When people think of Quang Nam, Hoi An often comes first to mind – the moss-covered rooftops, the lantern-lit streets steeped in nostalgia. But Quang Nam is more than that. Beyond its timeless beauty lies another journey – one that is green, close to nature, and deeply sustainable.
In just a short trip, from the ancient town of Hoi An to the lush vegetable fields of Tra Que and out to the pristine Cham Islands, you can witness the harmony of culture, greenery, and ocean. More than a sightseeing route, it’s an invitation to embrace a new way of traveling – slower, more meaningful, and grounded in the responsibility of protecting the environment.
Hoi An – An Ancient Town in the Rhythm of Slow Living
To reach Hoi An, you can fly into Da Nang International Airport, then continue by bus, taxi, or motorbike for about 30 km (roughly 45 minutes to 1 hour). The road from Da Nang to Hoi An is itself a delight, tracing the turquoise coastline of My Khe and Cua Dai beaches – turning the journey into a scenic experience.
Stepping into Hoi An feels like stepping back in time. Golden walls aged by centuries, moss-covered rooftops, and narrow alleys draped in colorful lanterns create a beauty that is both nostalgic and romantic. Here, there is no need to rush – simply sip a coffee under a wooden porch, listen to temple bells in the distance, or watch the Hoai River flow by in its quiet rhythm.
To immerse yourself deeper in the cultural heartbeat of the town, don’t miss:
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Japanese Covered Bridge (Chùa Cầu) – the timeless symbol of Hoi An, bridging past and present.
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Fujian Assembly Hall (Hội quán Phúc Kiến) – where locals often come to pray for peace and prosperity.
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Tan Ky Ancient House – nearly 200 years old, showcasing a unique blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architecture.
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Sa Huynh Culture Museum or Museum of Trade Ceramics – telling stories of Hoi An’s golden days as a bustling port.
When night falls, the old town transforms under the glow of thousands of lanterns. This is the perfect time to take a boat ride on the Hoai River, release a floating candle, browse the night market for souvenirs, or enjoy a soulful “bài chòi” folk performance. For something truly special, you might even have a tailor whip up a custom áo dài or dress – a fast yet delicate service that has become part of Hoi An’s charm.
Hoi An’s cuisine is also a “living heritage.” Each dish carries the imprint of cultural exchange: cao lầu, influenced by Chinese flavors; mì Quảng, reflecting the rustic spirit of Quang Nam; and delicate white rose dumplings, with echoes of imperial cuisine. Dining in Hoi An isn’t just about satisfying hunger – it’s about tasting history and touching the very soul of the land.
Tra Que Vegetable Village – A Meal to Remember for a Lifetime
If Hoi An is where you slow down and gaze into the past, then Tra Que is where you can truly “touch the present.” Just about 3 km from the ancient town, this little village has become famous across Vietnam for its lush vegetable beds, nourished by a special kind of river seaweed that gives the produce a fresh taste and a fragrance unlike any other.
At Tra Que, you don’t just “visit” – you actually become a farmer for a day. Local villagers warmly guide you: roll up your pants, slip on straw sandals, carry a bamboo yoke to water the greens, pull weeds, loosen the soil, or sow new seeds. These simple tasks bring unexpected joy – a mix of movement, laughter, and a sense of blending into the slow rhythm of life in harmony with nature.
The highlight is the “farm to table” meal: vegetables freshly picked from the garden, cooked right on site into rustic yet flavorful dishes such as tam huu (shrimp, pork, and herbs skewers), banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes), and Tra Que vegetable salad. Each dish is a reflection of the land, water, and the hardworking hands that nurture them. Here, eating is not just about filling your stomach – it’s about tasting kindness, and appreciating the value of every drop of sweat that falls into the soil.
Perhaps that’s why many visitors leave Tra Que with lingering feelings: “A single meal here, and you’ll remember it for a lifetime.” It’s not only the flavors that stay with you, but also the warmth, the rustic bond between people and nature – something that feels rare in today’s fast-paced modern life.
Cu Lao Cham – A Gentle Reminder from the Sea
The waters of Cu Lao Cham are so clear that you can see the vibrant coral reefs beneath the waves. Yet what makes this island truly special is not only its pristine beauty, but also the way locals live in harmony with nature. “Saying no to plastic” is not just a slogan on a signboard – it has become a daily habit, a way of life, visible in the markets, eateries, and every household.
One experience you shouldn’t miss here is snorkeling. With just a mask and a life jacket, you can float in the cool water and marvel at an “underwater garden” of colorful coral reefs, schools of playful fish, and rays of sunlight dancing through the sea. In that moment, you feel small before the vast ocean – yet also realize you are inseparably part of it.
What’s truly special about Cu Lao Cham is that it teaches us to enjoy without possessing. Visitors come to admire, to play, to relax – but also to learn how to cherish every coral reef, every little fish, every salty breeze. Because only through appreciation can we preserve this pristine beauty for generations to come.
At Cu Lao Cham, you don’t just have a beach trip. You gain a lesson in balance and responsibility – and when you leave, the sea leaves a gentle reminder in your heart: live green, so the ocean can stay forever blue.
Tips for a Sustainable Green Journey
A beautiful trip is not only about stunning check-in photos, but also about the way we cherish and preserve each destination. To make your journey through Hoi An – Cu Lao Cham even more meaningful, keep in mind these small actions that create a big impact:
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Bring your own water bottle: it’s convenient and helps reduce single-use plastic waste – one of the biggest burdens on our oceans.
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Pack wisely: comfortable walking shoes, a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen will protect your health and let you fully enjoy outdoor activities.
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Plan a thoughtful itinerary – at least 2 days and 1 night so you don’t feel rushed:
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Day 1: stroll through the ancient streets of Hoi An, cycle to Tra Que vegetable village, and immerse yourself in its peaceful rhythm.
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Day 2: take a boat to Cu Lao Cham, dive into the turquoise sea, snorkel among coral reefs, and breathe in the fresh ocean air.
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Travel responsibly: join activities with respect for both nature and local culture.
Small steps, yet your choices help Hoi An – Cu Lao Cham remain beautifully untouched.
Always remember: “Come to enjoy, but also to preserve.”
Conclusion – A Different Quang Nam in Your Eyes
The journey through Hoi An – Tra Que – Cu Lao Cham is more than just travel. It’s three pieces of a bigger picture:
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In Hoi An, you find peace and nostalgia, as if stepping back into a living memory.
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In Tra Que, you blend into the rhythm of rural life, savoring a simple yet unforgettable green meal.
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In Cu Lao Cham, you don’t just admire the sea and coral reefs, but also learn to cherish and protect nature.
By the end of the trip, you’ll realize Quang Nam isn’t just a place for “check-ins,” but a land that teaches you to live slower, live greener, and connect more deeply with both people and nature.
It’s this quiet depth that creates a lasting charm, making Quảng Nam truly unforgettable.
