On our family vacation in Da Nang, Vietnam, we had the chance to head into Hội An twice to explore. Honestly, we didn’t have too many plans for our visits to Hội An – for better or for worse. Still, we managed to explore the area, eat some amazing food, and spend WAY too much money on things that we didn’t need. Here’s all about what we did, where we went, and what we ate in Hội An.

Exploring Hội An

We learned a lot during our time in Hội An – and we would likely do it VERY differently if we ever went back. One of the only real concrete plans we had for our time there was getting some custom made clothing (all matching, of course). The problem? We didn’t do much research AT ALL before arriving in Hội An. So as soon as we turned onto the main road in the clothing quarter, we were immediately sought out by a woman who led us – skeptical as we were – to the clothing warehouse that she head-hunts for. A similar thing happened to our friends, the Moores, on their trip to Hội An. We knew this would happen, but honestly nothing can prepare you for how businesses (or in our case, headhunters) really won’t take “no” for an answer.

And so we ended up in a huge clothing warehouse, bombarded with binders and binders filled with clothing patterns to choose from. We found some dresses for the girls and then chose a fabric – opting to have matching shirts made for the boys as well. The only real challenges were 1) finding a fabric that they had enough of to make 5 dresses and 2 shirts out of, 2) convincing the owners that Brandon did not, in fact, need to purchase a 5-piece suit, and 3) telling the lady at the souvenir shop in the same building that we had already purchased way more souvenirs than we knew what to do with.

Still, the workers were lovely (albeit pushy) and provided us with ice-cold water bottles. They loved on our kids and did all that they could to keep them entertained while everyone got measured for their outfits. When all was said and done, we spent more money than we would have liked (although significantly less than we’d pay for matching clothes in the States), and ended up with clothing that we kind of liked. I say “kind of” only because the fabrics we could choose from weren’t our favorite – because of the AMOUNT of fabric that was needed – and in the end I really wish I’d chosen a less-fitted dress for each of us.

So in all, would I do it again? Probably not. Was it a fun and interesting experience that I’m glad we had? Absolutely.

After paying for our clothing, we left the workers to do what they do best and we went to find some food. We stopped along the way to grab more cash from the ATM (since the custom-made clothing had CLEANED us out) and to snag some popsicles because it was HOT. We turned into a street that provided plenty of options for food, but ultimately stopped at Café 23 for lunch.

Café 23 was run by the sweetest elderly woman, who fawned over our children, hustled around making our food, and even went sprinting down the street to fetch some more bananas when she ran out. At one point, a wasp (or something like a wasp) was buzzing around us and freaking the kids out. This woman literally danced around us, swatting that thing out of the sky with a fan. She succeeded too, and my kids were grateful AND entertained.

She brought out amazing fresh-fruit drinks and smoothies, which we downed quickly, before she brought out spring rolls and won-ton nachos – both of which were delicious beyond all reason and both of which just the thought of still gets my mouth watering. Everything was so tasty (and filling) and we were determined that we’d found the best-kept-secret in Hội An with this little café.

When we went back two days later to pick up our clothing (and the faux Birkenstocks Brandon and I had made elsewhere), we fully intended to patronize Café 23 again. But, then I found out that when our friends were in Hội An they ate at Café 25 and enjoyed it – which just happened to be right next door to Café 23. So, instead of heading back to what was familiar, we decided to try something new and stopped next door for lunch. We enjoyed Vietnamese pizza, Bánh mì, and (of course) more fresh fruit juices and smoothies. Overall, we liked the food better at Café 23 – although Café 25’s juices and smoothies were the best we had the entire time we were in Vietnam. And that’s saying something because we had a LOT of fresh fruit juice and smoothies while we were there.

On one of the days that we spent in Hội An, we ended the day with a basket boat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. I hadn’t expected it to be so much fun, but it ended up being one of my favorite parts of our whole vacation. It’s a must-do if you’re spending any time in Hội An, so don’t forget to read my post all about it.

The rest of our time in Hội An was spent walking the streets and trying not to be hit by motorbikes. It was a LITTLE nerve-wracking walking there with children – with motorbikes zooming through the streets like they are the only ones on the road – but we managed to survive just fine. We bought some fruit from one of the ladies selling them out of large baskets, purchased fans and Nón lá (the cone-shaped Vietnamese hats), and just enjoyed the general aesthetic of the city. The market areas are really unlike anything we’d ever experienced before and we spent way too much on random things. Still, I love all of the little prizes we came home with, so I guess it was money well-spent.

As we were getting ready to contact our driver to pick-up, we came upon a small store front that was selling T-shirts. They had so many different options and they screen-print them right then and there. We let each of the kids choose a shirt pattern (they were 100,000 VND each – or about $4.22) and the couple was so friendly and welcomed us into their little store-front to cool off while we waited for them to make the shirts. Our interactions and conversation with this sweet couple was, for me, one of the highlights of our visits to Hội An.

So there you have it: what we did in two days in Hội An. The area is beautiful, exciting, and slightly overwhelming. I’m glad we experienced it, but we were also glad that we chose to stay in Da Nang for our vacation. Hội An felt a little bit too hustle-and-bustle for our liking, but I would say it is absolutely a MUST if you’re spending time in Central Vietnam.

’til next time…

Ash

Tips for visiting Hội An

The biggest tip that I have for you: don’t act like it’s your first time in Hội An, especially if you’re looking to get some custom-made clothing. Walk in like you own the place and if anyone scouts you out, let them know that you’re not interested (even if you are). I wish we had done this for two main reasons: 1) we would have been able to get the same kinds of clothing for cheaper if we’d looked elsewhere and 2) there is a lot less pressure to purchase something when you find the shop yourself. Still, the amount of money we spent wasn’t going to break the bank – and we were happy to patronize any of the shops – but it’s something to be aware of when you visit.