Hoi An; the best things we did

Hoi An’s old town has a way of slowing you down. Even with rain following us most of the stay, the place felt endlessly charming — lantern-lit alleys, faded yellow walls, and little shops that begged you to pause. Wandering the ancient town was pure joy: every turn revealed tailor shops, artisan stores, and riverside cafés where time moves at a gentler pace.

Markets are where Hoi An really comes alive. We ducked under awnings to explore the local markets, sampling street snacks, admiring colorful textiles, and chatting with friendly vendors who were happy to recommend dishes and point out hidden stalls. The market bustle and scent of fresh herbs made every quick downpour feel like part of the experience rather than a disruption.

Then, the first clear morning arrived and felt like a small miracle. We rented bikes and set off on a 10 km ride to An Bang Beach — a flat, pleasant route lined with rice paddies and small homes. The beach itself was calm and breezy; the highlight was trying coconut coffee for the first time. It’s a creamy, lightly sweet twist on your usual caffeine fix, with coconut flavor brightening the cold brew — refreshing after the ride and utterly memorable.

On the way back we made a pilgrimage to Bánh Mì Phượng, the famous banh mi spot Tony Bourdain praised. The sandwich was everything the hype promised: crisp baguette, flavorful fillings, and the perfect balance of textures and tang. Even after the rain and muddy sidewalks, that bite felt like a reward worth the journey.

Why Hoi An stayed with us: the mix of history and warmth, the small pleasures of market finds and