Cultural and Culinary Adventure in Hoi An

A Whirlwind of Culture and Crafts

Today was a day of delightful contrasts, a true immersion into the heart of Hoi An. From the tranquil waterways to the bustling tailor shops, every moment was a vibrant thread woven into the rich tapestry of this enchanting town. Hans and I embraced the day with open hearts and eager spirits, ready to soak in all the beauty and culture that Hoi An had to offer.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Cao Cao Grasshopper, a charming little restaurant. Fuelled up, we set off for our first adventure: a coconut boat tour at Rừng dừa bảy mẫu - Coconut boat tour. The October weather was kind to us, with warm temperatures and a gentle breeze, though I did pack a light rain jacket just in case. October is a transitional month here, and while the chance of rain is higher, it also means fewer crowds – a definite win in my book.


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

As we approached the river, I couldn't help but feel a sense of excitement. The anticipation of gliding through the water coconut forest was building, and I was eager to experience this unique aspect of Vietnamese culture. I had heard stories of the captivating performances by local rowers, and the lush green scenery was something I was particularly looking forward to capturing with my camera.

The experience was nothing short of magical. We climbed into a traditional basket boat, a round, woven vessel that looked surprisingly sturdy. Our rower, a friendly local woman, expertly navigated us through the narrow waterways, deeper and deeper into the serene forest of coconut palms. The air was thick with humidity, but the shade provided a welcome respite from the sun.

The Rừng dừa bảy mẫu, or Seven Hectare Coconut Forest, was once an important base for the local soldiers during the war. Today, it's a haven of tranquility, a place where you can escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. The gentle rocking of the boat, the rustling of the palm leaves, and the sound of birds chirping created a symphony of peace that washed over me. I closed my eyes for a moment, savouring the feeling of being completely immersed in this natural paradise.

The best journeys answer questions that in the beginning, you didn't even think to ask.

Our rower regaled us with stories of the area, sharing insights into the local way of life. She even showed us how to make simple toys out of coconut leaves, a skill passed down through generations. I tried my hand at weaving a little grasshopper, but my clumsy fingers couldn't quite replicate her expertise. Hans, ever the supportive husband, chuckled at my efforts, but I could see the admiration in his eyes.

After our tranquil boat ride, we were ready for some lunch. We headed to Mr. Sơn Restaurant, drawn in by the promise of authentic Vietnamese cuisine. I was particularly excited to try some local specialties, perhaps something with fresh herbs from the nearby Tra Que Vegetable Village.


Discover authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Mr. Sơn Restaurant in Hội An - where every dish tells a story.

The restaurant was bustling with activity, a mix of locals and tourists all eager to sample the delicious offerings. We ordered a variety of dishes, including Cao Lầu, a regional noodle dish, and some crispy spring rolls. The flavours were incredible, a perfect balance of sweet, sour, and spicy. I made a mental note to try and recreate some of these dishes back in Hannover, perhaps even incorporating some herbs from my own little garden.

With our bellies full and our spirits high, we ventured into the heart of Hoi An's Ancient Town. Our destination: Hoi An Handicraft Tours. I was eager to learn more about the local crafts and perhaps even try my hand at creating something myself.


Experience the rich traditions of Vietnamese craftsmanship at Hoi An Handicraft Tours, where art meets culture in a hands-on workshop.

Hoi An is renowned for its skilled artisans, and I was particularly interested in the lantern-making tradition. These colourful lanterns are not just decorations; they're an integral part of the town's identity, symbols of hope, good fortune, and the enduring spirit of Hoi An.

We arrived at the workshop and were greeted by a friendly artisan who introduced us to the history and techniques of lantern making. She explained how the lanterns are made from bamboo frames covered in silk, and how each colour holds a different meaning. Red symbolizes luck, yellow represents wealth, and blue signifies hope.

I carefully selected my silk, opting for a vibrant mix of red and yellow. With the artisan's patient guidance, I began to stretch the silk over the bamboo frame, carefully gluing it in place. It was a delicate process, requiring a steady hand and a keen eye. Hans watched with amusement as I struggled to get the silk perfectly smooth, but eventually, with a little perseverance, I managed to create my own lantern.

Holding my finished lantern, I felt a sense of pride and accomplishment. It wasn't perfect, but it was mine, a tangible reminder of my time in Hoi An. I imagined hanging it in my kitchen back in Hannover, a little piece of Vietnam to brighten up my days.

Before dinner, we strolled through the town and I found myself drawn to Unique Hoi An Fashion. I had heard about Hoi An's reputation as a tailoring hub, and I was curious to see what the local designers had to offer. The shop was filled with an array of beautiful clothes, from flowing silk dresses to tailored linen suits. I was particularly impressed by the quality of the fabrics and the attention to detail in the designs.


Unique Hoi An Fashion: Custom tailoring and exquisite fashion accessories in the heart of Hoi An, Vietnam.

I decided to treat myself to a custom-made dress, a vibrant silk piece that I could wear to special occasions back home. The tailor took my measurements with practiced ease, and we discussed the design, making a few tweaks to ensure it was exactly what I wanted. I was excited to see the finished product, knowing that it would be a unique and special addition to my wardrobe.

As evening approached, we made our way to Tra Que Minty Garden for dinner. This restaurant is known for its fresh, organic ingredients, many of which are grown in the surrounding gardens. I was eager to experience the farm-to-table concept in action, savouring the flavours of Hoi An's local produce.


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

The restaurant was a peaceful oasis, a welcome escape from the bustling streets of the Ancient Town. We sat at a table overlooking the gardens, surrounded by the fragrant scent of herbs and vegetables. The menu was filled with tempting dishes, all showcasing the freshest ingredients. We ordered a selection of salads, spring rolls, and grilled meats, all bursting with flavour and freshness.

As we savoured our meal, I reflected on the day's adventures. From the tranquil coconut forest to the bustling tailor shops, every moment had been a feast for the senses. Hoi An had truly captured my heart, its charm and beauty weaving a spell that I knew would stay with me long after I left. I thought about tomorrow's itinerary, which includes a visit to the Museum of Trade Ceramics and a performance at the Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts. I am also looking forward to unwinding at The Deck Hoi An, a local bar.

“To travel is to take a journey into yourself.” – Danny Kaye

As the day drew to a close, I couldn't help but feel grateful for the experiences I had shared with Hans. These moments of cultural immersion, culinary delights, and artistic exploration were creating memories that we would cherish for a lifetime. Hoi An, with its vibrant spirit and timeless charm, had truly cast its spell on us, and I knew that this was just the beginning of our love affair with this enchanting town.

Tomorrow, we plan to explore more of Hoi An's cultural treasures, including the Museum of Trade Ceramics and the Hoi An Lune Center for the Performing Arts. I'm also looking forward to a relaxing evening at The Deck Hoi An, a local bar where we can unwind and soak in the atmosphere of this magical town. I can't wait to see what new adventures await us! Perhaps I will even get a chance to wear my new dress!

It is also worth noting that October 5th was the date of the Lantern Festival. Although we missed the actual date, lanterns light up the streets every night, providing a spectacle worth seeing.