Expat Travel Mom

Vietnam, magical. When we arrived, I saw everything in black and white, concentrating on the details and yet the simplicity of it all. So, the first half of our trip was black and white images, and then I changed to color. I think having both really allows you to experience the beauty of Hoi An in different ways. As for where we stayed, I don't have recommendations, lol! Our first place was a disaster, and we moved immediately. The second place, I still wouldn't have recommended, but we were visiting in a busy season, and the choices were limited last minute...sorry.

Bánh Mì Phượng

One of the first stops for my husband and son was here. Everyone was already lined up outside the sandwich shop Anthony Bourdain made famous, Bánh Mì Phượng. $1 each, and worth every bit of the line. We kinda chase Bourdain recommendations around the world, as of yet, nothing has let us down!

Calligraphy Down an Alley

We love getting involved in the Airbnb experiences, and we decided to try calligraphy for one of them. Heading down an alley leading to who knows where, we arrived to a home, and welcomed into a man's house. With a translator provided as part of the experience, he proceeded to educate us on this lost art, teaching us how, carefully, and with a lot of patience. He's written 20 books on calligraphy and has been doing this for 30 years. It was fabulous. (*Updated to say, he's no longer providing this experience, but there are others!)

Reaching Out Tea House

If you want to escape the hustle and bustle and experience something one of a kind, come here. Reaching Out Tea House was started in 2000 to employ local artisans who are deaf or hard of hearing, so everything is communicated through sign language, writing, and small wooden blocks on the table marked with things like "thank you" and "bill." We spent an hour, the kids were perfectly happy in the peace and quiet. We also visited the workshop and shop out back, where the staff hand-make the tableware themselves. Enjoy the silence.

Wallets, Tailors, and the Best Cooking Class Yet

Lots of coffee tasting around here, as well as delicious food, tailors where my daughter designed her own outfit, massages, and the best cooking experience I've done, at Red Bridge Cooking School. We did the 1.5hr cooking school experience and had a wonderful time!  We have done the 1/2 day schools with the market tours, etc, but we really just wanted a lovely restaurant experience with demonstrations and tasting and a bit of prepping.  We got it here.  It was delicious and very filling!  Our chef was funny and kept the pace going perfectly.  Highly recommended.

Also tried another Airbnb experience, making our own leather wallets at Blue Lotus Leather Workshop. This is a MUST experience.  We booked the 2 hour workshop through Airbnb Experiences, and wish we’d booked the 4 hour!  However, we fully enjoyed ourselves and couldn’t be more thrilled with the calm and engaging workshop.  My three kids and husband all made their wallets designs from scratch.  It’s a small, hip little place on the outskirts of old town and such a nice break from the crowds. Highly recommended. (*Updated to say the name has changed, but it's the same place)

Hoi An in Black and White

Here's Hoi An in black and white, and we wandered and explored. It's a small enough place that you can just keep walking and walking each day, finding hidden gems around every corner. 

Hoi An in Color

Here's a glimpse of Hoi An in color. I just love black and white, but it's incredibly colorful here, and I can't explain the sheer number of lanterns in this town. The streets and the river are entirely lit up every night by lanterns.

Thank you, Hoi An!