More Life Than Travel

37 Days in Hoi An: fewer sights, more real togetherness.

This article was originally written in German and translated into English with the help of AI.

Part 1 of 3 is almost over. Today is our last full day with the Traveling Village in Hoi An, Vietnam. After that, we’re taking a ten-day break in Ninh Binh to recharge in nature, then Hong Kong, before heading to Hualien, Taiwan for the next round with all the families.

🗣️ Language Matters

Some kids start playing tag on day one — our daughter needed more time. What helped her? Stories. Her narratives helped her connect and, over time, grow confidence speaking English. Once that happened, she started to really settle in.

🏡 Coliving — Better Than Expected

Honestly, we were skeptical about living with five other families. Yes — it’s intense. But the benefits outweigh the challenges. Constant playmates for the kids? Pure gold. No logistics, no scheduling — kids just play. And for parents, that means real conversations and space, not constant entertainer mode.

Kids have this absurd natural ability to play together despite language or age barriers — as long as we give them time.

🏀 Play > Gym

No surprise here: I enjoy sports more when it’s play, not treadmill. Groups playing Spikeball, basketball, badminton — that gets me in flow. Not just training, actual life. I need to bring that back home.

🇻🇳 Yes — We Are in Vietnam

I talk lots about community, because that’s the standout. But Vietnam itself hits in its own way:

• The local hospitality is incredible — our host Cherry spoils us with smoothies and BBQ.

• Scooters everywhere — fun to ride, loud after a while.

• We experienced Tet — like Christmas + New Year + family reunion all in one. Totally immersive.

💸 The Two Sides of Our Spending Power

With Western money here, you can live like a mini-king — cheap rides, cheap eats. But there’s a dark side: it’s easy to slip into waste and overconsumption. And importantly: what feeling are we teaching our daughter when there’s a cheap army of helpers at our fingertips?

🌏 Sightseeing? Meh.

Iconic Instagram spots — old town, ruins — sure they’re beautiful. But the crowds suck the joy out of it. That makes me value community time even more than chasing highlight reels. Early starts help — but still.

We have done a few classic excursions, but in 37 days here: not many. What felt more like living?

• Playful sports (for me)

• Writers Club (for Michaela)

• Free play for Matilda

That felt like life — not travel checkboxes.

🔄 Time for a Shift

Five weeks here has felt like the right length. But my nervous system wants a slower gear. I crave nature — forests and mountains have been missing. So the next place (Hualien) is a chance to:

• Dive deeper in conversations

• Dance (apparently there’s good schools there)

• Be in nature, hike

• Cook more ourselves

• Really explore Taiwan, not just skim it

• Find reading and focused work time

Let’s see if that sticks…

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PS: You can here more from our experiences in the Traveling Village Podcast.

PPS: Tips for Hoi An

• VinWonders (was not too busy when we were there - had a lot of fun)

• Marble Mountain & the ruins of My Son (early start recommended)

• I liked Teh Dar in the Hoi An Lune Center (expensive, artistic) better than the Hoi A Memories Show (pompous and slightly cheesy). And the return ride with the beautiful lantern boat on the river.

• Workshops with local artists (embroidery & natural dyeing) & a tea ceremony (Michaela)

• Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for kids

• Good coffee/Bowls/Hipster-Vibe: Kaymai, Nourish & Good Eats

• Nice atmosphere: Roving Chillhouse (rice paddies), Vegetable Village (Café Slow)

• Days at the beach ( e.g. Soul Kitchen, Hít Hà Cafe)

• Favourite restaurants: Missteak (Steaks + View), Pho Xua Riverside (on the waterfront, cheap & fast), Madame Hien (high quality Vietnamese food), Shimai (Sushi), Banh Mi Big Mom (Banh Mi booth)