The tranquil beauty and unhurried pace of life in a destination often described as an “open-air museum” in Vietnam have led a Canadian couple to stay for 12 nights, far longer than planned.
Nancy, 58, and her husband Marc, 63, from Canada, are currently on what they call a journey to “rediscover life.”
Three years ago, Nancy retired after 25 years as a teacher, while Marc transitioned to remote work in the IT sector. The couple decided to sell their home in Canada and travel the world together, seeking new experiences and building a freer, more meaningful life.
They have stayed in everything from hostels to cruise ships and luxury hotels, learning to quickly adapt to different environments. So far, they have visited more than 50 countries.
Discovering an enchanting destination
Nancy and Marc during their time in Vietnam. Photo: Newly Nomad.
In early 2026, the couple arrived in Da Nang, where they planned to stay for a month, balancing work and leisure. Their initial idea was to spend weekdays in Da Nang and take short weekend trips to Hue and Hoi An to explore cultural and historical sites.
“We only intended to stay in Hoi An for three nights over the weekend. But after those three days, we felt reluctant to leave,” they shared on their YouTube channel.
They eventually moved to another hotel outside the ancient town to extend their stay, wanting to experience Hoi An more slowly and deeply.
Nancy recalled that the journey from central Da Nang to Hoi An was filled with scenic coastal views, villages, and lush green rice fields. Upon arrival in the ancient town, they immediately sensed a different rhythm of life - slower, quieter, and deeply aligned with what they had been searching for.
“Hoi An ancient town is a UNESCO-recognized heritage site. To us, it feels like a different world - like an open-air museum with old yellow houses, vibrant lanterns, charming cafes, and traditional craft shops. At night, the river glows with lights, wooden boats, and floating lanterns, creating a romantic and almost magical atmosphere,” Nancy said.
The couple were captivated by Hoi An’s distinctive beauty. Photo: Newly Nomad.
Beyond the old town, Hoi An also impressed them with its expansive rice fields and fresh air, offering a stark contrast to the noise of larger cities. They enjoyed watching farmers at work and water buffalo grazing peacefully.
In March, Hoi An was ranked 51st among the world’s most beautiful destinations in 2026 by Time Out, a well-known publication covering travel, food, and urban experiences.
According to Time Out, Hoi An stands out visually with its warm yellow tones, narrow streets steeped in history, and the emotional glow of lanterns after dark.
Memorable experiences at an affordable cost
Rice fields and vegetable farms in Hoi An draw visitors with their charm.
During their first three days, the couple stayed at a hotel in the ancient town. For the remaining days, they moved to a five-star resort located about 5 to 10 minutes away.
“The hotel has a swimming pool, gardens, a gym, wellness services, excellent buffet meals, and a delightful afternoon tea. Most importantly, the service is outstanding. For just US$75 per night (approximately VND1.9 million), we experienced luxury and thoughtful care,” they said.
On weekdays, Marc continued his remote work, often attending meetings at night due to time differences. During the day, the couple would exercise, enjoy fresh fruit for breakfast, sip Vietnamese coffee, and then cycle or walk leisurely into the ancient town.
Weekends were reserved for richer experiences. Marc was particularly fond of tailor shops and leather workshops in Hoi An, where handcrafted items are made with precision - a stark contrast to mass-produced goods. For them, these items carried a sense of individuality and memory.
In Bay Mau, visitors can ride basket boats through narrow waterways lined with lush coconut forests, freely taking in the beauty of the river landscape. Photo: Newly Nomad.
Nancy suggested that visitors should not miss local markets, a boat ride along the Hoai River at night, cooking classes, and basket boat experiences in the Bay Mau coconut forest.
According to the couple, these activities are not expensive but offer unique and memorable experiences for international travelers.
At Bay Mau, visitors can navigate narrow waterways in basket boats, surrounded by lush coconut palms, enjoying the serene beauty of the river landscape.
Nancy also noted that Hoi An offers several clean, peaceful beaches where visitors can relax, sunbathe, and take long walks.
An Bang Beach, once named by CNN among the world’s 50 most beautiful beaches, along with Ha My Beach and Cua Dai Beach - ranked by TripAdvisor among Asia’s top 25 beaches - are among the highlights.
Nancy added that she and her husband will certainly return to Vietnam once Marc fully retires, eager to explore more destinations across the country.
Vietnamnet.vn
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