Unfortunately, our plans shifted a little as my sister and niece had to cut their trip short due to my brother-in-law’s health situation. It wasn’t the ending we had imagined for this part of the journey.
So from here on, it’s just Jack and I continuing on our own in Hoi An.
With no set plans for the day, we simply went with the flow. When an electric buggy rolled up beside us and offered a ride, we didn’t think twice—we hopped on. Sometimes, the unplanned moments turn out to be the ones you remember most.
We passed through the charm of Hoi An Ancient Town, where every door felt warm and welcoming … simple, beautiful, and full of quiet stories.
But within just a few minutes, the scenery quietly shifted into open roads and what felt like the countryside…lush, calm, and a world away from the busy streets. We even spotted gentle water buffalo grazing quietly beside the rice paddocks—a simple, timeless scene that felt so deeply rooted in the countryside.
Then we carried on and passed rows of plants and vegetables, fresh and ready to be picked. Most of them were destined for the cooking classes that Hoi An is so well known for.
According to the driver, these are small private temples which are not open to the public.
Next stop was Lang Cui Cu Driftwood Village. I didn’t expect to be this impressed by the craftsmanship. When we arrived, it was so quiet—we later found out the workers were resting, some even lying down on the side, taking a well-deserved break.
Everything here was so awe-inspiring that I can’t help but purchase some stuff.
I could’ve taken one of those benches home…if only it fit in my luggage.
Next stop: the 250 year old Ancient House in Hoi An. Stepping back in time with intricate carvings, a peaceful courtyard, and timeless charm.
Passed by these fruit vendors which look so photogenic, don’t you think so?
Finally the buggy took us here right into the heart of Hoi An’s charm. From here we went strolling around.
Stopped by the Japanese Covered Bridge which I have featured here previously.
Then it was time for a small lunch as we had booked for an early dinner.
Here again are those low seats lining the street in front of the restaurants—simple, casual, and very local.
Continuing our day, we booked a ride at Bay Mau Coconut Forest. It turned out to be such a fun experience, made even better by our lovely boat lady. I honestly don’t know how she did it—she was so tiny, even smaller than me—but she paddled us through the coconut forest with such ease, like it was nothing at all.
When we reached the main area of Bay Mau Coconut Forest, it turned lively—some boatmen were doing spinning tricks for entertainment, while others even had karaoke going on. One of them invited us to hop on, but I already knew what was coming (thanks to Instagram), so I politely declined. Watching it was fun… but I can only imagine how dizzy that would be.
Our boat lady kept things calm and easy, just a few gentle turns and bumps, and that was it. Honestly, that was all we could handle haha.
Then it was time for dinner. This was the included meal on our tour… what a sumptuous spread. I simply love Vietnamese cuisine, simple, yet so full of flavor.
We then walked our way back to the hotel. It turned out to be a rainy night so we had to buy an extra umbrella but that didn’t dampen the mood. Hoi An with its lanterns is even better in the rain
I am linking this to Jo’s Monday Walk
Dan’s Thursday Doors Challenge
What an incredible share, and so many things to enjoy – it looks like you had an amazing trip albeit cut short. You present so many aspects of the country which seems to be so full of colour and life. Great post.
Thanks scooj. It is really an artist’s haven.
It all looks so beautiful, Teresa. Sad about the family, but you always have Jack, and you made the most of your time. Thanks for a lovely share xx
Thanks Jo, we made the most of Hoi An even without any planning. When we got back to the Philippines after our trip to Vietnam, my Brother in law still wasn’t ok. And as I’ve told Wayne, unfortunately he already passed away.
Oh, that’s so sad! I’m sorry, Teresa. A bit of a dampener on your holiday xx
It looks so beautiful Teresa.
Hope your family are ok.
Thanks so much. Well, my Brother in Law passed away a few weeks ago. But he really must be in a better place now.
Oh sad to hear that but I’m sure he is Teresa 🙏🏽
Thank you for sharing these beautiful photos. Wonderful place and memories.
I like how you captured the colors.
It isn’t hard to capture Hoi An’s beauty… it is just natural. Thanks Nes.
I’m so sorry about the sad ending to that part of your holiday, and to learn of your b-i-l’s death. I’m sure he would have been pleased to know that you went on having wonderful new experiences. Count me out for the whizzing-in-circles boat!
Thanks Margaret, my sister and family were ready. The round boat was so fun to watch but I agree with you … I will pass on that.
So sorry to read about your brother-in-law Teresa. This looks like an amazing day in an amazing place – it all looks so colourful and the last photo definitely has the ‘wow’ factor.
Thanks Eunice. Hoi An at night completely transforms.
I’m sorry to read, in your comment to Jo, about your brother in law passing away – so sad for your sister and niece. Although I’m glad they were able to cut the holiday short and get back to be with him.
On a brighter note, you really made the most of your time in Hoi An with these tours, and your dinner looks delicious!
There would have been more tours had my niece been there. But slow pace of just roaming anywhere was also a great way to do it. Thanks Sarah.
It’s so colorful! It looks like you had a wonderful day. I love those conical straw hats. One of my friends brought me one back from his parents hometown years ago. Unfortunately I lost it somewhere. The hat never gave me hat hair after wearing it. Best hat ever! 😀
Oh I wonder what the secret is of that hat? Anyway, thanks for commenting.
This is a wonderful post, Teresa. Everything is so bright and colorful. I love that you captured a corner door. The food looks delicious. I’ve eaten in Vietnamese restaurants here, but I imagine they pale by comparison to the real local cuisine. Thanks for letting me tag along.
Everything was colourful and lively. That corner door was fancier than most. Thanks Dan.
Wonderful images Teresa. I would love to visit Vietnam.
Glad we visited Vietnam. It is very memorable…hope you can also go there one day. Thanks Rupali.
Your tour looked fun and you covered a good ground. Hoi An’s simple charm always leaves a lasting impression.
Thanks MrsW. We were there only for a few days so I wanted to do a lot.
What a lovely way to spend the day Teresa. Your photos make Hoi An look peaceful, colorful, and full of life. I really love the vibrant and fascinating images you captured on this day, they’re a joy to look at.
I am so thankful that your stopped by, Anita. And also happy that you enjoyed the images that I took. Thanks and hope to see you again soon.
I am sorry for your loss but glad you continued onward and shared it with us. Gosh the city colours are so glorious with the architectural details, the bikes, good and lanterns. But I loved the quintessential rural photos best.
Really a favourite of mine. So much to love everywhere we went. Thanks Bernie.