I ❤️ Da Nang Vietnam 2025 - Day 6 - Hoi An - Old Town Charm, MOT Tea, Japanese Bridge and a Blissful Massage - 07/29/2025


Day 6 - Da Nang Travel Diary - Hoi An - Old Town Charm, MOT Tea, Japanese Bridge and a Blissful Massage

Hello, fellow travelers! Today marked the transition from Da Nang's bustling beaches to the enchanting ancient town of Hoi An. Our morning coconut boat adventure had us in fits of laughter, but by midday, we were ready for a change of scenery.



Coconut Village to Hoi An: A Stroke of Luck
At 12:30 PM, after our wild coconut boat ride, we waited for our driver. To our surprise, he offered to drop us off in Hoi An's Old Town, saving us the hassle of booking another ride. We were incredibly grateful and insisted on adding extra to the fare for his kindness. The 30-minute drive flew by, and we arrived in Hoi An around 1:00 PM.



A Kind Gesture and a Local Lunch
First things first, Mom needed a restroom. Finding one wasn't easy, but a local spa generously allowed her to use theirs without charge. What a heartwarming welcome to Hoi An! Our stomachs were rumbling, so we headed straight for a popular chicken rice spot hyped by TikTok influencers. This "hole-in-the-wall" gem was packed with locals and tourists alike. While the lemon tea was amazing, my stomach wasn't quite ready for a full meal after the morning's boat ride. I managed to finish, but I craved something sweet. So, we set off to find the famous MOT tea.



2:30 PM: Exploring Hoi An
Our self-guided Hoi An tour began! We passed by a museum, but the 200k VND entrance fee deterred us. After a quick refresh, we headed for MOT tea. This unique herbal drink (MOT tea is a sweet and refreshing herbal tea made with a blend of local herbs, spices, and fruits. It's known for its cooling properties and is a popular thirst quencher in Hoi An.) was exactly what I needed. The dine-in price of 35k VND was well worth it, and the flavors worked wonders on my stomach.


A Massage Oasis
Next up: the Japanese Bridge. However, the scorching heat led us to a foot and shoulder massage parlor offering a 200k VND promo for two. The air-conditioned room was a lifesaver! From 2:00 to 3:30 PM, we enjoyed a blissful massage, complete with free cold tea and a clean restroom. The relaxing massage and calming incense were the perfect antidote to the heat.


3:30 PM: The Japanese Bridge
Finally, we made it to the Japanese Bridge (The Japanese Bridge, also known as the Cau Nhat Ban or Lai Vien Kieu, is a historic covered bridge in Hoi An, Vietnam. Built in the early 17th century by the Japanese community, it connects two parts of the city and features a pagoda at one end. It's a symbol of Hoi An's cultural diversity and a popular tourist attraction.) Honestly, it was underwhelming. There was a ticket booth, but we opted to skip it, as there didn't seem to be much to see.


Overall Experience
Hoi An is a charming blend of history and relaxation. The kindness of the locals, the delicious food and drinks, and the rejuvenating massage made for a memorable day. While the Japanese Bridge was a bit of a letdown, the overall atmosphere of the Old Town is captivating.
Location: Old Town, Minh An, Hội An, Quảng Nam, Vietnam

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