“This is one of the most wonderful places I’ve ever visited.”
That is how writer Kerri King opens her article published on Business Insider after a family holiday in Hoi An. Instead of moving constantly between different cities, her family spent the entire 11-day vacation in Hoi An and discovered that the destination offers enough experiences to make every day feel fresh and different.
Recently, Business Insider – one of the world’s leading digital media platforms covering business, travel, and lifestyle – published an article sharing Kerri King’s family travel experience in Vietnam. What makes the story particularly interesting is that, unlike many international visitors who choose to explore multiple destinations during one trip, her family decided to spend their entire holiday in Hoi An.
According to the author, it was absolutely the right decision.
When a Destination Offers More Than Expected
Located just around 45 minutes from Da Nang International Airport, Hoi An is easily accessible. However, what convinced Kerri King’s family to stay for 11 days was not convenience, but the remarkable diversity of experiences available.
Each day could begin in a different way. Some mornings were spent relaxing on An Bang Beach, where life moves at a slower pace along the sandy shoreline and clear blue waters. Other days were devoted to wandering through the Ancient Town, admiring its iconic yellow walls draped with bougainvillea flowers, stopping at charming cafés, and browsing artisan shops along the narrow streets.
As night falls, Hoi An reveals another side of its beauty, illuminated by the glow of thousands of colorful lanterns. This constant transformation is what made every day in Hoi An feel unique and never repetitive.
“I never felt bored,” the author writes.
Experiences for the Entire Family
One of the reasons the trip became so memorable was Hoi An’s ability to cater to different interests within the family.
While adults appreciated the cultural atmosphere, historic architecture, and local cuisine, children enjoyed a variety of hands-on and interactive experiences. The combination of relaxation, exploration, and discovery allowed every family member to enjoy the holiday in their own way.
According to the author, staying longer in a single destination also provided the opportunity to build a deeper connection with the place, rather than spending time constantly moving, arranging transportation, or changing accommodations.
Flavors That Followed Them Home
Cuisine became one of the most memorable highlights of the journey.
Throughout their stay, Kerri King’s family enjoyed local specialties such as cao lau, Hoi An chicken rice, Mot herbal tea, and various Vietnamese coffees. The flavors of Hoi An became more than part of their travel experience; they remained vivid memories long after the trip ended.
The author expressed particular affection for Vietnamese coffee and noted that her family still regularly purchases Vietnamese coffee after returning home to Japan.
Beyond the food and beverages themselves, what made these experiences special was the setting in which they were enjoyed—quiet mornings at local cafés, family meals in the heart of the Ancient Town, and the chance to slow down and embrace the peaceful rhythm of life in this heritage destination.
Connecting with Local Culture Through Traditional Craft Villages
Beyond exploring the Ancient Town, the family spent considerable time visiting Hoi An’s renowned traditional craft villages.
At Thanh Ha Pottery Village, family members had the opportunity to create pottery by hand. At Hoi An Silk Village, they learned about silk weaving traditions and crafted their own handmade lanterns. Their journey continued to Kim Bong Carpentry Village and Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village, where traditional craftsmanship has been preserved through generations.
According to the author, these experiences offered a more authentic connection to local culture. The handmade items they brought home became more than souvenirs—they served as meaningful reminders of their personal journey of discovery.
A Lasting Impression from Hoi An Memories Show
Among all the experiences in Hoi An, Hoi An Memories Show left the strongest impression on Kerri King’s family.
This large-scale outdoor performance recreates the history, culture, and development of Hoi An as a thriving trading port over centuries. Featuring a unique stage setting and hundreds of performers, the show offers visitors a vivid and immersive perspective on one of Vietnam’s most celebrated heritage destinations.
What Makes Visitors Want to Return
While the scenery, cuisine, and cultural experiences are what initially attract visitors to Hoi An, the most lasting memory for the author was the people.
From friendly conversations with local residents and the hospitality of hotel staff to artisans eager to share stories about their traditional crafts, every interaction contributed to a strong sense of welcome throughout the journey.
Perhaps that is why, after 11 days, what Kerri King’s family remembers most is not the number of attractions they visited, but the authentic experiences, meaningful connections, and the opportunity to live, even briefly, at the pace of life in Hoi An.
The story shared on Business Insider further demonstrates the growing appeal of Da Nang and its surrounding destinations among international travelers seeking deeper and more meaningful journeys—where culture, people, and authentic values continue to be preserved and experienced in every moment.
DANANG TOURISM PROMOTION CENTER
