Day 9: Sun, Sand, Lanterns & Cake – Andi’s Birthday in Hoi An

If there’s a perfect way to spend a birthday on the road, it’s this: a slow, sun-drenched morning at the beach, lazy lunch with the sea as your soundtrack, and a shopping spree for something beautiful and uniquely local. Today was all about easy vibes—oh, and it’s my birthday! (Well, Andi’s, but you know what I mean.)

We kicked things off at An Bang Beach, just a short ride from Hoi An’s Old Town. Honestly, this is the kind of beach that sneaks onto your “I-could-live-here” list. Soft, pale sand that doesn’t scorch your feet (unless, like us, you stay a bit too long and the sun turns up the volume!), and a gentle surf that’s perfect for cooling off. There’s no shortage of beach bars and comfy loungers—so that’s exactly what we did: lounged, sipped on icy drinks, and watched the fishing boats bobbing in the distance. Lunch was a fresh seafood affair, served up with a panoramic view of the endless blue. Not a bad way to turn a year older.

By midday, though, the Vietnamese sun was flexing its muscles. This was the hottest day since we landed—the kind of heat that makes your flip-flops feel molten and your energy melt away. We took the cue, retreated back to town, and grabbed a quick nap (doctor’s orders for “the knee” anyway—still not at 100%, but at least I have a medical excuse for being lazy).

Once the heat eased off, Hoi An’s Old Town was calling us back. The streets were buzzing, lanterns starting to glow, and the sweet promise of coffee and cake was impossible to resist. We ducked into one of the many cute cafés for a caffeine kick and a slice of something decadent. It’s a birthday, after all.

But the real highlight? Lantern shopping! If you’ve ever been to Hoi An, you know these aren’t just any old souvenirs. The lanterns here are legendary—bright, bold, and hand-crafted in every color and pattern you can imagine. They light up the Old Town every night, transforming it into a glowing wonderland. Since home decor is my not-so-secret passion, I couldn’t resist. We picked out three gorgeous lanterns to bring a little Hoi An magic back to our house in the Philippines. I’m already picturing them lighting up our porch, casting those dreamy patterns on balmy nights.

Tomorrow, we’re off to Da Nang for one last day by the sea, and then it’s a flight to Ho Chi Minh City and onwards to Phnom Penh, Cambodia. There’s a lot of travel ahead, so fingers crossed “the knee” holds up. For now, it’s time to rest, recharge, and soak up the last bit of Hoi An charm.

Good night, everyone—from the land of lanterns and lazy beach days. Here’s to another year of adventures!