Exploring the Cultural Charms of Hoi An with Family

A Day of Hoi An's Charms

Today was another incredible day in Hoi An, filled with experiences that truly captured the essence of this charming town. From gliding along the river in a Old Town Lantern Boat to soaking up the sun on Cua Dai Beach and indulging in delicious Vietnamese cuisine, it was a day of unforgettable moments with David and Thandi.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Dng.coffee [cite: null]. The aroma of freshly brewed Vietnamese coffee filled the air as we sipped our ca phe suas, a perfect start to a day of exploration. Thandi was particularly excited about her pastry, a colorful little cake that she devoured with gusto. The cozy atmosphere of the café provided a wonderful setting for us to plan our day, and we eagerly anticipated the adventures that lay ahead.

Our first stop was the enchanting Old Town for a lantern boat ride. As we approached the Hoai River, the sight of colorful lanterns adorning the boats was simply magical. We purchased our tickets and boarded a traditional sampan, where a local woman greeted us with a warm smile. As we gently floated along the river, the town's ancient architecture came alive under the soft glow of the lanterns. Thandi's eyes widened with wonder as she watched the vibrant lights dance on the water. We released a paper lantern, making a wish as it drifted downstream with the others, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.


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.

“Sometimes, the most beautiful moments are the ones that take your breath away and leave you speechless.”

After our serene boat ride, we decided to head to Cua Dai Beach. The sun was shining, and the sky was a brilliant blue as we arrived at the coast. Thandi squealed with delight as she ran towards the water, eager to build sandcastles and splash in the gentle waves. David and I relaxed on the soft sand, enjoying the warmth of the sun and the refreshing sea breeze. The beach was bustling with activity, yet it still felt peaceful and relaxing. We spent hours swimming, playing, and simply basking in the beauty of our surroundings. Although I had forgotten to pack our sunglasses, we managed to find a vendor selling some affordable pairs.


Discover the tranquil charm of Cua Dai Beach, where soft sands and azure waters create the perfect getaway in Hoi An, Vietnam.

For lunch, we chose CHÂU Kitchen & Bar, enticed by its reputation for delicious Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant was beautifully decorated with traditional Vietnamese elements, creating a warm and inviting ambiance. We ordered a variety of dishes, including cao lau, white rose dumplings, and fresh spring rolls. Each dish was bursting with flavor, and we savored every bite. Thandi particularly enjoyed the spring rolls, declaring them the best she had ever tasted. The friendly staff and excellent service added to the overall wonderful dining experience.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at CHÂU Kitchen & Bar in Hoi An - where tradition meets contemporary flair.

As the day transitioned into evening, we made our way to Hoi An Riverside Restaurant for dinner. Situated along the Thu Bon River, the restaurant offered stunning views of the water and the illuminated town. The elegant setting and attentive service made it a perfect choice for a special meal. We indulged in a variety of Vietnamese specialties, including grilled beef with Hoi An five spices and deep-fried king crab spring rolls. The flavors were exquisite, and the presentation was impeccable. It was a truly memorable dining experience that we all thoroughly enjoyed.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine amidst breathtaking riverside views at Hoi An Riverside Restaurant.

To cap off our day, we decided to visit Soul Kitchen, a beach bar known for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant music scene. As we sipped on our cocktails, we listened to the soulful tunes of a local band, the gentle sea breeze rustling through the palm trees. Thandi, tired from her day of adventures, fell asleep in my arms as we soaked in the magical ambiance of the bar. Soul Kitchen was the perfect place to unwind and reflect on the incredible experiences of the day.


Experience the vibrant flavors and rhythms of Hội An at Soul Kitchen, a top bar and restaurant offering delicious food and live music entertainment.

As I write this, back at our lovely room at the Hadana Boutique Resort HoiAn (former Belle Maison Hadana HoiAn), I can't help but feel grateful for the wonderful memories we created today. Hoi An has truly captured our hearts with its enchanting beauty, rich culture, and delicious cuisine. Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of the town's historical sites, including Phố cổ Hội An and the Hoi An Museum [cite: null]. I’m also hoping to pick up a custom-made dress at Hoi An Lantern Company [cite: null].


Experience luxury and tranquility at Hadana Boutique Resort Hoi An, where comfort meets culture in Vietnam's charming ancient town.

Before heading to bed, I checked my phone and saw a concerning news article about a potential security vulnerability affecting Samsung devices. Apparently, hackers can exploit a flaw in how Samsung phones process image files to install spyware. The article recommended updating the phone's software immediately to patch the vulnerability. I made a mental note to update our phones as soon as possible; better safe than sorry!

Even with the slight worry about phone security, today was a reminder of why we chose Hoi An for our family vacation. Each day here brings new adventures and deeper appreciation for the beauty and culture of Vietnam. I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!

Regarding local events, I've read that the Hoi An Japan Cultural Exchange will take place later this month. Also, I'm excited to experience the Going to the Field Festival in mid-December. It sounds like a unique rural festival showcasing traditional farming practices.

I am so happy that we were able to experience the lantern boat ride. Lanterns have become a big part of Hoi An's identity and were introduced by the Chinese in the 15th century. The Hoai River is a small branch of the Thu Bon River. Its name means “those who are gone”, referring to people who left their region or country to settle here. It is wonderful to learn about the history of such a beautiful place.

As I reflect on our experiences today, I am reminded of the importance of embracing new cultures and creating lasting memories with loved ones. Hoi An has given us the opportunity to do just that, and I am excited to continue our journey of discovery in this magical town. I am also grateful that we were able to see Cua Dai Beach. The beach is named after 'Cua Dai', the estuary of Thu Bon River, the largest river in Quang Nam province. In Vietnamese language, Cua means 'estuary' and Dai means 'large' or 'big', therefore Cua Dai means 'large/big estuary'. The best time to visit Cua Dai Beach is during the dry season, from February to the end of August.

I can't wait to see what tomorrow holds!