pure immersion in the heart of Vietnamese culture. From the tantalizing aromas of local coffee to the delicate art of lantern making, Hoi An revealed its soul to me in ways I hadn't anticipated. It's amazing how a place can feel both ancient and vibrantly alive at the same time.

The day began, as all good days should, with coffee. I ventured out early to An Nhàn - Exquisite Cultural Gallery & Coffee. The place was a little gem, tucked away and surrounded by lush greenery. It felt like stepping into someone's home, a stilt house restored with incredible attention to detail. The coffee, a strong Vietnamese brew, was the perfect jolt to start my explorations. Sipping it while surrounded by the gallery's cultural treasures was a peaceful way to ease into the day. It reminded me a bit of the small, family-run coffee shops back in Jujuy, where the atmosphere is just as important as the brew itself. Lena would have loved this place; she always appreciates the blend of culture and caffeine.


Discover artistry and relaxation at An Nhàn - Hội An's exquisite cultural gallery and coffee spot blending local creativity with delightful flavors.

With a caffeine-induced spring in my step, I set out to explore Hoi An's ancient town. The weather in October is warm and humid. The streets were a kaleidoscope of colors, with ochre-colored buildings and vibrant lanterns hanging everywhere. It felt like stepping back in time, a sensation heightened by the mix of Chinese, Japanese, and European architectural styles. I wandered through the narrow lanes, camera in hand, trying to capture the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site. It was easy to get lost in the beauty, and I found myself just soaking in the atmosphere, a world away from the hustle of Berlin.


Explore Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture, rich history, and delightful cuisine, perfect for every traveler.

Lunch was at Hội An Riverside Restaurant, a spot recommended for its waterfront terrace overlooking the Thu Bon River. The view was fantastic, watching the boats glide by as I enjoyed a selection of local specialties. I tried the deep-fried king crab spring rolls and grilled beef with Hoi An five spices. The flavors were incredible, a testament to the freshness of the ingredients. It was a delightful experience, and I made a mental note to try and recreate some of these dishes back in Berlin. Mateo would definitely enjoy the spring rolls!


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine with stunning riverside views at Hoi An Riverside Restaurant.

After lunch, I decided to indulge in a bit of shopping at Rubin Cloth Shop. Hoi An is known for its tailoring, and I was tempted to get something made. The shop was filled with colorful fabrics, particularly silk. The staff were incredibly welcoming, offering assistance without being pushy. I ended up buying a beautiful silk scarf for Lena, a small token to bring back a piece of Hoi An to her. I also thought about getting Mateo a traditional Vietnamese outfit, but decided against it – knowing him, it would be covered in dirt and grass stains within minutes.


Discover the beauty of Vietnamese textiles and custom tailoring at Rubin Cloth Shop in the heart of historic Hội An.

Wandering through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An is like stepping into a living painting, where every corner whispers stories of the past and every color sings a song of the present.

The highlight of the day, however, was the lantern making class with Lynn. I've always admired the intricate lanterns that adorn Hoi An, and I was eager to try my hand at creating one. Lynn's workshop was a cozy space filled with colorful fabrics and bamboo frames. She patiently guided us through the process, from shaping the bamboo to stretching the silk. It was harder than it looked, but with Lynn's help, I managed to create a lantern that I was actually quite proud of. The class was a mix of people from all over the world, and it was fun to share the experience with them. I even managed to pick up a few tango tips from a couple from Buenos Aires!


Immerse yourself in Hoi An's rich cultural heritage with a hands-on lantern making class, perfect for tourists seeking unique experiences.

As the sun began to set, I found myself at Like Quán for dinner. I was ready to relax and enjoy the evening after a day of exploring and creating. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere, and the menu featured a range of local dishes. I decided to try one of their noodle dishes. It was delicious, a perfect end to a perfect day.


Discover the vibrant flavors of Vietnam at Like Quán Bistro in Da Nang - where local tradition meets modern cuisine.

Walking back to the Hoi An Historic Hotel, the ancient town was even more magical in the evening light. Lanterns glowed softly, casting a warm and inviting ambiance. The streets were filled with people, locals and tourists alike, all enjoying the beauty of Hoi An. I paused on the bridge, watching the boats drift along the river, their lanterns reflecting in the water. It was a truly enchanting scene, one that I will never forget. I thought of Lena and Mateo, wishing they were here to share this experience with me. Perhaps one day we'll return together, and I can show them the magic of Hoi An.


Experience the charm of Hoi An at Hoi An Historic Hotel, a serene oasis near UNESCO sites with modern comforts and traditional hospitality.

Tomorrow, I plan to visit the Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts and Phố cổ Hội An - lối vào chính, eager to delve deeper into the cultural heart of this captivating town. I'm also looking forward to trying Sabirama Cooking Tour & Restaurant for breakfast, SENSE COFFEE and CRAFT BEER for lunch, and Coconut boat - basket boat - cooking class - restaurant - Gold coconut tour for dinner. And, if the mood strikes, I might just check out Mezcal Cocteleria [ Hoi An Bar] for a nightcap. It's all about embracing the unexpected, after all.

For now, though, it's time to rest and recharge, ready for another day of adventure in this incredible corner of Vietnam. I feel so grateful to be here, experiencing this beautiful culture and creating memories that will last a lifetime. And who knows, maybe I'll even try to make some lanterns when I get back to Berlin. It would certainly add a touch of Hoi An magic to our home.

Until tomorrow,
Carlos