Hoi An is a small town located on the central coast of Vietnam. It is a place of stunning beauty, rich history, and a perfect blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese cultures. With its narrow streets, ancient houses, and beautiful riverside, Hoi An is a town that travellers should visit at least once in their lifetime.
I had the pleasure of exploring Hoi An with two wonderful local guides, Emily and Nam who took us to discover the town's hidden treasures.
. The first stop on our tour was to visit an old 5th-generation noodle maker. The man, who was in his 80s, was sitting in his small shop, surrounded by the aroma of the freshly made noodles. He showed us how he makes the noodles from scratch, kneading the dough by hand and stretching it out into long, thin strips. The process was fascinating, and it was incredible to see the man's passion for his craft after so many years.
Our next stop was to visit a man who grows bean sprouts in sand in his back yard. It was a small but impressive garden with rows of sandboxes filled with beansprouts. The man was happy to show us his method of growing bean sprouts, which he had learned from his parents. He explained how he soaks the beans in water for several hours, then spreads them out in a thin layer of sand, and waters them daily. It was amazing to see how he had turned his small backyard into a thriving business.
After visiting the noodle maker and the bean sprout grower, we were famished, and our guide took us to a small street stall where we had the best Bahn Mi I have ever tasted. The bread was crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, filled with a variety of fresh ingredients, including cilantro, pickled vegetables, and grilled pork. The flavors were bursting in my mouth, and it was a fantastic experience to eat the delicious sandwich while sitting on a small plastic stool on the side of the street.
Throughout the tour, Emily and Nam's knowledge of Hoi An was impressive, and they were passionate about ensuring we experienced an authentic view of the town. She told us about the history of the town, how it was a bustling port for traders from all over Asia, and how its architecture reflected the different cultures that had left their mark on the town. She also took us to some of the hidden gems of Hoi A that most tourists would never find on their own, like a small art gallery tucked away on a side street.
In conclusion, my tour of Hoi An was a fantastic experience that I will never forget. The noodle maker, bean sprout grower, and street food vendor were all passionate about their craft, and it was incredible to witness their dedication firsthand. Our guide was knowledgeable, friendly, and eager to share her love of Hoi An with us. Overall, the tour provided an authentic and immersive experience that allowed us to appreciate the beauty and cultural richness of this remarkable town.
