Cultural and Culinary Explorations in Hoi An

Seaside Serenity and Flavors of Hoi An

Today was all about soaking up the sun and savoring the local flavors of Hoi An. Maximilian and I ventured out to explore the beaches and indulge in some of the region's best culinary offerings. It was a day of relaxation, exploration, and delicious discoveries that perfectly captured the essence of this charming Vietnamese town.

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Tra Que Minty Garden. This wasn't just a meal; it was an experience. The restaurant is nestled in the heart of the Tra Que Vegetable Village, and the setting was absolutely idyllic. Surrounded by lush greenery and the fresh scent of herbs, it felt like we were dining in a secret garden. Maximilian, ever the early bird, was particularly enchanted by the tranquility of the morning. The food was incredibly fresh, with many ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding gardens. I opted for the Cao Lau, a local noodle dish, and Maximilian chose the Banh Xeo, a crispy pancake filled with savory goodness. Both were bursting with flavor, and it was the perfect way to start our day. I appreciated how the restaurant promoted sustainable tourism by partnering with local farmers.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Tra Que Minty Garden – A unique blend of cooking classes and dining amidst lush greenery.

After breakfast, we decided to head to An Bang Beach. The weather in November is quite pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 22 to 27 degrees Celsius, making it ideal for beach activities. Although it's technically the rainy season, the showers are usually brief, and we were fortunate to have mostly sunny skies. An Bang Beach is known for its clear blue waters and soft, sandy shores, and it certainly lived up to its reputation. We spent a few hours lounging on the beach, soaking up the sun, and enjoying the refreshing sea breeze. Maximilian, who always packs a book, was engrossed in his latest read, while I couldn't resist taking photos of the picturesque scenery. The beach wasn't too crowded, which allowed us to truly relax and unwind. The waves were a bit rough, so we didn't swim for long, but the water was still inviting.


Discover the serene beauty of An Bang Beach, where golden sands meet vibrant local culture in Hoi An, Vietnam.

The beauty of Hoi An lies not just in its ancient architecture but also in its vibrant natural surroundings and the warmth of its people.

For lunch, we chose Restaurant & Cafe Tuấn Rich Flavor of Hoi An Vietnamese Familly Restaurant, drawn in by its promise of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. This family-run restaurant offered a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, and we were immediately greeted with warm smiles. We decided to try a variety of dishes, including fresh spring rolls, seafood fried rice, and a flavorful pho. Everything was delicious and reasonably priced, and it was clear that the restaurant took pride in using fresh, local ingredients. Maximilian was particularly impressed with the fish Pho, while I enjoyed the fresh oysters. It was a delightful culinary experience that gave us a true taste of Hoi An's rich flavors. The friendly service made it even more enjoyable.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Tuấn Rich Flavor Restaurant in Hoi An - a culinary journey full of rich flavors and warm hospitality.

In the afternoon, we moved on to Cua Dai Beach. While it's known for its beautiful shoreline, November brings rougher seas, so swimming wasn't ideal. Instead, we enjoyed a leisurely walk along the beach, taking in the views and breathing in the salty air. We watched as local fishermen brought in their daily catch, a scene that felt both timeless and authentic. Despite the rougher waters, the beach still held a certain charm, and we appreciated the opportunity to experience a different side of Hoi An's coastline. I found myself reflecting on how the weather can influence the landscape, creating a dynamic and ever-changing environment.


Discover the pristine sands and azure waters of Cua Dai Beach, a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure in Hoi An, Vietnam.

As the sun began to set, we made our way to The Deck Hoi An for a pre-dinner drink. This bar is known for its stunning views of the Thu Bon River and its relaxed, beachy vibe. We ordered a couple of cocktails and settled in to watch the sunset over the water. The sky was ablaze with color, and it was the perfect way to end our day of beach hopping. The Deck House has a perfect blend of breathtaking ocean views, warm, welcoming hospitality, and delicious cuisine for the ultimate beachfront experience. The atmosphere was lively but not overwhelming, and we enjoyed chatting with other travelers and locals.


Discover the enchanting riverside vibe at The Deck Hoi An, where exquisite drinks and stunning views meet in perfect harmony.

Finally, for dinner, we chose Hoi An Riverside Restaurant, drawn in by its elegant setting and reputation for fine Vietnamese dining. The restaurant is located right on the Thu Bon River, offering stunning views of the water and the twinkling lights of the town. We started with the deep-fried king crab spring rolls, followed by grilled beef with Hoi An five spices. The food was exquisite, and the service was impeccable. Maximilian, who appreciates a good wine, was impressed with the restaurant's extensive wine list. It was a truly memorable dining experience that perfectly capped off our day of culinary exploration. The restaurant is the only restaurant in Hoi An to have been honored with the 'Award Of Excellence' from the 2020 Wine Spectator Awards.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine with stunning riverside views at Hoi An Riverside Restaurant.

As we headed back to our homestay, we talked about how much we had enjoyed our day. From the tranquil breakfast at Tra Que Minty Garden to the stunning sunset at The Deck Hoi An, every moment was filled with beauty, flavor, and authentic Vietnamese charm. It was a day that perfectly captured the essence of Hoi An, and we felt grateful to have experienced it together. Tomorrow, we plan to explore the Hoi An Night Market and perhaps try our hand at making lanterns. I'm already looking forward to another day of adventure in this enchanting town.

It's amazing to think that just a few years ago, I was simply translating articles in Berlin, dreaming of adventures like these. Now, here I am, experiencing the world and sharing it with all of you. Sometimes, I still can't believe how far I've come. Maximilian always reminds me to cherish these moments, and I couldn't agree more.

The experiences of today reminded me of a quote I once read:

Travel is not about escaping reality; it's about experiencing it.

And that's exactly what we did today.

I'm so glad we didn't forget the camera today, I would have been kicking myself if we had! Although, I am missing my lightweight backpack, it would have been useful today.

Until tomorrow!