Discover Hoi An through a personal travel diary by Emily Streeton @oceanbather – a heartfelt story about slowing down, healing, and falling in love with the lantern-lit streets, soulful stays, and hidden spas of Vietnam’s most charming town.

After six months of backpacking through Southeast Asia moving from bus to hostel to tuk tuk to boat I arrived in Hoi An by complete accident. The plan was to stop for two nights, maybe three. But something shifted in me the moment I arrived. I exhaled. Fully. For the first time in a long time.

I am a hotel marketing expert and content creator. I travel full time for work capturing spaces and places for brands around the world. I have stayed in more hotel rooms than I can count this year but Hoi An felt different. Here I was not just passing through. I was arriving somewhere that quietly asked me to stay a while.

What follows is not a list of things to do. It is a love letter. A little guide from my camera roll and journal pages to one of the most grounding places I have ever known.

Hoi An’s old town looks like a painting. Not a still quiet one more like a scene full of texture and movement. Narrow roads weave through bright yellow buildings where plants tumble from balconies and paper lanterns swing in the warm air. Locals on bicycles weave through clusters of travelers. There is laughter. Music. The smell of sizzling street food. But it never feels overwhelming. It feels alive.

I walked for hours every day with no destination camera in hand just taking it all in. As a UGC creator I have filmed hundreds of cities but Hoi An did not need angles or edits. It was beautiful in every direction all on its own.

I always say you do not need to spend thousands to feel luxury, you just need thoughtful design, genuine hospitality and a sense of place. Here are the three stays that completely captured my heart.

The Nam An Villa

A peaceful spot tucked behind the old town where the rooms are quite airy and glowing with natural light. I had a balcony that overlooked the lantern lit streets below. There is a lush indoor pool surrounded by plants. I would often swim alone in the mornings, the air still cool soft Vietnamese music playing from somewhere in the background. A dream.

Nghe Garden Resort

This one surprised me. It felt like stepping into an artist’s secret retreat. The rooms are moody and Moroccan inspired. Think deep colors, open space and an energy that makes you want to pick up your journal or paintbrush. A large pool looks out over rice fields. If you are looking for peace you will find it here.

Lip Lip Villa Sweet, simple and full of charm. It is budget friendly, clean and the staff makes you feel like you have come home. It reminded me why I love staying in places that still feel local.

Hoi An quietly became a healing journey for me. I was not expecting that. I just wanted a massage and ended up finding spaces that truly cared for my body and soul.

Serene Spa

In the middle of town but once inside it feels like a hidden sanctuary. Before the massage even begins you fill out a form where you can choose exactly what your body needs. Pressure focus areas stress levels. They give you a soft robe to guide you into a steam room to breathe and the entire experience is done in silence and care. I walked out floating.

Healing Destination

This place is still my favorite. You arrive by scooter, the ride itself winding through green paddies and soft countryside air. Once you arrive they take you into their garden and show you where every herb is grown lemongrass ginger basil turmeric. The herbs go into your foot bath your tea, your massage oils, your lunch. It is more than a spa. It is a reminder of how wellness can be rooted simple and full of love.

White Rose Spa

A small and local spot for a head spa and water therapy. It was affordable no frills but genuinely calming. The kind of place you stumble into and feel lucky you did.

M Spa

Where I got my nails done after a long stretch of broken backpacker polish. Quick clean kind staff and durable enough to survive motorbike rides and noodle bowls.

Almanity Wellness Resort

This one is a little more upscale but they offer sauna access even if you are not staying at the hotel. There is a salt sauna a steam room and a Finnish dry sauna. As someone born in Finland I can confirm it is the real deal.

A Doan Hair Salon

I had been avoiding a haircut for months. But this salon game changer. They use amazing products the team is super professional and the space is always buzzing. I walked out with hair so soft and radiant it felt like a little celebration just for me.

Hoi An is one of those rare towns where every meal feels like a scene. These were the places I went back to again and again.

Hy Vietnamese Restaurant

Hidden down a small lane next to the river. At night the lanterns light up the water and everything feels still and dreamy. Their local dishes are made with so much care. Order slowly stay a while.

Violet Cafe

Great any time of day. Vietnamese breakfast or comfort dinner. They serve Vietnamese dishes but also pizza if you are needing something familiar. Wine cocktails and coffee it is all here.

Home Taste

Come for the Banh Xeo crispy rice paper pancakes filled with herbs and flavor. It is right in the middle of the old town and the energy is electric.

Thang Phuong Restaurant

Best for golden hour people watching. It is right by the river. You can sit for hours with a drink watching the boats drift by and the town light up. Book a table and go at sunset.

Silent Garden

Hands down the best claypot I have had in Vietnam. I do not say that lightly. It is in a peaceful garden far from the noise and the food is deep warm rich. Go hungry.

Rice Paddy House

A trendy brunch spot near the rice fields. Think Bali style interiors with local food. I came here to work on my laptop and ended up writing for hours. Great music too.

And of course you will want pho every day in different places. It is never the same twice and that is the beauty of it.

One of the best decisions I made while in Hoi An was booking a local photographer session. The soft golden light of late afternoon and the glow of lanterns at night transformed every frame into a story. It was not just about photos but about feeling the place through the lens. Having a photographer who knows the town helped me see the hidden corners and small moments that I might have missed alone.

This session gave me memories I still return to. It’s a wonderful way to preserve your experience authentically and creatively. If you want to capture your trip in a meaningful way I highly recommend seeking out local photographers. Their perspective adds depth to your journey that you carry long after you leave.

There is something about Hoi An that settles into your chest. Maybe it is the way time feels slower here. Maybe it is the way people smile at you with their whole face. Maybe it is the lanterns, the jasmine in the air or the healing hands of the spa therapists.

Or maybe it is just that some places do not ask anything from you, they just welcome you exactly as you are. As someone who has built a career telling hotel and travel stories, Hoi An reminded me that storytelling is not just about stunning visuals or viral clips. It is about capturing what it feels like to be somewhere. And this town felt like home. If you want to see more of how I tell travel stories through content and visuals you can explore my work at travelwithemily.org I share my travel films, hotel collaborations and little pieces of beauty I find along the road. Hoi An will always be one of those pieces.

Hoi An short from me