Family Adventure in the Enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town

Day 11: A Farewell to Hoi An: Lanterns, Sunsets, and Lasting Memories

Bidding adieu to Hoi An with a mesmerizing sunset, a serene lantern boat ride, and delightful Danish designs at Copenhagen Delights.

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Farewell, Hoi An!


As our family adventure in Hoi An draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the incredible experiences we’ve shared. Today was a day of beautiful goodbyes, filled with the warm glow of the setting sun and the gentle sway of lantern boats on the river. It’s hard to believe our time here is ending, but the memories we’ve made will undoubtedly last a lifetime.

Our final day in Hoi An began, as many others did, with a delightful breakfast at Circle Restaurant | Hoi An Burgers and Tacos by Circle Cafe. It was a comforting start, fueling us for a day of final explorations. Leila, of course, was particularly fond of their kid-friendly options, while Hans and I enjoyed the fusion of flavors that the cafe offered. It's funny how a simple breakfast spot can become a cherished part of your travel memories.

Experience the best burgers and tacos in Hoi An at Circle Restaurant - where Vietnamese flavors meet international favorites.
Experience the best burgers and tacos in Hoi An at Circle Restaurant - where Vietnamese flavors meet international favorites.
With full bellies, we set out to Copenhagen Delights Hoi An. I had heard wonderful things about their simple Danish designs made in Vietnam, and I was eager to see them for myself. The shop was charming, blending Western fashion with the ancient charm of Hoi An. The lanterns hanging inside created a warm and inviting atmosphere. Leila needed a few new things and I thought it would be great to support a local business while getting her some clothes. I found some lovely pieces for Leila – the quality and price were just right. Hans even found a comfortable shirt for himself. It was a perfect way to pick up a few last-minute souvenirs while supporting sustainable and well-made garments.

Discover unique fashion at Copenhagen Delights Hoi An, where modern styles meet traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship in a captivating shopping experience.
Discover unique fashion at Copenhagen Delights Hoi An, where modern styles meet traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship in a captivating shopping experience.
For lunch, we ventured to Nhà hàng Cơm Linh, a local restaurant recommended for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant was bustling with locals and tourists alike, all eager to taste the traditional dishes. I decided to be adventurous and ordered a local specialty, while Hans opted for a familiar favorite. Leila, ever the picky eater, found something she enjoyed as well. It's these simple meals, shared in the heart of a vibrant community, that truly connect you to a place.

Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Nhà Hàng Cơm Linh, where delightful dishes meet warm hospitality in Hội An.
Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Nhà Hàng Cơm Linh, where delightful dishes meet warm hospitality in Hội An.
The beauty of Hoi An lies not just in its stunning architecture, but in the way it embraces you, making you feel like a part of its timeless story.


As the afternoon approached, we knew we couldn't leave Hoi An without experiencing its famed sunset. We made our way to a recommended sunset viewpoint, eager to capture the moment. I had read about Cua Dai Bridge being an excellent spot. However, we opted for a quieter spot near the rice fields, as suggested by a local we met earlier in the week. As we arrived, the sky was already beginning to transform into a canvas of warm hues. The rice fields stretched out before us, reflecting the golden light, creating a breathtaking scene. It was the perfect setting to reflect on our journey and appreciate the beauty of this ancient town. I took many photos, wanting to capture the beauty of the moment.

Experience the breathtaking sunset views at Hoi An's scenic viewpoint, a tranquil escape for tourists and nature lovers alike.
Experience the breathtaking sunset views at Hoi An's scenic viewpoint, a tranquil escape for tourists and nature lovers alike.
With the sun now set, we headed to Hoi An Ancient Town for our final adventure: a lantern boat ride. The town was illuminated with colorful lanterns, casting a magical glow on the streets and river. We boarded a small wooden boat, adorned with its own set of lanterns, and set off on the Hoai River. The gentle sway of the boat, the soft glow of the lanterns, and the peaceful atmosphere created an unforgettable experience. Leila was especially enchanted, her eyes wide with wonder as she watched the lanterns float by. It was a perfect way to say goodbye to Hoi An, a town that had captured our hearts with its beauty and charm.

Experience the enchanting beauty of Hoi An's Old Town Lantern Boat, where vibrant lanterns create a magical atmosphere along the tranquil Thu Bon River.
Experience the enchanting beauty of Hoi An's Old Town Lantern Boat, where vibrant lanterns create a magical atmosphere along the tranquil Thu Bon River.
Our final dinner was at Hoi An Golden Kitchen Restaurant & Coffee, chosen for its cozy ambiance and diverse menu. We reminisced about our favorite moments from the trip, from exploring the ancient temples to wandering through the bustling markets. We talked about the delicious food we had tasted, the friendly people we had met, and the beautiful sights we had seen. It was a bittersweet moment, filled with gratitude for the experiences we had shared and a tinge of sadness that our adventure was coming to an end.

Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Hoi An Golden Kitchen Restaurant & Coffee in Hội An – a culinary gem with delightful dishes and warm hospitality.
Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Hoi An Golden Kitchen Restaurant & Coffee in Hội An – a culinary gem with delightful dishes and warm hospitality.
As I sit here now, writing this blog post from our hotel room at the Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel, I can't help but feel a sense of contentment. Our family adventure in Hoi An has been everything we had hoped for and more. We have immersed ourselves in the local culture, explored ancient ruins, tasted delicious food, and created lasting memories. It’s been an enriching experience, not just for me as a cultural event coordinator, but for Hans and Leila as well. It’s wonderful to see Leila embracing new cultures and learning about different ways of life.

Experience comfort and convenience at Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel, a cozy retreat just steps away from the vibrant heart of Hoi An.
Experience comfort and convenience at Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel, a cozy retreat just steps away from the vibrant heart of Hoi An.
Tomorrow, we begin our journey back home to Potsdam. While I am eager to return to our familiar surroundings, I know that a part of me will always remain in Hoi An. This ancient town has a way of capturing your heart, leaving you with a longing to return. I am grateful for the opportunity to have shared this experience with my family, and I know that the memories we have made here will be cherished for years to come.

As I prepare for our departure, I am already thinking about our next adventure. Perhaps we will explore the ancient ruins of Rome, or hike through the mountains of Switzerland. Wherever we go, I know that we will continue to seek out authentic cultural experiences, connect with local communities, and create lasting memories together. For now, though, I bid adieu to Hoi An, a town that has truly captured my heart. Thank you, Hoi An, for the memories, the beauty, and the inspiration. Until we meet again.

While this marks the end of our time in Hoi An, it's certainly not the end of our travels. I look forward to sharing more of our family adventures with you all soon. Safe travels!

It's been a wonderful trip, and I'm so glad I could share it with you all. Thank you for following along!
Go to day 10 A Day of Ancient Echoes and Lively Melodies in Hoi An
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Family Adventure in the Enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town

Explore the cultural heritage of Hoi An Ancient Town with family - discover traditions, enjoy local markets, and relax at Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel.

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Meet this Featured Explorer

Fatima Ahmadi
  • Occupation icon Occupation: Cultural Event Coordinator at a local community center
  • Country icon Country: Germany
  • Age icon Age: 42

Salam and hello! I'm Fatima, a travel blogger originally from the beautiful region of Bamyan, Afghanistan, now living in Potsdam, Germany. My passion is exploring the world with my family, immersing ourselves in diverse cultures, and sharing those experiences with you. Join me as we discover hidden gems, savor authentic cuisine, and learn about the people and traditions that make our world so vibrant. I believe travel is more than just seeing new places; it's about connecting with others, fostering understanding, and creating lasting memories.

Interests:
  • Cultural heritage preservation
  • Intercultural dialogue
  • Community building
  • Sustainable living
  • Global cuisine
More about Fatima Ahmadi

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  • Copenhagen Delights Hoi An

    Discover unique fashion at Copenhagen Delights Hoi An, where modern styles meet traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship in a captivating shopping experience.

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