Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Hoi An with Friends

Illuminating Hoi An: A Day of Crafts and Currents

Today was all about immersing myself in the heart of Hoi An, embracing its artistic spirit and gliding through its serene waterways. It’s amazing how a single day can offer such a rich tapestry of experiences, leaving you with memories that shimmer like the lanterns that adorn this ancient town.

The day began with a hearty breakfast at Like Quán. It's a simple place, but the food is authentic and delicious, giving me a real taste of local life. Fueled up, I was ready for my first adventure: Hoi An Kayak Tours.


Experience the beauty of Hoi An's waterways with unforgettable kayak tours, exploring local culture and nature in Vietnam's enchanting landscape.

The sun was already high as I met up with the group, and the promise of a gentle paddle through the waterways was incredibly appealing. I was looking forward to seeing Hoi An from a different perspective. I’ve always felt drawn to the water, perhaps a lingering connection to my childhood in Nyahururu, where the rivers were the lifeblood of our community. I was joined by a couple of friends and together we were handed quality kayak equipment, a dry bag, and a life vest.

As we paddled along the calm waters, the guide, Viet, shared stories about the local fishermen and the history of Hoi An. It was fascinating to learn about the traditions that have shaped this town, and the gentle rhythm of the water was incredibly soothing. I couldn't help but think of Jan back in Amsterdam, probably immersed in lines of code. I made a mental note to convince him to join me on a similar adventure someday. He needs to see more than just tulips and windmills, you know?

Sometimes, the most profound experiences are found in the quiet moments, drifting along a river, or crafting something beautiful with your own hands.

After the kayak tour, it was time to embrace my creative side at the Lantern Making Class With Lynn.


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

I've always admired the vibrant lanterns that light up Hoi An's streets, and I was eager to learn the art of creating one myself. Lynn's workshop was a hive of activity, filled with colorful silks and the gentle hum of creativity. The team were very helpful, providing excellent instruction. We made our own lamp frame and a member of the team checked it was correct and sorted any mistakes. There were so many materials to choose from to cover your lamp.

Under Lynn’s expert guidance, I carefully selected my silk, a vibrant mix of greens and yellows, reminiscent of the Kenyan landscape I miss so dearly. As I stretched the silk over the bamboo frame, I felt a sense of connection to the artisans of Hoi An, carrying on a tradition passed down through generations. The class took us through each step making the lantern from scratch and we left with two beautiful collapsible lanterns which we customized. I even managed to make a decent-looking lantern, which I plan to hang in our Amsterdam apartment, a little piece of Hoi An to brighten up our Dutch days.

With my newly crafted lantern safely tucked away, I decided to indulge in a bit of retail therapy. I’d heard about the Friendly shoe shop and their amazing custom-made shoes, so I decided to check them out.


Explore the Friendly Shoe Shop in Hội An for exquisite handcrafted footwear and leather goods, reflecting the artistry of Vietnamese culture.

My feet have been begging for comfortable walking shoes, and the idea of having a pair made to my exact specifications was too good to resist. I was served by Hong who was very professional, knowledgeable and made me the perfect pair of shoes. I got measured for boots for next year. Your measurements are kept so you can order whenever you like. They do not use Chinese leather. Uniquely, the shop offers a six-month money-back guarantee.

The shop was bustling with activity, a testament to its reputation for quality and service. After browsing through countless designs and leathers, I finally settled on a pair of stylish yet practical sandals, perfect for exploring the ancient town. As I left the shop, a satisfied customer, I couldn't help but appreciate the blend of tradition and modernity that defines Hoi An. The owner even told me about the Cẩm Nam corn Festival, Hoi An 2025 that takes place every year in March!

Lunch was a bit of a detour. My friends insisted we try the InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort.


Experience unparalleled luxury at InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort - where breathtaking views meet world-class amenities in Vietnam.

A bit fancy, perhaps, but the food was undeniably exquisite. We feasted on Middle Eastern food and were left full of wanderlust to travel to the region and sample more of this delicious cuisine. The staff made us vegetable fried rice to go, and gave us boxes to fill with fruit, nuts and baguettes; excellent service indeed.

As the sun began to dip below the horizon, it was time for our final stop of the day: Nhà hàng Già Rừng for dinner.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Nhà hàng Già Rừng in Da Nang - a must-visit destination for food lovers.

Tucked away from the bustling streets, this restaurant offered a tranquil setting to reflect on the day's adventures. The restaurant serves traditional Vietnamese dishes, and the ambiance was warm and inviting. I had a delicious meal of Cao Lau, a local specialty, and enjoyed the company of my friends as we shared stories and laughter.

To cap off the evening, we decided to check out the Hair Of The Dog Bar Hoian.


Experience vibrant nightlife and eclectic drinks at Hair Of The Dog Bar in Hội An, Vietnam, a lively spot for tourists and locals alike.

It was a lively spot, filled with locals and tourists alike, all eager to unwind and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. The music was infectious, and the drinks were potent. I even managed to learn a few new Vietnamese phrases from a friendly local, much to the amusement of my friends.

As I walked back to the hotel, the streets of Hoi An were alive with the glow of lanterns, casting a magical spell over the ancient town. The air was filled with the sounds of laughter and music, a symphony of life that resonated deep within my soul. The Vietnam Nomad Fest is also coming up, which will host the second segment of the Vietnam Nomad Fest. This edition emphasizes personal development and well-being, providing a holistic approach to the digital nomad lifestyle. I made a mental note to check it out!

Tomorrow, we’re planning to explore the Hoi An Night Market and try our hand at navigating the Hoi An Basket Boat. I’m particularly excited about the Kumquat BBQ Restaurant Cooking Class – I’m always eager to learn new culinary skills and bring a taste of my travels back home to Amsterdam.

Hoi An, you've truly captured my heart. I can't wait to see what adventures tomorrow brings!

I am reminded of a quote by Pico Iyer:

We travel, initially, to lose ourselves; and we travel, next, to find ourselves.

It seems fitting for my time here.

The weather in Hoi An in March has been great, with warm temperatures and clear skies making it ideal for exploring the town and its surroundings. March is known to be one of the best times to visit Hoi An, as the dry season offers pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak season. The days are warm, with temperatures between 25°C and 30°C, but it's advisable to pack a few warm clothing items for the cooler evenings and early mornings.

I also need to remember to buy some gifts at the 4u souvenir shop tomorrow. I am sure Jan would love a little something from Vietnam.

Good night from Hoi An!