Hoi An changed the way I think about travel

I have been to Southeast Asia many times. Thailand, Cambodia, Laos — I love this part of the world. But when I finally visited Vietnam, and specially Hoi An, I understand why people talk about it so much. Hoi An old town is like stepping back in time. The buildings are yellow and the lanterns are everywhere, hanging from every window and over every little alley. At night it is magical. During the day it is also very beautiful but maybe a little more crowded with tourist. We tried to wake up early to walk around before the groups arrive and it was the right idea. The food. Oh, the food. I think about Cao Lau almost every week now. It's a noodle dish with thick noodles and pork and crispy things on top, and you can only eat the real version in Hoi An because of the water they use. I ate it four times. My husband ate it six times. No regrets. We hired bicycles one morning and rode out to An Bang beach. The road went through rice fields and small villages and it took maybe 30 minutes but I didn't want it to end. The beach itself was very calm, not too many people, and we found a little wooden restaurant right on the sand and ate fresh seafood and drank cold beer and I thought, this is perfect. I also had clothes made at one of the tailor shops — Hoi An is famous for this. In two days they make you a completely custom dress or suit. I was a little worried about quality but mine was beautiful and I still wear it. If I could give one advice: stay at least four or five nights. Two nights is not enough. Give yourself time to slow down.