Hey there, I’m back with another post! It’s a long one, but I promise it’s worth it. I know I’m not the most consistent blogger, but I’m really going to try to travel more this year. Last month, I finally got my hands on the Samsung S8 Plus. The camera is amazing! I can even use the 'Pro' mode to take photos like a professional, so I’ve kind of stopped carrying my bulky DSLR around. My baggage is now way lighter, which is a relief since I don’t like hauling too much stuff around. But of course, I managed to do something contradictory this time, so bear with me.
So, after a long flight, I’m back in Vietnam, feeling totally wiped out. I thought I needed a break to unwind from all the stress, and I was planning a trip to Da Lat with a friend, but it got canceled last minute. At that point, I was feeling pretty hopeless. All my plans seemed to fall apart, and I didn’t even know why. Then, out of nowhere, the idea of traveling alone popped into my head. I didn’t overthink it; I just bought a ticket to Da Nang and booked a room in Hoi An the night before I left. It felt spontaneous, but somehow, it all came together.
I woke up at 2 AM after barely four hours of sleep, and by 3:30 AM, I was headed to the airport by Uber. I was exhausted from the lack of rest, but I was excited for this solo adventure. After an hour-long flight, I was greeted by some stunning views of my country from the plane window, and that made me feel like everything would be okay.
Once I landed, I met a super friendly local taxi driver who took me around Da Nang before heading to Hoi An. I asked him to take me to a roadside restaurant to grab some “xoi ga” (chicken sticky rice), and when I got there, I was surprised to see so many people eating at this simple spot. The dish cost me just 15k VND, which was a steal.
Next, I headed to the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture near the famous Dragon Bridge. It was small, but the architecture was beautiful, with sunlight streaming through tiny windows onto the sculptures. The ticket was 40k VND, which seemed a bit much for a small museum, but I guess that’s how things go now. I couldn’t help but compare it to the War Remnants Museum back in the day, where the ticket was only 2k VND when I was a student.
Then I went to the Marble Mountains, which is also known as 'five elements mountains' (五行山) as they are named after the five elements: metal, water, wood, fire, and earth. It was located halfway between Da Nang and Hoi An, so why not check it out? I bought the ticket for 55k VND, and while the mountain was cool, it wasn’t that different from other temples I’ve visited. I was kind of in a rush to get to Hoi An, so I didn’t stay long.
And then… Hoi An. Love at first sight. I had seen so many photos of this place before, but seeing it in person was something else. The town is incredibly well-preserved, with its old streets lined with ancient houses, temples, pagodas, and more. It has such a peaceful vibe, and the architecture blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences in a way that feels timeless. It’s a place that’s rich in culture, from its festivals to its food.
I tried Hoi An’s famous chicken rice at four different places, including the most popular spot in town. I also tried two types of bread at the famous Phuong Bakery, but honestly, none of them impressed me much. I come from the south, where we prefer sweeter flavors, so the central cuisine wasn’t quite to my taste. But I did find a mango salad I loved at Lantern Town Restaurant and herbal tea at Mot in Tran Phu Street. Everyone has their own experience with food, right?
One thing that really stood out was how friendly everyone was. The taxi drivers, street vendors, hotel staff—they were all super welcoming. When I arrived at my hotel, Hai Yen, way earlier than the usual check-in time, they let me check in right away and gave me a map with directions to help me explore Hoi An. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone. Oh, and they rent bicycles for 25k VND a day, which is a great deal for getting around.
I spent most of my time walking around, snapping photos with my phone. It works just as well as a compact camera, so I didn’t bring my heavy DSLR. The second day, I rented a bike and made my way to Cua Dai Beach. The ride was a little crazy, considering the noon heat, but when I arrived, I couldn’t resist the beauty of it all. The beach was perfect—white sands, blue waters, and a cool breeze. I ended up buying some new clothes for swimming and joined the other tourists. The locals told me the beach used to be even more beautiful, but erosion has taken its toll, which was sad to hear. Still, I felt lucky to have had the chance to swim there.
All in all, Hoi An has left a lasting impression on me. It’s not just the sights and the food (though those are amazing too), but the people and the atmosphere that make it so special. If you’re thinking of visiting, just go. You won’t regret it.
Thanks for reading, and until next time!
All the photos below were taken with Samsung S8+ and edited with VSCO x Photoshop.
