Cultural Immersion and Relaxation in Hoi An with Family

Embracing the Countryside: A Day Away from the Ancient Town

Today was a breath of fresh air, literally and figuratively. Leaving the well-trodden paths of Hoi An's Ancient Town behind, Hans and I, along with the kids, ventured into the heart of the surrounding countryside. It was a day filled with the simple joys of rural Vietnamese life, from witnessing skilled artisans at work to wandering through the serene rice paddies. It's amazing how quickly the atmosphere changes, and how much more of Vietnam there is to discover just beyond the old streets.

Our day began with a hearty breakfast at Morning Glory Original, a place recommended for its authentic Hoi An street food. Ms. Vy, the owner, is quite the culinary pioneer here, and it shows in the delicious dishes. I opted for a classic bowl of Cao Lau, a local noodle dish, while Hans enjoyed a Banh Mi. The kids, surprisingly, were adventurous and tried some spring rolls. Full and energized, we were ready to explore!


Discover authentic Vietnamese flavors at Morning Glory Original in Hoi An – where tradition meets culinary excellence.

Our first stop was the Hoi An Village Experience. We started with a bike ride through the countryside. The air was fresh, carrying the scent of the earth, and the views were simply stunning. We cycled past water lily ponds and verdant rice fields. It was a tranquil escape from the bustling town, and I felt a sense of peace wash over me. The kids were excited, pointing out grazing water buffalo and farmers tending to their fields. It reminded me of my childhood in Buon Ma Thuot, where life moved at a slower pace, and the connection to nature was strong.


Experience the authentic charm of rural Vietnam at the Hoi An Village Experience, where tradition and culture come alive in a stunning natural setting.

Next, we visited the Hoi An Handicraft Village – Xóm Thủ Công Hội An. This place was a treasure trove of traditional arts and crafts. We watched artisans skillfully weaving beautiful textiles, crafting intricate pottery, and producing stunning wooden carvings. It was fascinating to see the meticulous processes behind these handmade products, techniques passed down through generations. I was particularly drawn to the pottery workshop, where I even tried my hand at shaping a small bowl. It was much harder than it looked, but the artisan was patient and encouraging. The kids were captivated by the lantern-making process, choosing colorful silks and learning how to assemble the delicate frames. We left with a few small souvenirs, each carrying a piece of Hoi An's artistic legacy.


Explore the enchanting Hoi An Handicraft Village, where traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship comes to life in a picturesque setting.

Sometimes, the most enriching experiences are found not in grand monuments, but in the quiet corners where local traditions thrive.

After immersing ourselves in the world of handicrafts, we headed to the Cam Thanh Rice Fields. The fields stretched out before us, a sea of green under the vast sky. We took a leisurely walk through the paddies, the kids giggling as they tried to navigate the narrow paths. We even saw farmers working in the fields, their conical hats bobbing in the distance. It was a humbling experience, witnessing the hard work and dedication that goes into producing the rice that is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine.


Discover the serene beauty of Cam Thanh Rice Fields, an essential stop for any traveler exploring the agricultural heart of Hội An, Vietnam.

For lunch, we stopped at Cao Cao Grasshopper. The name was a bit daunting, but the food was fantastic! We enjoyed fresh seafood and local specialties, all while overlooking the picturesque rice fields. The kids were a bit hesitant to try some of the more adventurous dishes, but they devoured the spring rolls and fried rice. It was a perfect spot to relax and soak in the beauty of the countryside.


Experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine at Cao Cao Grasshopper in Hội An—a vibrant restaurant and bar perfect for food enthusiasts.

As the sun began to set, we made our way back to Hoi An, but not before stopping for dinner at Old Garden Restaurant (Vườn Xưa). This hidden gem, tucked away down a small alley, offered a cozy and authentic Vietnamese dining experience. The restaurant is family-run and known for its Quang Nam noodles. I opted for the Banh Xeo, a Vietnamese pancake, which was absolutely delicious. Hans tried the Cao Lau, and the kids enjoyed some chicken rice and grilled pork with amazing spring rolls. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, and the food was a perfect end to a day of exploring.


Discover the charm of traditional Vietnamese cuisine at Old Garden Restaurant in Hội An's historic Old Town.

Before heading back to Betel Garden Villas, Hans and I decided to check out Tiger Tiger Bar. I am not much of a party person, but it was nice to unwind and enjoy the music. It seems to be a popular spot for tourists looking to dance and have fun. The staff were friendly, and the drinks were reasonably priced. We didn't stay too late, as we were both tired from our day of adventures, but it was a fun way to end the evening.


Experience the lively spirit of Hội An at Tiger Tiger Bar, where refreshing drinks and vibrant atmosphere create unforgettable nights.

Today was a reminder that Hoi An is more than just its Ancient Town. It's a vibrant region with a rich culture and stunning natural beauty. I'm so glad we took the time to explore beyond the tourist hotspots and experience the authentic Vietnamese way of life. Tomorrow, we plan to delve deeper into Hoi An's history and culture with visits to the Museum of Folk Culture, the iconic Hoi An Yellow Wall, and the Old House of Tan Ky. I'm excited to learn more about this fascinating town and its people.

The weather today was warm, with average temperatures between 71°F and 78°F. There was some rain, but it was mostly short afternoon showers. Overall, the weather in Hoi An in November is quite comfortable for traveling. I made sure to pack our travel adapter, sunscreen, phrasebook, comfortable walking shoes, reusable water bottle, and of course, my camera. I did forget the mosquito repellent and sunglasses, but I'll be sure to pick those up tomorrow.

As I reflect on the day, I'm filled with gratitude for the opportunity to experience this beautiful country with my family. It's moments like these that create lasting memories and deepen our appreciation for the world around us. I'm excited for what tomorrow holds and the adventures that await us in Hoi An.

Tomorrow, we are planning to visit the Museum of Folk Culture, Hoi An Yellow Wall, and Old House of Tan Ky. I am also thinking about doing some shopping at Hoi An Old Town (Shopping Street).