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…
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
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)
