Our stop in the countryside of Hoi A was just what we needed after a couple weeks of nonstop hustle and bustle!
We began with an amazing bike tour that took us through the heart of this enchanting town. Pedaling through lush landscapes and serene villages, we had the privilege of visiting four local families, each showcasing a unique aspect of traditional life.
Our first stop was meeting the oldest couple in central Vietnam. They were 98 years old and had lived through all of the major wars together. They were a real life example that love and perseverance will get you through anything.
At our next stop, we learned the art of weaving mats from two women who have been weaving mats for their village for over 60 years. Though they did not speak any English, our smiles spoke for themselves.
Next, we learned the process of making rice milk and turning it into rice paper, a staple in Vietnamese cuisine. Watching this transformation from start to finish was fascinating and gave us a newfound appreciation for the effort involved in this seemingly simple process.
Our last stop was at a family producing rice wine. We learned the process from start to finish and even got to taste some of the “happy water”.
In the evening, we explored Hoi An’s vibrant night market where we enjoyed live music and some delicious food!
Hoi An is famous for their tailors and we couldn’t resist having some custom clothes and boots made, a perfect souvenir of our visit. This was the most fun process and we felt like designers picking out our own fabric and style for our clothes. Lincoln got a suit made while Jackie opted for a dress!
It didn’t take Jackie long after leaving the tailor to stumble across and run into a leather shop. Here she had cowboys boots custom made to her liking. And on the trip, Lincoln had broke his Birkenstocks so he decided to get a new pair custom made for 20$!!!
No trip to Hoi A would be complete without a visit to the Banh Mi Queen, we had to head there for lunch. The sandwiches definitely lived up to their reputation—crisp, flavorful, and utterly delicious.
On our last day, we decided to take a traditional Vietnamese cooking class. We learned how to make the most popular Vietnamese dishes from start to finish. But before cooking each dish, we headed to the local market to collect all the ingredients we would need. Our guide was so great, and getting to shop for ingredients was an experience we will never forget! The food was delicious, and we can’t wait to make these dishes at home!
Our time in Hoi A was nothing short of amazing, and left us with lasting memories and a deeper appreciation of Vietnamese culture.
Favorite parts
Jackie- going to the market to get ingredients & learning to cook Vietnamese dishes.
Lincoln- meeting the families in the village during our bike tour in the countryside
What We Did
– Bike Tour of Hoi An’s Countryside
– Coconut village and spin boat ride
– Explored the night market
– Cooking class @ Coconut Fragrance restaurant
– Got clothes made at Bebe Tailors
Where we ate
– Norish Cafe
– Night Market
– Morning Glory
– Banh Mi Queen
– Mai Fish
– Vi’s Deli
Where we stayed
Little Riverside
Sweethearts On the Go 