Solo Adventure to Hoi An: Exploring Vietnam's Ancient Charm

A Day of Ancient Echoes

Today, I truly felt like I was walking through the pages of a history book. Hoi An has a way of transporting you, and today was no exception. Exploring the ancient houses and savoring the local cuisine, I found myself completely immersed in the town's rich cultural tapestry. The weather in November is quite pleasant, with comfortably warm days giving way to slightly cooler evenings – ideal for wandering through the lantern-lit streets.

My day began with a hearty breakfast at Firefly Hoi An | Restaurant & Bar. The name itself conjured up images of magical evenings, and while I was there for breakfast, I could already imagine how enchanting it must be after dark. I opted for a traditional Vietnamese breakfast, a flavorful noodle soup that gave me the perfect energy boost for the day ahead. It was a delightful start, and the friendly owner, Cuong, even shared some travel tips and stories, making me feel right at home.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Firefly Hoi An Restaurant & Bar - where every dish tells a story.

First on my list was the Diep Dong Nguyen House. As an antique restorer, I am naturally drawn to places that hold a sense of history, and this house certainly did not disappoint. Built in the late 19th century by a Chinese merchant, Diep Dong Xuan, it is a treasure trove of artifacts and antiques. The house is filled with ancient antiquities, including currencies, ceramics, paintings, and potteries. I was particularly fascinated by the collection of old photos of Hoi An from the 1920s to 1960s, which gave me a glimpse into the town's past.


Explore the Diep Dong Nguyen House, a traditional Vietnamese cultural treasure in Hoi An, showcasing exquisite architecture and rich history.

The architecture itself is a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese styles, reflecting Hoi An's history as a major trading port. The wooden facade, devoid of windows, was particularly striking. I learned that the house had once been a traditional medicine shop, and I could almost imagine the bustling activity that must have filled the space. The family doesn't charge an entry fee but encourages visitors to seek permission from family members if they want to walk in and sightsee.

History is not just a collection of dates and facts; it's a living, breathing story that shapes who we are.

Next, I made my way to the Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel. Located in a small alley, this chapel is a serene and peaceful sanctuary. It was built in 1806 by Nguyen Tuong Van, a chief secretary in the Nguyen dynasty. The chapel has preserved 195 units of documents, including genealogy books, that date back from 18 to 20th centuries. The architecture of the chapel reflects the style of houses of big officials under Gia Long reign.


Explore the Nguyen Tuong Family Chapel in Hoi An: a historical treasure showcasing Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and stunning architecture.

As I wandered through the chapel, I felt a sense of reverence and respect for the family's history. The intricate wood carvings and traditional Vietnamese design were truly remarkable. It was fascinating to learn that the chapel is the ancestral home of three famous modern Vietnamese writers. The chapel is a perfect example of the blend of spirituality and artistry that characterizes Hoi An's cultural heritage.

My historical exploration continued with a visit to The Old House of Phung Hung. Just a short walk from the Japanese Bridge, this house has been nearly unchanged since it was built, making it one of the best-preserved houses in town. Constructed in 1780 by a Vietnamese merchant, the house's name, Phung Hung, means prosperity.


Explore The Old House of Phung Hung, a historic gem in Hoi An showcasing the rich cultural exchange of Vietnam through its unique architecture and heritage.

The house is a tube house, with brick walls, yin-yang tile roof, and wooden frame and furniture. It was once a shop selling local goods such as cinnamon, pepper, salt, silk, ceramics, and glassware. Today, the eighth-generation descendant of the merchant maintains the house. I climbed to the upper floor and imagined what it must have been like to live and work in this house centuries ago. The blend of Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese architectural styles was a testament to Hoi An's diverse cultural influences.

For lunch, I decided to try Pho Xua, a restaurant known for its authentic pho. I had a steaming bowl of pho bo (beef pho). The broth was rich and flavorful, perfectly balanced with sweet and spicy notes. The noodles were tender, and the beef was thinly sliced and cooked to perfection in the hot broth. It was a truly satisfying and authentic Vietnamese culinary experience.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Pho Xua in Hội An - where every bowl tells a story of tradition and taste.

As the sun began to set, I found myself drawn to the allure of MIX Greek Restaurant Hoi An for dinner. I know, I know, Greek food in Vietnam? But I had heard such wonderful things about it that I couldn't resist. Founded by Maria and Xristos, a Greek couple, MIX offers a delightful escape from the heart of Hoi An. The restaurant is inspired by traditional Greek flavors, using the freshest hand-picked produce and carefully selected suppliers.


Experience authentic Greek cuisine at MIX Greek Restaurant in Hoi An – where Mediterranean flavors meet Vietnamese hospitality.

I started with the mixed dips, a generous selection of flavorful dips served with warm pita bread. For my main course, I had the beef souvlaki, tender skewers expertly grilled and served with fresh bread. The flavors were incredible, and it was a delightful change of pace from the Vietnamese cuisine I had been enjoying. The cozy atmosphere and attentive service made it a truly memorable dining experience.

To cap off the evening, I ventured to KoFi Hoi An - Cocktail bar. Tucked away in a small alley, this charming and artsy cocktail bar was the perfect place to unwind. I sipped on a expertly crafted cocktail while enjoying the cozy atmosphere. The bar is known for its artsy ambiance, making it a perfect location to unwind after a day of exploration. It was a wonderful way to end a day filled with history, culture, and culinary delights.


Experience the essence of Hoi An at KoFi Hoi An, where exquisite cocktails meet charming Vietnamese culture in a cozy atmosphere.

As I walked back to my hotel, the Hadana Boutique Resort Hoi An, I couldn't help but reflect on the incredible day I had [TravelDestinationReason]. Hoi An had truly captured my heart with its ancient charm and vibrant local life. The Lantern Festival is held every full moon night in Hoi An Old Town. Unfortunately, it seems I've just missed the full moon, which was on November 3rd. However, the town is always beautifully lit with lanterns, creating a magical atmosphere.


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

Tomorrow, I plan to delve even deeper into Hoi An's cultural heritage with visits to the Hoi An Museum, the Museum of Folk Culture, and the Museum of Sa Huynh Culture. I am also looking forward to visiting Reaching Out Arts & Crafts, a shop that supports local artisans. And of course, I'll be sure to sample more of the local cuisine at Nhà hàng Cơm Linh for breakfast, Orivy Hoi An Local Food Restaurant for lunch, and Red Gecko Restaurant for dinner. Until then, goodnight from Hoi An!

I must remember to buy a Vietnamese phrasebook tomorrow; it would be helpful to have a few basic phrases handy [TripEssentialsForgotten].