Cultural and Culinary Explorations in Hoi An

A Day of Cultural Immersion in Hoi An

Today was a day of diving deep into the heart of Vietnamese culture, experiencing traditions that have been passed down through generations. From gliding through the serene waters in a coconut boat to crafting my own lantern, Hoi An truly revealed its vibrant soul. It's days like these that remind me why I love to travel – to learn, to create, and to connect with the world in a meaningful way.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Tra Que Vegetable Village Restaurant. The restaurant is located in the middle of Tra Que Vegetable Village, which supplies herbs and vegetables for local markets in Hoi An. I had heard so much about the freshness of the ingredients, and it certainly lived up to the hype. Maximilian and I shared a plate of Quang noodles, a local specialty, with vegetables picked straight from the garden. The flavors were so vibrant and clean; it was the perfect way to start our day. I’m going to miss this when we return to Berlin!


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Tra Que Vegetable Village Restaurant in Hội An, where fresh ingredients meet traditional flavors.

After breakfast, we took a short ride to Rừng dừa bảy mẫu, the Bay Mau coconut forest. This area is about 3km away from Hoi An. I had read about the unique coconut boat tours, and I was eager to experience it myself. As we approached, we were greeted by a sea of green – lush coconut palms lining the waterways. We hopped into a traditional basket boat, a round, woven vessel, and our guide skillfully navigated us through the narrow channels.


Discover the serene beauty of the Coconut Boat Tour in Hoi An, Vietnam, where lush landscapes and rich culture await every traveler.

The experience was surreal. The only sounds were the gentle lapping of water against the boat and the occasional calls of birds hidden in the dense foliage. Our guide shared stories about the forest's history and its importance to the local community. During the war, the forest served as an important base. He even showed us how to make hats and jewelry from coconut leaves, a skill passed down through generations. Maximilian, ever the curious one, peppered him with questions about the ecosystem and the challenges of maintaining it.

Sometimes, the most authentic experiences are found in the simplest of traditions.

One of the highlights of the boat tour was watching the local rowers perform captivating dances with their boats. It was incredible to see their skill and agility as they twirled and spun their boats in the water. We even witnessed a basket boat race, which was both thrilling and hilarious. The rowers cheered and laughed, their energy infectious. I tried my hand at rowing, but let’s just say I’m better off behind the camera!

For lunch, we ventured to Cao Cao Grasshopper, a family-run restaurant near Cua Dai beach. The restaurant is known for its Vietnamese and Western dishes at reasonable prices. We were welcomed by the friendly owner, who ushered us in from the হালকা rain. Maximilian and I decided to try some of their highly-recommended Vietnamese dishes. I ordered the grilled fish with banana leaf, while Maximilian opted for the braised pork in a clay pot. Both dishes were bursting with flavor, and the portions were generous. The prices were very reasonable. It’s these kinds of hidden gems that make traveling so rewarding.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Cao Cao Grasshopper in Hội An - where every dish tells a story of culinary tradition.

In the afternoon, we participated in a lantern-making class with Lynn. Lantern making is an important part of Hoi An's cultural heritage. Lynn's shop was tucked away in a little side street. We were greeted by Lynn and her family, who warmly welcomed us into their workshop. The shop was filled with colorful lanterns of all shapes and sizes. Lynn patiently guided us through the process, from shaping the bamboo frame to stretching the silk over it. I chose a vibrant blue silk, while Maximilian went for a more traditional red.


Immerse yourself in Hoi An's rich cultural heritage with a hands-on lantern making class, perfect for tourists seeking unique experiences.

It was more challenging than I expected, but with Lynn's help, we eventually created our own beautiful lanterns. It was so satisfying to make something with my own hands, a unique souvenir to take home with us. As we strung up our finished lanterns, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. I can't wait to hang it in our apartment in Berlin, a reminder of our time in Hoi An.

Before dinner, we stopped by the BLOOM HOI AN STORE. The store offers handmade products from local artisans. I picked up a few small gifts for friends and family back home, knowing that my purchases were supporting the local community.


Explore a treasure trove of handcrafted souvenirs at BLOOM HOI AN STORE, where every item reflects the rich culture and heritage of Hội An, Vietnam.

For dinner, we decided to try Phat Loc Eco Cooking and Restaurant, which is near the Bay Mau nipa palm forest. The restaurant offers a cooking class where you can learn to cook Vietnamese dishes. We indulged in a delicious meal featuring local ingredients and traditional recipes. The restaurant is located 5 km from the centre. The staff was incredibly friendly, and the atmosphere was relaxed and inviting. It was the perfect way to end our day of cultural immersion.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine through engaging cooking classes at Phat Loc Eco Cooking and Restaurant in Hoi An.

As we walked back to our homestay, the streets of Hoi An were aglow with the soft light of lanterns. The monthly full moon festival enhances the beauty of the town. The air was filled with the sounds of music and laughter. It was a magical scene, one that I will never forget. Hoi An has a number of events, such as the New Year Festival.


Experience the charm of Hoi An at Green Coco Homestay, a cozy retreat with excellent amenities, ideal for group travelers and adventurers.

Tomorrow, we are planning to explore the Thu Bồn River and Cam Nam Island. I'm excited to see what other hidden gems Hoi An has in store for us.

Until then, good night from Hoi An! I am so grateful to be able to share this experience with Maximilian. It is so great to have him by my side on these trips! I am so excited to see what tomorrow brings! I might need to pick up a power adapter at one of the local stores because I forgot it at home!