Our new favourite place

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Hoi An was not specifically on our itinerary for Vietnam. Thank goodness our bus ticket included it as a stop. We instantly fell in love with the place and just kept extending our stay.

Our hotel has a lovely garden, and private seating areas dotted all over, and when you step out of this little haven, the street is filled with small tailors, spas and restaurants. We did not even venture into the old city or go to the river for the first few days. Our neighbourhood was perfect and had everything we needed.

However, our first outing to the river, market and old town just made us like this place even more. Hoi An has a more relaxed pace than Hanoi, and the people are even warmer than all the lovely Northern Vietnamese people we had already met. We found everyone to be gracious, humble people with the woman tending to touch your arm in a kind and friendly gesture when speaking to you.

Hoi An old town as viewed from across the river
Snacks available on ever corner in old town Hoi An
The ladies at the pharmacy showed great concern over a cough I have been battling to shake and gave us lots of extra sucking sweets to soothe my throat. After enquiring, they took us all the way into the market to their recommended hairdresser. Here, the stylist kept hugging me as I smiled and nodded to show I was happy with the cut.

Getting a haircut at a store in the market, old town Hoi An, Vietnam
I have never felt so welcome in a place filled with people who are strangers to me. And I know this sounds so corny, but the place gives you that warm fuzzy feeling of belonging.

Hoi An at night
I do believe our hotel* is also something special with wonderful small touches like a turndown service that leaves a new bedtime story for you each night together with a note wishing you pleasant dreams.

We reluctantly leave for Ho Chi Minh City tomorrow and strongly advise that if you ever find yourself in Vietnam, don’t skip the quaint town of Hoi An – a favourite for anyone who has been.


 *Phu Thinh Boutique Resort, 488 Cua Dei Street, Hoi An

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