Hoi An highlights: living like a local

By the end of our stay in Hội An, we felt like temporary locals. We knew which vendors sold the freshest banh mi, how to dodge the motorbikes in the market and where to buy the best lychee juice. We spent afternoons reading beside the river while the kids chased dragonflies and evenings strolling under lanterns, soaking up the slow rhythm.

Unplanned parenting often means following the kids’ lead, whether it’s stopping to pet a cat or lingering at a street performer’s magic show. Hội An encouraged us to slow down and appreciate daily life as much as the sights.

Family travel tip: Stay in a homestay or family‑run guesthouse for a more immersive experience, and don’t be afraid to wander down alleys—you’ll find the best food and friendly neighbours.

What’s your favourite way to live like a local? If you’d like a curated list of homestays and authentic eateries, our travel planning guide has you covered. Altogether, we spent about $120 for the day.