Hội An, Vietnam

Hội An, Vietnam, where the world slows down, and something in you softens.

There are places we return to in our minds long after we’ve left. For us, Vietnam is that kind of place. It has quietly become our favourite destination in Asia — a land where life feels vivid yet gentle, anchored in strong traditions but increasingly open to the world.

We filmed our time in Hoi An for our Slowmad series — this video captures the peace, the rhythm, and the beauty we found there:

Hội An, city of heritage and harmony

Hội An (Vietnamese: [hôjˀ aːn]) is a city of around 120,000 people in Vietnam’s Quảng Nam Province. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999, and since 2009, its surrounding area — including the Cù Lao Chàm archipelago — has also been designated a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. In 2023, Hội An joined the UNESCO Creative Cities Network, thanks to its vibrant culture and craft traditions.

At the heart of the city lies its historic Old Town — a remarkably well-preserved trading port dating from the 15th to the 19th century. Its layout and architecture reflect a unique mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese, and European influences. One of its most iconic sights is the 16th-century Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An’s multicultural past.

Slowmad in Hội An, Vietnam
Exploring the rice fields ©2025 - Globedwellers

What you'll love about Hội An

Hội An is a welcoming and accessible city that truly makes travelling easy and enjoyable. The locals are friendly and trustworthy — once you take the time to connect, you’ll feel at home in no time. Getting around is simple, with transport options to fit every budget, whether you prefer renting scooters, cycling, or taking grabs. ATMs and money withdrawal points are widely available, so you won’t have to worry about access to cash.

It’s also a very safe place to travel with children, though like anywhere, be careful when crossing the busy streets. For those needing dental care, Hội An offers excellent, affordable options with professional clinics like Nha Khoa Aurora, making it a great destination if you want to combine travel with health needs you can’t easily afford at home.

You will also love:

  • The architectural beauty and harmony of the Old Town

  • The lively night market and colourful street performances

  • A rich, varied, and fresh gastronomy — with some of the best food in Asia (Amazing vegetarian options, thanks to the 100% traditionally grown organic vegetables from Tra Que village.)

  • Proximity to beaches and great diving spots

  • Peaceful countryside bike rides and walks through rice fields and artisan villages

  • Charming boutiques and tailor-made shopping experiences

Slowmad in Hội An, Vietnam
Coconut boat fun ©2025 - Globedwellers

Our favourite memories

We loved many things in Hội An, but here are a few highlights that truly stayed with us:

  • Walking around, there are so many things to see!
  • A coconut boat ride and cooking class with a lovely local family — it was one of those rare activities where both adults and children had a fantastic time.

  • Driving electric scooters through the rice fields, waving to farmers, and taking in the stillness of daily life there.

  • Watching the Lune Production bamboo circus show — we saw the one in Saigon, but the Hội A version was our favourite: magical, poetic, and completely unforgettable.

  • Visiting the bustling markets, we filled our bags with passion fruit, dragon fruit, mangoes… and our hearts with laughter shared with the friendly locals.

  • Sitting in trendy cafés, sipping milkshakes and enjoying a slice of cake, just watching life go by. Hội An is such a relaxing place.

Slowmad in Hội An, Vietnam
Teh Dar show at the Lune Center ©2025 - Globedwellers

Practical notes from our slow stay

We flew in from Saigon with VietJet Air — a very good low-cost company.

On the map below, you’ll find all the places we enjoyed — including cafés, quiet streets, and special activities.
One experience we wholeheartedly recommend is this boat and cooking activity. The family who organised it were wonderful, and the small-group setting made it feel real, human, and memorable.

Our advice: Book a hotel for only the first few nights. Once you’re there, take a walk —Hội An is full of homestays and small guesthouses, often with much better prices and a more personal feel if you speak directly with the owners. It’s a lovely way to connect and avoid any unpleasant surprises (which is what we experienced).

We also used our Wise card throughout our trip, which allowed us to withdraw and pay in Vietnamese dongs while keeping currency exchange costs low — highly recommended for savvy travellers!

Slowmad in Hội An, Vietnam
Street vendor ©2025 - Globedwellers

Hội An is a place that stays with you

Vietnam has a way of getting under your skin. Hội An, especially, is a place I long to return to — not to do anything, but just to be there again. To breathe in the morning light. To watch a bicycle pass by. To feel that peaceful balance between life, nature, and time.

There’s something I truly love about the Vietnamese people. They may seem reserved at first glance, but they have generous souls and bright, curious minds. They love to smile, to sing, to joke. They are hard-working, full of humour, and deeply devoted to their families. Getting to know them — slowly, respectfully — has been a quiet joy.

This is what slowmad travel means to us. Going gently. Taking the time to see. Letting a place leave its mark on us, softly.

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