Family Adventure in the Enchanting Hoi An Ancient Town

A Warm Welcome to Hoi An

After a long journey from Potsdam, with a connecting flight in Da Nang, we finally arrived in the mesmerizing Hoi An Ancient Town. The air was thick with a mixture of excitement and anticipation, a feeling I always cherish when stepping into a new cultural landscape. As a cultural event coordinator, I've always been drawn to places where history whispers from every corner, and Hoi An promised to be just that. This trip with Hans and Leila felt particularly special, a chance to share my passion with my family and create lasting memories together.


Immerse yourself in the enchanting history and vibrant culture of Hoi An Ancient Town, where every corner reveals a story.

Our first day was designed to be gentle, an immersion into the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The taxi ride from Da Nang International Airport offered glimpses of a vibrant Vietnam, a stark contrast to the autumn hues of Germany we had left behind. The streets of Hoi An were already bustling, a symphony of sounds and colors that immediately captivated us.

Our first stop was HOME Hoi An - HOME Vietnamese Restaurant for a delightful breakfast. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and the aroma of Vietnamese coffee were the perfect start to our day. We savored each bite of the local delicacies, a culinary introduction to the flavors that would define our trip. Leila, ever the adventurous eater, surprised us by trying everything with gusto. Hans, of course, was more than happy to sample the local coffee.


Savor authentic Vietnamese flavors at HOME Hoi An - A culinary journey through tradition and taste in the heart of Ancient Town.

Fueled by a delicious breakfast, we ventured into the ancient town itself, a maze of narrow streets adorned with colorful lanterns. The architecture was a beautiful blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, a testament to Hoi An's rich trading history. We wandered through the Phố cổ Hội An, the very heart of the town, soaking in the atmosphere. It was easy to see why Hoi An has been named the world's most cost-effective long-haul destination for 2025. The town is a feast for the senses, with its well-preserved streets, ancient buildings, and vibrant local culture.


Discover the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning architecture, rich history, and vibrant culture.

The beauty of Hoi An lies not just in its picturesque setting, but in the warmth and resilience of its people.

The streets were bustling with tourists and locals alike, and it was wonderful to see the town gradually drying out and residents beginning to resume trading after the recent heavy rains and flooding. It was inspiring to see the community's resilience and determination to restore normalcy. The peaceful, familiar atmosphere of the ancient town was returning, signaling that life is gradually returning to normal.

For lunch, we chose Madam Kieu Vietnamese Restaurant, drawn in by its charming façade and promise of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. We were not disappointed. The dishes were bursting with flavor, and the service was impeccable. Leila particularly enjoyed the fresh spring rolls, declaring them the best she had ever tasted. It was moments like these, sharing a meal and discovering new flavors, that made traveling as a family so rewarding.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Madam Kieu Restaurant in Hội An – a delightful fusion of flavors and culture awaits every visitor.

In the afternoon, we explored the Hoi An Old Town (Shopping Street), a vibrant hub of local crafts and souvenirs. I was particularly interested in the silk products, knowing that Hoi An was once a major trading port for this precious fabric. We spent hours browsing the shops, admiring the intricate designs and vibrant colors. I found a beautiful silk scarf for my mother, a perfect reminder of our trip. Hans haggled for a hand-painted mask, while Leila was captivated by the colorful lanterns. The town offers a wide variety of unique souvenirs such as bronze statues, wooden sculptures, ceramics, lanterns, and silk. Hoi An is also famous for its tailoring, and November is a great month to take advantage of it.


Experience the enchanting blend of history and culture at Hoi An Old Town Shopping Street, a vibrant hub of artisan shops and local cuisine.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Little Faifo Restaurant for dinner. The restaurant was nestled in a quiet corner of the town, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling streets. The food was exquisite, a perfect blend of traditional Vietnamese flavors and modern culinary techniques. As we dined, we watched as the lanterns began to illuminate the town, casting a magical glow on everything around us. The lantern festival often falls during this period. The streets are illuminated by colorful lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.


Experience a delightful blend of Vietnamese and Indian cuisines at Little Faifo Restaurant in Hoi An's enchanting Old Town.

The evening culminated in a leisurely stroll through the lantern-lit streets of Hoi An. The town was transformed into a wonderland of light and color, a truly unforgettable sight. We watched as locals released paper lanterns into the river, each carrying a prayer for good fortune. The air was filled with music and laughter, a celebration of life and culture. Hoi An is especially beautiful during the Hoi An Lantern Festival, held on the 14th day of each lunar month, when the streets are illuminated by colorful lanterns. The Lantern Festival Hoi An is a very popular event for both domestic and international visitors.

As we walked back to our hotel, Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this experience. Hoi An had already captured our hearts, and I knew that the next few days would be filled with even more discoveries. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum and the Hoi An sculpture promenade. And perhaps, Hans and I will steal away for a drink at The Deck Hoi An. I'm also looking forward to trying more of the local restaurants, such as Orivy Hoi An Local Food Restaurant and Mr. Sơn Restaurant.


Experience comfort and convenience at Hoi An Merrily De Art Hotel, a cozy retreat just steps away from the vibrant heart of Hoi An.

Before drifting off to sleep, I made a note to buy rain ponchos tomorrow, as I had forgotten them. We also need to find a travel adapter. Despite these minor setbacks, our first day in Hoi An was a resounding success. I can't wait to see what tomorrow brings.