Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Hoi An

Mesmerized by Hoi An's Charms

Today was a whirlwind of cultural immersion and culinary adventures in Hoi An! From the enchanting Hoi An Memories Land to the vibrant flavors of local cuisine, every moment was a feast for the senses. I'm so excited to share our experiences with you all!

Our day began with a delightful breakfast at Cafe Sữa 2. It's always a pleasure to find a spot that caters to my preference for vegan options. Thanh, the owner, is such a warm and welcoming person. Knowing that this cafe supports the local handicapped community made the experience even more meaningful. I opted for a Vietnamese coffee with oat milk, while Hans enjoyed a traditional cà phê sữa đá. Sipping our coffees, we planned our day, eager to explore the cultural gems Hoi An had to offer. The weather in Hoi An in October is quite warm, with average temperatures between 73°F and 82°F. It's also the wettest month of the year. So, we made sure to pack our umbrellas, just in case!


Experience authentic Vietnamese coffee at Cafe Sữa 2 in Hội An – where every sip tells a story.

Our first stop was Hoi An Memories Land. This cultural theme park is dedicated to Vietnam's rich heritage. As we stepped into the park, we were immediately transported back in time. The park itself is a spectacle, with miniature villages and historical architecture. It felt like stepping onto a movie set, every corner offering a photo opportunity. Before the main event, we explored the various mini-shows and workshops. We watched a demonstration of lantern-making, a craft so integral to Hoi An's identity. I was particularly fascinated by the silk weaving process, reminiscent of the looms I've seen back in Thailand.


Discover the enchanting world of Hoi An through captivating performances and cultural experiences at Hoi An Memories Land, a premier theme park in Vietnam.

The highlight of the day was undoubtedly 'The Timeless Hoi An' show at the Hoi An Memories Land. The stage was vast, and the performers were incredibly talented. The show beautifully depicted Hoi An's transformation from a small village to a bustling trading port. The combination of music, lights, and traditional performances was mesmerizing. It was a wonderful way to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and history of Hoi An. The show was a journey through time and space, and I felt like I was transported back into the past, experiencing the unique moments of this city's history and culture. Hans was equally captivated, and we both agreed that it was one of the most impressive shows we had ever seen. It was an immersive experience that transcended language barriers, relying on visual storytelling and emotional expression.


Experience the charm of Hoi An at The Timeless Hoi An, where heritage meets vibrant local culture in a captivating setting.

Travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about experiencing new cultures and connecting with the stories of the past.

After the show, our stomachs were rumbling, and we were ready for our next culinary adventure. We headed to Sabirama Cooking Tour & Restaurant for lunch. This was not just a meal; it was an experience. We started with a tour of the local market, where we learned about Vietnamese herbs and ingredients. Then, we took a boat trip on the river to the restaurant. The setting was beautiful, surrounded by the Bay Mau coconut forest. The cooking class was a blast! We learned to make several traditional Vietnamese dishes, including fresh spring rolls and Banh Xeo. The chef, Be, was amazing, with a great sense of humor. And the best part? We got to eat everything we made! The flavors were incredible, and I couldn't wait to try recreating these dishes back in Hannover. It reminded me of my own cooking classes, sharing the flavors of Thailand with the people of Germany. It's amazing how food can connect people and cultures.


Explore the essence of Vietnamese cuisine with immersive cooking classes and delightful dining experiences at Sabirama Cooking Tour & Restaurant.

In the late afternoon, we strolled through the Ancient Town, soaking in the atmosphere. The lantern-lit streets were as enchanting as ever, and we couldn't resist taking dozens of photos. We stumbled upon a charming rooftop bar called Market Bar - Market Terrace. The view of the Old Quarter buildings and lantern-lit streets was stunning. We decided to stop for a drink and enjoy the sunset. Hans ordered a local beer, while I opted for a gin and tonic. The bar had a great vibe, with funky house beats and light jazz playing in the background. It was the perfect place to relax and reflect on our day.


Experience the vibrant atmosphere of Market Bar in Hội An, where innovative cocktails meet local flavors in a stunning setting.

For dinner, we chose Cơm Linh - Vietnamese Restaurant, known for its authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The restaurant was cozy and beautifully decorated with lanterns. We ordered several dishes to share, including the Hoi An chicken rice and bun cha. The flavors were incredible, and the portions were generous. It was the perfect way to end our day of culinary exploration.


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Cơm Linh in Hội An - where tradition meets taste in every delightful dish.

As we walked back to our hotel, Hoi An Historic Hotel, we couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences we had today. Hoi An had truly captured our hearts, and we were already looking forward to tomorrow's adventures. Tomorrow, we plan to visit the Chùa Cầu (Japanese Covered Bridge) and the Hoi An Traditional Art Performance House. I'm particularly excited about the art performance, as I've always been fascinated by traditional Vietnamese music and dance. We also plan to visit the Hoi An Market. I'm hoping to find some unique ingredients to bring back to Germany, perhaps some local spices or herbs that I can incorporate into my cooking classes.


Experience the charm of Hoi An at Hoi An Historic Hotel, a serene oasis near UNESCO sites with modern comforts and traditional hospitality.

Before drifting off to sleep, I took a moment to jot down some notes in my travel journal, capturing the essence of the day. It's important to me to document these experiences, not just for my blog, but also for my own memories. Travel is not just about seeing new places; it's about experiencing new cultures and connecting with the stories of the past.

Goodnight from Hoi An! I can't wait to share more of our adventures with you tomorrow.

I'm so grateful for these moments with Hans, away from our everyday life in Hannover. It's these shared experiences that strengthen our bond and create lasting memories. And as much as I love teaching my cooking classes, there's nothing quite like exploring new flavors and cultures together. It's a reminder that life is a journey, and we should savor every moment along the way. The rain is pattering softly outside, a soothing soundtrack to end this wonderful day.

Here's to more adventures tomorrow!

Until then,
Mali

P.S. I almost forgot to mention that I misplaced my reusable water bottle somewhere today. I'll have to pick up a new one tomorrow. Staying hydrated is so important, especially in this climate! And I really should have brought my travel guidebook. Relying on internet searches is fine, but there's something about having a physical book to flip through that I really appreciate.