Exploring the Cultural Charms of Hoi An with Family

Embracing Hoi An's Heart: A Day of Discovery

Today was a beautiful blend of nature, culture, and creativity in Hoi An. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel – the chance to immerse myself in new experiences and create lasting memories with David and Thandi. From the tranquil Hoi An Ecotour to the vibrant lantern-making class, Hoi An truly captivated us today.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at SECRET GARDEN HOIAN. Tucked away in a little laneway off Trần Phú Street, this hidden gem lived up to its name. The setting was so peaceful, a welcome escape from the bustling streets of Hoi An. Surrounded by lush greenery and the gentle sounds of nature, it was the perfect way to start our day. We savored traditional Vietnamese dishes, each bursting with fresh, local flavors. Thandi was especially fascinated by the fish pond in the middle of the garden.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a serene garden setting at Secret Garden Hoi An, where every meal is a celebration of local flavors.

Exploring Hoi An's Ecosystem

Next on the agenda was the Hoi An Ecotour. I was particularly excited about this, as I'm always keen to support sustainable tourism and learn about local communities. The tour was run by a local fishing family, which I found very admirable. They are passionate about showcasing the traditional Vietnamese way of life and preserving the environmental, social, and cultural values of the region.


Explore the serene landscapes of Hoi An Ecotour, where nature and culture harmoniously unite for an unforgettable travel experience.

The ecotour took us through picturesque rice paddy fields and a local fishing village. Thandi was thrilled to see the water buffalos, which still play an essential role in agriculture here. We even had the chance to ride on one! It was such a unique experience and definitely a highlight for her. David and I enjoyed learning about the local fishing industry and the daily lives of the fishermen.

Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.

The highlight of the ecotour was undoubtedly the basket boat ride. These traditional boats are unique to the region, and it was quite an adventure learning how to paddle and keep our balance. Our guide shared fascinating stories about the local culture and traditions. It was a truly immersive experience that gave us a deeper appreciation for the beauty and resilience of the Hoi An community. I am so glad we did this tour as it is so important to me to show Thandi how important it is to support local communities when we travel.

After our morning of exploration, we were ready for lunch. We headed to Lim Dining Room, known for its modern Italian cuisine. It felt like a nice change of pace to have some Italian food in the middle of our Vietnamese adventure! The restaurant is set in a beautiful, old wooden house, which added to the charm. We enjoyed delicious pizzas and pasta, and Thandi was thrilled with her spaghetti bolognese.


Experience exquisite Italian cuisine at Lim Dining Room in Hội An's enchanting Old Town—where tradition meets taste.

Crafting Memories: Lantern Making in Hoi An

In the afternoon, we participated in a lantern-making class. Hoi An is famous for its beautiful lanterns, and I was excited to learn the art of crafting them. The class was held in a cozy workshop, and our instructor was incredibly patient and skilled. We learned about the history and cultural significance of lanterns in Vietnamese society.


Experience the art of Vietnamese lantern making in Hoi An, where tradition and creativity illuminate your journey.

We chose our silk fabrics and bamboo frames and got to work. It was more challenging than I expected, but with the guidance of our instructor, we managed to create our own colorful lanterns. Thandi was so proud of her creation, a vibrant pink lantern that she immediately named Rosie. It was a wonderful experience to learn a new skill and create a unique souvenir to take home. I think I will hang mine in my kitchen in Bristol to remind me of this wonderful day!

As the sun began to set, we made our way to Tin Tin Restaurant-Bar for dinner. The restaurant had a cozy atmosphere and a diverse menu with plenty of vegetarian options. We savored local noodle specialties and flavorful dishes like pork ginger stuffed squid. The portions were generous, and the prices were very reasonable. The friendly staff made us feel right at home.


Discover exquisite Vietnamese flavors at Tin Tin Restaurant-Bar in Hội An - where every dish tells a story.

To cap off the evening, David and I decided to check out The Shamrock Irish Pub Hoi An. I know, an Irish pub in Vietnam might seem a bit out of place, but we had heard good things about the live music and lively atmosphere. The pub was indeed buzzing with energy, and the band was playing classic rock tunes. We enjoyed a couple of drinks and soaked in the unique blend of Irish and Vietnamese cultures. It was a fun and unexpected way to end our day.


Discover the vibrant atmosphere and delightful flavors of The Shamrock Irish Pub in Hoi An, where Irish culture meets Vietnamese hospitality.

As we walked back to our hotel, the streets of Hoi An were aglow with the soft light of lanterns. The city felt magical, and I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had shared today. Hoi An has a way of weaving its charm into your heart, leaving you with memories that will last a lifetime.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Hoi An Sculpture Promenade and Diep Dong Nguyen House. I am looking forward to another day of cultural immersion in this enchanting town. I am hoping that we can experience some of the local cultural events that are happening this month as part of Vietnam Cultural Heritage Day.

I must remember to buy some insect repellent and sunglasses tomorrow, as I am still kicking myself for forgetting them!

I am so glad that we decided to come to Vietnam as a family, and I look forward to sharing more of our adventure with you all!