Hoi An carries a quiet, unexplainable charm — the kind that makes you want to stay just a little longer each time you visit. This small ancient town seems to move to its own gentle rhythm: slow, tender, and deeply soulful. Here, everything feels light, as if time itself has chosen to drift softly — in each breath, each temple bell echoing in the distance, and every slow footstep along its moss-covered streets.
Anyone who has been to Hoi An remembers the serenity of a morning by the Hoai River: sunlight falling over yellow rooftops, a hint of mist still lingering in the air, and the comforting aroma of coffee drifting from small cafés. Simply sitting still for a moment is enough to feel your worries melt away, replaced by a sense of peace that settles naturally into your body.
Where to Go in Hoi An to Truly Feel the Spirit of Slow Living
1. The Ancient Town – Walk Slowly, Like the Locals Do
No plan is needed here. Just stroll through the narrow streets and you’ll instantly feel the town’s soul. Every corner holds a story; every old house carries its own layer of time. Pause whenever you like — to take a photo, admire the iconic yellow walls, or simply breathe in the gentle morning air.
2. Hoi An Market – Where Flavors Become Memories
Visit the morning market and you’ll find familiar calls from vendors, vibrant baskets of just-picked vegetables, and the scent of fresh fruits filling the air. This is the heartbeat of Hoi An — simple, authentic, and full of life.
3. Thanh Ha Pottery Village & Tra Que Vegetable Village – Hands-On Culture
Spend a morning shaping clay or tending to herbs, and you’ll understand the true meaning of slow living. No rush, no pressure — just your hands, the earth, the water, and a peaceful connection with each movement.
4. Evening Along the Hoai River – When Lanterns Light the Emotions
Hoi An transforms beautifully at night. Lanterns glow softly over the water, oars gently stir the river, and traditional melodies float with the breeze. In these moments, you can feel your heart relax and notice the smallest emotions stirring within you.
What to Eat in Hoi An to Taste Its Delicate Soul
• Cao Lau – chewy noodles, savory pork, and fresh Tra Que herbs.
• Mi Quang – rustic, comforting, full of Central Vietnam flavor.
• Hoi An Banh Mi – crispy, fragrant, and always among the best in the world.
• Hoi An sweet soups (chè) – light, refreshing, perfect for an afternoon break.
The food here isn’t elaborate, yet it’s refined in a way that awakens all your senses.
The Spirit of Hoi An — Also the Inspiration Behind Laboho Spa
What makes Hoi An truly special isn’t just its beauty — it’s the unhurried rhythm that brings people back to themselves. And that very spirit is what inspires the atmosphere at Laboho Spa in Saigon.
Here, even in a vibrant and fast-paced city, you can rediscover the same gentle peace you felt while wandering through Hoi An:
• soft pauses,
• slow, mindful movements,
• quiet moments where you can genuinely listen to your body.
Without listing each treatment, every experience at Laboho is designed around a simple philosophy:
“Slow down to feel — and let the body heal itself.”
It might be a break after hectic days, a brief escape from the city, or simply a moment you choose to breathe a little deeper.
Hoi An teaches you to slow down. Laboho Spa reminds you not to forget it.
When people leave Hoi An, they often bring something with them — maybe a few photos, a favorite dish, but most often, a lighter heart. And in the middle of Saigon’s energy, Laboho Spa is where you can find that feeling again — gentle, grounded, and beautifully real.
