Woke up with muscle pains from my feet right up to my thighs—a not-so-sweet keepsake from our climb at Hang Mua. That mountain really left its mark on us! Andi’s knee is slowly on the mend, but today’s motto is definitely “short steps only.” It reminds me of when I tried to stroll around Zürich the day after climbing the Alpspitze in Bavaria—30 years ago- and still have no pain-free memories of that day. Some things just stick with you!
Hoi An: Made for Slow Travelers
In hindsight, planning extra days in Hoi An was a stroke of genius. Here, the land is flat, and there’s no call to scale any peaks—perfect for our sore legs. Andi’s still taking it easy; long walks are out, but honestly, moving at a slower pace makes you notice all the little details that you’d otherwise speed by. Sometimes, it’s nice when your body forces you to savor the moment.
Temple Hopping and Café Lounging
We spent our morning wandering around the Old Town, ducking into centuries-old temples and sipping coffee in cozy street cafés. Hoi An’s temples are little oases of calm—lantern-lit and draped with the scent of incense. The Quan Cong Temple stood out with its bold red façade, intricate wood carvings, and guardian statues, while the Assembly Hall of the Fujian Chinese Congregation was a riot of colors and dragon mosaics. It’s easy to lose track of time watching locals light incense and whisper prayers for good fortune.
Andi even braved a local barber for a much-needed haircut. The price was definitely “tourist special”—let’s say the barber could probably take the rest of the day off! But hey, if our extra dong helps someone out, we’re happy to spread the joy.
Lunch to Remember
We stumbled into a tiny street kitchen steps from our little La An Old Town Hotel for lunch. The place has won awards, and after that first bite, we understood why. The flavors were out of this world—herbs, spices, and a hint of something smoky that made us want to lick the plates clean.
Cultural Show: Lanterns, Dance, and Magic
In the afternoon, we headed back into town for a cultural show, something everyone raves about in Hoi An. Picture this: a stage set beneath glowing lanterns, performers in shimmering ao dai, and the haunting sounds of traditional Vietnamese music in the air. The show was a beautiful blend of folk dances, acrobatics, and scenes from Hoi An’s trading past—Japanese, Chinese, and Vietnamese influences all coming together. It was mesmerizing, and for a while, we forgot all about our aching legs.
After the show, we paid a visit to a few more pagodas, each one unique. The Chua Ong Pagoda was especially peaceful, with its incense coils hanging from the ceiling and ancient stone guardians at the door.
Night Market Vibes
As the sun dipped, we dove into Hoi An’s famous night market. The place lights up with lanterns in every color and stalls overflowing with local snacks, silk lanterns, and quirky souvenirs. Even at a snail’s pace, there’s plenty to discover
Final Thoughts
Sometimes, slowing down isn’t so bad. Hoi An at a gentle pace reveals its beauty in ways you’d never expect. Painful legs aside, I wouldn’t trade today for anything. Here’s to seeing more by walking less—and to the next bowl of noodles!
Stay tuned for Day 8—hopefully with fewer aches and even more magic.
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