Trials and Trimphs

If part one was about discovering Vietnam in midst of clouds and peaks, part two was about feeling it : deeply, slowly, and sometimes with a rush of adrenaline. Traveling with kids turned this leg into a beautiful mix of thrill, wonder, and quiet healing moments we didn’t even know we needed.

Ba Na Hills – Where Adventure Meets Magic

Our journey to Ba Na Hills began with the iconic cable car ride : one of the longest in the world. Have to admit it does feel long. Floating above lush forests and misty mountains, waterfalls, felt surreal, like entering another realm altogether. Ticket prices for Ba Na Hills (including cable car access) are typically around 900,000–1,100,000 VND (approx. $35–45 USD) per adult, with discounted rates for kids.

At the top, it was a “playground for all ages” — and truly, no one felt left out.

Few of the highlights:

• The thrilling Alpine Coaster — equal parts fear and fun (prices cheaper than Sapa)
• Joyful chaos of bumper cars (“car bump” as the kids called it)
• The soaring “Let’s Fly” ride
• Immersive 4D and 5D shows that kept everyone entertained.

Every corner catered to a different age, a different mood.

We stayed one magical night at Mercure Danang French Village Bana Hills : and in retrospect I feel, that was the best part of the visit (courtesy planned by my better half, Sumer). When the crowds thinned and the day-trippers left, the French Village transformed. It just turned alive , just like a fairy tale town.
It wasn’t just quieter — it was enchanted. The streets turned from busy to romantic in the twilight, the breeze softened, the setting sun painted the sky in pastels, and the entire village lit up like a dream. We strolled through cobbled paths, ran up and down with kids and like kids, laughed a little louder, breathed a little deeper. It was one of those rare travel moments where you’re not chasing anything — “just being“.

Sunrise at the Golden Bridge 🌅

Waking up early was the best decision we made (may be , I made and others had no option but to follow). Standing at the Golden Bridge during the golden hour, with barely any crowd, felt almost sacred. The giant stone hands cradling the bridge, the soft morning light, the stillness — it was breathtaking.

We also visited the serene Linh Ung Pagoda with its magnificent Buddha statue — a moment of calm amidst all the excitement.

A Taste of Home at the Top : Bharat Restaurant

One of the most unexpected (and comforting) surprise — especially for us, as Indians — was the spread at Bharat Restaurant Ba Na Hills. A full Indian buffet, right atop the hills!

Note:

• Timings: Open until 3 PM (so if you are busy with rides and activities, make sure you find time for this sumptuous buffet to energize you for the rest of the day)
• Price: Around 300,000–400,000 VND ($12–16 USD)

Onward to Hoi An:

Our reliable driver (one of those wonderful people you meet while traveling who become part of your story) took us down to the base and onward to Hoi An — just about 50-55 minutes away.

We checked into our cozy stay at Hoi An River Town Hotel (another great find especially given the location near the old town) rested a bit, and stepped out for an evening that felt straight out of a painting.

Day 1 – Lanterns & River Magic

Hoi An’s Old Town, a Hoi An Ancient Town, was just a short walk away from the hotel. Again, at night, this town also transforms. Lanterns glow in every color imaginable, reflecting on the gentle waters of the Thu Bon River. We took a boat ride, lit lanterns with candles, and set them afloat : each carrying a quiet wish.

The kids were mesmerized. So were we.

The streets buzzed with life — charming cafés, shophouses, laughter, music — yet somehow, it still felt intimate.

Exploring Hoi An – On Wheels & Through Cafés 🚲☕

Every day here had a different rhythm.

• One day on bicycles (available right at the hotel)
• Another day on electric scooters
• And often, just walking with no agenda

But the real way to experience Hoi An? Through its cafés.

Some must-visits:

• Roving Chillhouse — set amidst rice paddies, pure magic
• Olivier Coffee — cozy and flavorful, the blends and recipes are all out of the world and chefs own creation.
• Faifo Coffee — rooftop views of the town are worth the climb
• Sourdough place- amazing food and satious menu

Each place had its own personality, its own story.

Day 2 – Lantern Making & Coconut Forest

The highlight? A 2-hour lantern-making workshop.

A beautiful family-run experience where we created lanterns from scratch — not the tiny ones, but full-sized pieces. The kids were completely immersed, patiently crafting, learning techniques, and proudly holding their creations. It was calming, creative, and deeply satisfying.

Later, we headed to the coconut forest for a basket boat (banana boat) ride — and honestly, some experiences are beyond words, are better to be experienced than described. This was one of them.

Spinning boats, laughter echoing through the water, pure joy. Tickets can be booked via Klook or purchased on-site. Getting around? Grab made everything effortless.

Day 3 – Pottery, Fields & Sunset 🌾🎨

We explored the Thanh Ha Pottery Village — and chose to go beyond just observing the museum. Instead, we stepped into village homes, sat at real pottery wheels, and created our own pieces. The kids loved shaping clay and painting their creations — messy, mindful, and magical.

The nearby Thanh Ha Pottery Village Museum is beautifully designed, though slightly pricey at around 120,000 VND ($5 USD).

Evening brought us back to the rice fields — to Roving Chillhouse again — watching the sunset melt into the horizon.

Later, we explored the beach and ended the night with local treats:

• Thai ice cream rolls
• Coconut coffee
• Signature Hoi An brews

Slow Nights, Beautiful Days 🌙

Hoi An has a rhythm of its own. Lively and glowing at night, calm and almost meditative by day. We even carved out time for self-care — spa sessions at the hotel that gently closed each day. And yes — Hoi An is also famous for custom tailoring. Shops like Bebe Tailor can stitch beautiful outfits in 1–2 days, typically priced around $80–100 USD.

The Essence of It All 💫

This journey was a cocktail of fast thrills and slow living.
Of rollercoasters and rice fields.
Of laughter, learning, and letting go.

From Ba Na’s heights to Hoi An’s quiet charm, it gave us something rare — the space to feel both exhilarated and deeply grounded. As someone once beautifully said:

“In slowing down, you don’t lose time — you finally meet yourself, and discover all that you’ve been missing in the rush.”

And that’s exactly what this journey gave us. If you’ve been longing to slow down, these hidden corners of the world are still quietly calling.

Trishna Sumer

Glossary:

Lantern making address:

Indian restaurants in Hoi An: