See Hong Kong in two days: extremely sporty. See Hong Kong in a day and a half: actually impossible. But the typhoon did not mean well with us. A day and a half had to be enough. Far too little for a city like Hong Kong.
Stopover in Hong Kong – my tips!
Already when looking out of the hotel window (mega! – and kindly with orientation help) it was clear: I will see only a fraction of the city. So big, so fascinating, so versatile, so tropical. I will be back, I am sure of it.
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1st Temple Street Night Market – Food in Hong Kong
Located in the middle of Kowloon, the market is very easy to reach by bus and train. A typical Asian night market, perfectly adapted to the needs of tourists. From charging cables for the latest iPhone to Chinese tea services and the usual souvenirs, there is everything a tourist’s heart desires. The prices already seemed moderate, but haggling is still worthwhile.
But the really interesting thing are the restaurants around it, partly located in small dark alleys and very simply furnished. Not for cleanliness fanatics and probably not for sensitive animal lovers, because species-appropriate husbandry of marine animals looks different. In front of the restaurants are vats with live animals – waiting to be prepared. The crabs are supposed to be fantastic.
I’m not a fan of seafood, dead or alive. So the little animals were allowed to continue swimming in their tubs. But the rest was delicious. And the gruff Chinese service make the Hong Kong experience perfect.
For dessert – typical for Hong Kong – the photogenic Egg Waffles:
3. by ferry through Victoria Harbour
Probably one of the most affordable attractions in Hong Kong. You can also take one of the beautiful junks with a tourist program, but quickly crossing Victoria Harbour on one of the ferries is impressive. Especially at night, when the skyline is brightly lit. Costs only a few cents, and always goes.
4. ride Hong Kong streetcar
Hong Kong’s streetcars are probably unique: two stories, brightly painted and almost as short as a VW Golf.
5. shopping and chilling in Stanley
A bit out of the city center is Stanley, but with the bus line 6 even the trip there flies by. Passing the most beautiful beaches of Hong Kong such as Repulse Bay, along the serpentines between the tropical mountains.
Stanley itself is a pretty little town, with cafes and restaurants on a boardwalk and a small mall. Perfect to get away from the noisy city. Stanley is also known for its market – once an insider’s tip for bargain hunters, now more of a tourist market like everywhere else. Anyway, it’s still beautiful.
You can also take in the Tin Hau Temple in Stanley directly – one of many temples in Hong Kong dedicated to Tin Hau, the patron saint of fishermen and sailors. Beautiful to look at.
I’m dealing with natural disasters at the moment. Either they travel after me like they did the other day in Charlotte or they rush ahead of me. The latter then happened in Hong Kong. As a result, the briefing was postponed by a full 12 hours due to a typhoon – dramatically shortening my very first stay in Hong Kong . No matter. Better to arrive behind the typhoon than during it, right? At least I thought so and tightened the sightseeing program for Hong Kong a bit. The nightlife in Hong Kong then unfortunately fell away, no cocktails in rooftop bars or dancing through club nights. But then the most spectacular view ever.
Hong Kong: Take the Peak Tram to Victoria Peak
It’s Sunday. The first sunny day after a typhoon. Not a good idea to take the historic Hong Kong Peak Tram up to Victoria Peak – unless you’re not deterred by an hour and a half wait. On other days it is supposed to be better, but unfortunately we had no choice. Thousands of tourists must have held out in Hong Kong during the typhoon, only to be able to continue directly with their sightseeing program on the next possible day and storm Victoria Peak together.
Nevertheless: it’s worth it. The ride on the Hong Kong Peak Tram is quite short, but spectacular in places, as it gets so steep that you tend to lie on the wooden benches instead of sitting. Once at the top, there is a large shopping and entertainment center with an observation deck, Sky Terrace 428. It’s called that because it’s 428 meters high. (Who would have thought.) Costs extra, of course, but down at the streetcar station you can buy a combo ticket, save a few bucks and get the most fantastic view of Hong Kong’s skyline in return!
Breathtaking: View from Victoria Peak in Hong Kong
The view from the Peak is magical. We spent the afternoon at the top, watching the sunset and marveling at the colorful lights of the city at night. Like in a movie, like on a postcard, like a photo wallpaper – that’s how surreal this view felt. And all the efforts and waiting time for the ascent were forgotten.
In aviation, things always turn out differently than you think. Everything is in upheaval, everything is changing, our aviation world is upside down. And so now I’m flying around the world for a few months on the long haul – just like that. With all the trimmings that go with a new flight attendant job: the excitement before the first flight, the wobbly knees, the wondering eyes and a big bellyache from sheer nervousness. And I feel 21 again, like when it all began. Off to Charlotte, off to a little city break in North Carolina, on the east coast of the USA.
Charlotte: Where is that?
Actually, I was grateful that the first flight was to Charlotte. Because it’s not as spectacular as New York or Chicago. (Charlotte, by the way, is in North Carolina/USA and is home to the headquarters of Bank of America. Aha. Learned something again). I was already excited enough.
Unfortunately, small foothills of Hurricane Matthew raged through the city, and so the atmosphere was: special.
What else to do in and around Charlotte
Here are a few ideas for a trip to Charlotte, in case you have better luck with the weather than I did!
I’m heading to Zagreb and I’m looking for tips for a day in Zagreb. “So? You must always have plenty of time to spare, right?” Hmm. Not really. The days of multi-day layovers on short-haul flights are probably over. Layovers are getting shorter, workdays longer. But that’s okay; because if I have to choose between sleeping, eating, or sightseeing, I’ll still go for the sightseeing tour. Sometimes I only have a few hours, but with new destinations, that makes me all the more eager to get to know—if not the whole city, then at least a little bit of it—and see a few sights within that short time. It actually works out pretty well. So well, in fact, that I’m sometimes overwhelmed when I actually have more time in a place!
The Cathedral in Zagreb
I’m heading up to the cathedral. The cathedral is one of the most impressive sight in Zagreb and it’s located in the middle of a hill in the old town. Not to be missed – who would have thought that Zagreb has such a huge cathedral?
The Dolac Market
Nearby, you’ll find a big farmers’ market. And it’s really an experience. If you are looking for an authentic experience, definitely head for the Dolac Market. I bought sacks of fruit and vegetables there, at prices that are almost outrageously cheap and as fresh as if the sun-ripened cherries had just been picked from the tree. A lot of the produce seems to come from the farmers themselves and everything really tastes like summer!
Where to eat in Zagreb
From the market square, Zagreb’s bar and restaurant mile is not far away, besides the usual places with a rustic Balkan ambience, there are also plenty of new cafes and bars – Zagreb is young, open-minded and just waiting to be discovered.
Homemade ice cream at Cookie Factory
Art in Zagreb
The Art Pavilion in Zagreb always hosts great exhibitions of contemporary art. A good option for bad weather days! And if you are in the mood for something extraordinary, you should visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, an exhibition of remnants of past loves from all over the world.
It is essential to arrive in Sa Calobra before 10 a.m., says every guide book, so that you don’t find yourself in the middle of the big avalanche of coaches. Be sure to go again after 3 pm, otherwise you will experience the same thing back. Sa Calobra and the famous gorge Torrent de Pareis are well visited. All the more so in high summer, when Mallorca is bursting at the seams. Nevertheless, the Torrent de Pareis is always worth a trip during a Mallorca road trip! If you don’t want to drive, save yourself the journey through the Tramuntana and start with a boat trip from Port de Sóller to the bay of Sa Calobra.
In Sa Calobra there are a few restaurants, but relatively expensive and rather tourist traps. But the view is awesome!
Sa Calobra & the Torrent de Pareis: A day trip in Mallorca
On an island like Mallorca, the beach in Sa Calobra Bay isn’t particularly noteworthy: the pebbles make a day at the beach there a bit uncomfortable. But that’s not why people come here! The Torrent de Pareis is a torrential stream that flows right here through a deep gorge from the Tramuntana Mountains into the sea. However, this only happens during the colder and rainier seasons—in the summer, the Torrent de Pareis runs dry. Then you can also hike through the Torrent de Pareis gorge. However, you’ll need good hiking gear and a guide who knows the area well!
Tip: On my Mallorca blog you can find even more travel inspiration for my absolute favorite island!
Torrent de Pareis: Hiking tours and concerts
The spacious area at the end of Torrent de Pareis often hosts concerts in the summer, with shuttle service to Palma. The sound: Bose couldn’t do it better. Without a concert, the Torrent de Pareis is rather inconspicuous. If you arrive without hiking equipment and a local guide, the more exciting part of the gorge (where it gets narrow and steep and bumpy) is impassable. So there you are, standing on heated pebbles, between rocks and what feels like two hundred and fifty busloads of tourists from all over the world, who actually don’t know what they’re supposed to find so great about a parched spot between the mountains.
Tip: If you want to explore Torrent de Pareis, don’t do it without a guide!
Torrent de Pareis also often hosts open-air events.
And yet, it’s spectacular.Not only the gorge Torrent de Pareis, not only Sa Calobra and not even the turquoise blue water in the Cala de Sa Calobra.
Many serpentines and the tie knot of Mallorca
The real adventure is getting there! Coming by car from Inca, you shimmy through various mountain villages, up, down, up, down, and winding through dense forest. Until your foot cramps on the clutch from constantly shifting up and down. Until you get dizzy from the many curves and long for at least twenty meters of dead straight asphalt. Actually, that would be enough excitement, but then the last wild descent begins.
In hairpin curves it goes up the last hill and then …steeply downhill. In curves, tight, tightest. No guardrails. Slopes into the deep void. No view of what’s waiting around the bend. Nothing? Oncoming traffic? A giant tour bus that fills the entire width of the street?
The view during the drive to Sa Calobra: The Tramuntana Mountains in Mallorca.Rough and adventurous: the northeast coast of Mallorca.
Sa Calobra: The most winding approach to Mallorca
The serpentine road to Sa Calobra is not fun for every driver. But an adventure it is all the same! And once down in Sa Calobra, the Torrent de Pareis looks a lot more spectacular. You suddenly feel tiny in the face of the huge gorge.
Only something for safe drivers: The serpentines down to the Torrent de Pareis have it in themselves!No shade, giant pebbles – but the huge rocks on the right and left make the beach of Sa Calobra unique
The winding road above is really the only way to get to Sa Calobra by land. However, if you are not so adventurous, you can take a boat from Soller. Round trip costs 30 euros together.
Without car to Sa Calobra
By Bus
If you don’t dare to go down to Sa Calobra by car, then join a bus tour! There are some operators who include Sa Calobra in really nice day trips and where you get to know many other beautiful corners of the island in just one day.
This tour, for example, also includes a ride on the legendary Red Lightning, the historic wooden train from Palma to Sóller! This ticket alone normally costs 18 euros, so the price of the tour is worth it!
There are also some organized boat tours that go to the bay of Sa Calobra from surrounding ports. There you also have the opportunity to see the Torrent de Pareis during a short stay.
The Patuxai Monument in Vientiane is one of the central landmarks in the capital of Laos. Built in the 1950s and 1960s, it is meant to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. But if you look closely, you’ll notice Laotian influences—a unique building that you definitely shouldn’t miss while in Vientiane.
For a few kip (really not much), you can walk up the Patuxai Monument—all the way to the top.
Sightseeing in Vientiane: The Patuxai Monument
As you walk up, you can stop on two floors. Souvenir vendors have set up their stalls there, and you can find all kinds of knickknacks.
One floor reminded me very much of old Russian department stores with high ceilings and their saleswomen behind glass counters. One of the few times in Laos where I felt reminded that I was actually in a communist country.
Once you reach the very top, you’ll come to this romantic spiral staircase—isn’t it pretty? And just look at those ornate window grilles!
Some of the busiest main roads in Vientiane lead to the traffic circle around Patuxai Monument. One of the most central transport hubs, in other words. And here is already noticeable: Vientiane is so very different from most Southeast Asian capitals: No traffic collapse, no constant honking – everything very quiet.
Patuxai Monument: Best at sunset
It is most beautiful up here at sunset. No more crowds, and the setting sun bathes everything in a very special light. The architecture is really very unusual, everything is decorated in great detail.
How do you get there?
Patuxai Monument is located just outside the city center. From the old town (where most of the accommodations are located), it takes about 20 minutes by bike. Bikes can be rented everywhere in the old town. Or you can just take a tuktuk.
Have you ever heard of Vientiane? Neither had I, really, until I planned my trip to Laos. Probably for good reason: Vientiane is simply less spectacular than other major cities in Southeast Asia, like Bangkok or Hanoi. On the other hand, that’s exactly what makes Vientiane so special: it just feels like a big village.
The skyline of Vientiane: The Don Chan Palace
Vientiane lacks true skyscrapers, which is unusual for an Asian city. The only exception is the Don Chan Palace, a 14-story hotel that stands out as an architectural misfit in this peaceful city. Interestingly, it is also the tallest building in Laos, although it’s hard to imagine given the city’s skyline. No building in Vientiane can surpass the Patuxai Monument, one of the few prominent landmarks in the city.
Vientiane’s must-see attractions
Vientiane is a small city, which makes it easy to get around. Most of the main sights are close to each other, so you can explore at your own pace and see a lot in just a short time. You’ll still have time to relax with a great Laotian coffee at one of the cozy cafés in the Old Town or try different foods at the night market along the river.
The Patuxai Monument resembles the Laotian version of the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris, though it was only built in the 1960s. When you reach the top, you’ll enjoy the most incredible view of the city, and the monument itself is quite charming with its many intricate details. Visiting in the afternoon is lovely, especially when the weather is clear and the sunlight makes everything glow beautifully. Just remember to arrive early, as the monument closes at 5 p.m., so you don’t miss out on the experience.
That Luang: The Golden Landmark
The huge stupa of That Luang is Laos’s most important religious landmark. It’s big, golden, and truly impressive. Though you can’t get very close, it’s definitely worth seeing. The complex is expansive and features some beautiful temples and buildings. The best way to explore the area is by bike, which you can rent easily anywhere in the city. Biking is a fantastic way to enjoy the whole site comfortably.
That Dam: The Forgotten Stupa
That Dam is a large, old stupa located in the middle of a residential neighborhood, now abandoned. Surrounding the square are a few restaurants, making it a pleasant spot to enjoy a quick break from sightseeing.
How to Get to Vientiane
By Bus
Intercity buses stop at either the northern or southern bus station, both of which are quite far from the city. Afterward, depending on traffic, you’ll need about 45 minutes in a tuk-tuk to reach the city center. Private tourist buses are more convenient; they typically go directly to the Old Town, where most of the city’s hotels are located. City buses operate from and return to the central bus station near Talat Sao, right in the city center.
Heading north, the bus has become less significant since the railway opened; few people now opt for the winding road to Vang Vieng or Luang Prabang. However, for trips south to Thakhek and Pakse, and for long-distance routes to Hanoi or Hue, it remains the primary choice. Schedules and prices are available on 12Go Asia.
By Train
This is the area that has seen the most change since my last visit. Vientiane now features two train stations, each part of a different rail network.
The China-Laos Railway has been operational since December 2021, starting from Vientiane Station in Don Noun, about 15 kilometers northeast of the city center. From there, you can reach Vang Vieng in just over an hour and Luang Prabang in approximately two hours. Previously, the bus journey to these destinations took about eight to ten hours. The northernmost border station is Boten, where once daily, a through train connects directly to Kunming in China. Tickets are in high demand, especially on weekends and holidays, and can be purchased at the station, through the LCR Ticket app, or at various travel agencies. Note that tickets for departures from Laos are only sold within Laos and are not available for advance purchase in China.
Since July 2024, there has also been a direct overnight train from Bangkok. It departs in the evening from Krung Thep Aphiwat Station and arrives in Vientiane the next morning—the trip takes about eleven hours and includes border checks handled directly at the stations—you don’t have to change trains. The train arrives at Khamsavath Station, about seven to nine kilometers southeast of the city center.
A sleeper car typically costs around 30 euros, varying with the class, while a standard seat is much cheaper. Trains operate multiple times daily between Udon Thani or Nong Khai and Khamsavath, making travel especially convenient if you’re catching one of the modern Thai night trains to the border.
Tip: If you’re arriving by train from Bangkok and plan to continue on to Luang Prabang, you’ll need to arrange an additional taxi or bus ride from Khamsavath Station to the China-Laos Railway station. Allow at least an hour for this trip. Also, you cannot book a through ticket.
By plane
The small Wattay Airport (VTE) is located just about three kilometers from the city center; a taxi ride to the Old Town takes ten to fifteen minutes.
Thai Airways and Thai AirAsia fly from Bangkok; Vietnam Airlines and VietJet fly from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City; and Scoot flies from Singapore to Vientiane. In addition, numerous flights to China are operated by China Eastern, China Southern, and other airlines. Within Laos, Lao Airlines, Lao Skyway, and Lanexang Airways operate flights. There are no direct flights from Europe.
Luang Prabang feels like a charming place frozen in a gentle moment. The relaxed pace of life and the warm, easygoing nature of the people, just like in the rest of Laos, make it truly special. The Old Town is undoubtedly the heart of Luang Prabang—no surprise that most tourist stays are centered here. I’ve put together a list of all the wonderful sights you can enjoy in Luang Prabang. And just to be honest, I have to say: Luang Prabang really left a lasting impression on me.
Temple over temple in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the spiritual heart of Laos. While temple visits are generally worthwhile in Southeast Asia, in Luang Prabang they are an absolute must! Here are some of the most beautiful temples:
Don’t miss the chance to see the sunset from Phou Si (or Phusi) Mountain—it’s truly unforgettable! The stunning view of the city and river will stay with you forever. To enjoy the best sights, try to arrive early and find a cozy spot to take it all in.
There isn’t much space at the top of the mountain, and it tends to get crowded. It’s important to drink plenty of water in the Asian heat, especially while climbing. Just keep in mind that there are no restrooms at the top, so try not to overdo it with the water.
There are two ways up, one on the Nam Khan side, the other just in front of the National Museum.
The Night Market in Luang Prabang
Every city in Southeast Asia has a night market. In Luang Prabang, the Night Market operates daily from 6pm along Sisavongvang Road, directly opposite the National Museum. Even if you’re not interested in typical tourist attractions, it’s definitely worth taking a closer look here. A few things are really different and the prices are quite reasonable.
Food Drinks
In Luang Prabang, you’ll never go hungry. Around every corner, you’ll discover cozy pubs, cafés, and restaurants offering delicious meals. While the street food scene is limited mostly to a few spots at the Night Market, there are plenty of affordable restaurant options as well, making it easy to enjoy a great meal whenever you like.
Restaurant Tip for Luang Prabang
Och Pop Tok is a small textile manufacturer with great handmade and fair-trade products. If you’d like, you can also take the free shuttle to their small production facility just outside the Old Town. And, by the way, there’s a cozy café near the store:
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
Compared to the rest of Laos, staying in Luang Prabang tends to be a bit more expensive, especially during special holidays like Lao New Year in April. But I found the prices to be quite reasonable overall. If you’re looking to indulge a little, definitely consider exploring the charming luxury hotels in town. They offer a lovely, unique feel that sets them apart from the big hotel chains—which are less common here, or often come with individually managed accommodations that add to their special charm.
3 Tips for Different Budgets
Basic: View Khem Khoung Guest House —cozy, French owner, helpful and friendly, great location Mid-range: My Dream Boutique Resort —a charming resort nestled in a tropical garden Luxury: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang —it’s a hotel chain, but: unique atmosphere, cozy, few rooms, and great deals during the off-season
Tours from Luang Prabang
There’s plenty of nature to discover around Luang Prabang, and three destinations top the list. The Kuang Si Waterfall is the absolute highlight among them—turquoise-blue pools, multiple cascades, and plenty of time to just sit back and take it all in. I’ve written all about it in a separate article: Kuang Si Waterfall: Welcome to Paradise
The Tad Se Waterfall, on the other hand, isn’t really worth visiting during the dry season because there’s simply not enough water flowing—if you’re traveling during this time, you’re better off skipping the trip. Unfortunately, I missed the Pak Ou Caves myself, but they’re said to be very beautiful: two caves on the Mekong, crammed with thousands of Buddha statues that worshippers have placed there over the centuries.
Finding the most beautiful beaches or the most amazing bays in Mallorca isn’t difficult at all. Get into the rental car, open the map or turn on the navigation system – and you will always find a beautiful beach. It’s a big island. With nothing but romantic bays and dream beaches. It’s a good thing that Mallorca is always a safe bet: quick to reach, always sunny, lots of beaches. And actually, everything is a bit like home, only more Spanish.
The most beautiful beaches and coves in the south of Mallorca
Mallorca has so many beautiful beaches that it can be hard to decide where to spend the perfect day at the beach on the island. You could easily spend two weeks in Mallorca, visiting a different beach every day, and still not see them all! Here’s a small but excellent selection of the most beautiful beaches:
1. Es Trenc / Ses Covetes
Finest white sand like in the Caribbean. Turquoise blue water so clear that you can watch the fish around you frolicking in the water when you are standing shoulder high in the water. Framed by dunes like on Sylt. Pure nature.
Of course, Es Trenc hasn’t been a hidden gem for a long time now. But it’s still worth a visit, especially if you keep a few things in mind:
Be sure to come early. From 10am on it gets really crowded.
Avoid weekends. Because then you have the working local population on top of the tourist crowd.
Don’t get excited about the prices. In Es Trenc everything is more expensive. Parking. Beach loungers. Bars.
Don’t forget sunscreen. This is always important, but due to the extremely light sand and the clear water you will get sunburned faster. Which you don’t even notice right away due to the light wind.
Getting to Es Trenc
There are two access routes: Es Trenc/Ses Salines and Es Trenc/Ses Covetes. In Ses Salines, you’ll pass a saltworks run by Germans (tip: stop on the way back, have a coffee on the cozy patio, and buy some salt), then a really narrow gravel road leads after a while to a paid parking lot. There are no other parking options. So don’t waste time looking —just pay for the day pass with a heavy heart and park. And it’s best not to head back before the afternoon — the gravel road back to the main road turns into an adventure when you have to pass oncoming cars.
In Ses Covetes you can park in the village or on a designated parking spot a bit before the village, where a paid shuttle bus takes you to the beach entrance. Both beach sections are phenomenal, but because of the saltworks I would rather recommend Ses Salines.
Cala S’Amarrador was once named the most beautiful beach in Europe by some website. It’s easy to see why, because Cala S’Amarrador has it all: clear water, fine sand, and pine forests all around. It’s also known as Cala Mondragó, since it’s part of the Mondragó Nature Reserve.
The insider tip for people who like it more adventurous. Cala S’Almunia is reached by descending a steep staircase. The bay itself is very rocky. You can also get into the water only after climbing halfway around the bay. Or you can just jump in from the rocks. There is no sandy beach, you lie on rocks or pebbles at the water entrance. Not for small children or people who don’t like to climb around. If you like, you can go one bay further to Cala Moro. But the water is worth every deprivation! Perfect for snorkelers and adventurers.
Here’s How to Get to the Dream Beaches
All of the beaches are located in southeastern Mallorca, near Santanyí, and are actually best reached by rental car.
Rent a car in Mallorca
Mallorca is a classic destination. It’s always a good choice. And here’s what you absolutely must have on the island: a rental car. Because Mallorca is too beautiful to spend your vacation days just sitting around in one place. No, the real fun comes from hitting the road and exploring on your own. That’s the only way to get a complete sense of Mallorca. Because this island has it all: the sea, mountains, gorgeous sandy beaches, sleepy farming villages, a charming city, secluded countryside, and rocky coves—all on this little patch of land in the Mediterranean.
Tip: Getting a rental car in Mallorca
Want to avoid the hassle of renting a car from budget providers? You won’t find any shady providers here, and excellent support in the event of damage is included!
I don’t know what it was. I, who was quite carried away from a 24-hour trip from Berlin to Luang Prabang in northern Laos, or the city itself, still on the ropes from the Buddhist New Year celebrations two weeks earlier. Luang Prabang was so incredibly quiet and calm, sleepy, yet relaxed. I had not expected this calm. And it was hot. Incredibly hot.
Was this something the tranquility of Luang Prabang that I had read and heard so much about before? I have rarely experienced a place that radiates so much relaxation. It felt as if I had landed from busy Berlin straight into another dimension, where there is a completely different concept of time – it didn’t seem important here at all.
On my Laos blog page, you’ll find even more tips for this fascinating travel destination
Luang Prabang: The beginning of a journey through Laos
No rush, no hurry. Just a small, pretty place, in the middle of nowhere, on the peaceful flowing Mekong River. Full of the most beautiful Buddhist temples, at the very end of the world. Luang Prabang was definitely the right place to start a journey through Laos.
I could have easily spent two weeks in Luang Prabang, just relaxing. Unfortunately, I did not have quite so much time, but I swore to myself: Someday I’ll be back, and then I’ll rent one of the great accommodations in Luang Prabang and just do nothing but enjoy.
Esporles is a charming little village tucked at the foot of the stunning Serra Tramuntana. It offers a genuinely authentic Mallorca experience! Not many tourists venture here, which makes it all the more special. Hopefully, you’ll be lucky enough to visit during a market day in Esporles. That’s a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in the true essence of Mallorcan village life and enjoy the vibrant local atmosphere.
Colorful: The market in Esporles.
Esporles in Mallorca: The farmer’s market
A brief visit to one of the many markets on Mallorca is enough to realize that foodies get their money’s worth here. Every village, no matter how small, has its own market during the week. Often, you will find stands from local vendors who sell products from their own finca.
The weekly market in Esporles is one of the most beautiful on the island.Typical: The spicy Sobrassada.Mallorcan cuisine features ingredients like stockfish and pickled olives.
The fertile Mallorcan soil combined with the nearly always shining sun creates ideal growing conditions. Lemon and orange trees are found throughout the island, along with all other essentials for a healthy Mediterranean diet: olives, juicy tomatoes, dried fruits, fresh fish, and huge watermelons. The list seems endless!
Market day is always a special occasion in remote villages. Not only can you find much fresher fruits and vegetables than at the local supermarket, but it’s also a wonderful opportunity to catch up on the latest village gossip—or simply enjoy a relaxed chat with your neighbors over a lovely café con leche. It’s such a warm and friendly way to connect, especially for the older villagers who might not get many chances to leave the village.
When is market day in Esporles? When is market in Mallorca?
In Mallorca, every day is market day. There’s always some small village that’s holding a market. Large markets, like the one on Sundays in Santa Maria, are popular because of their size and variety, but it’s the small markets, like this one on Saturdays in Esporles, that are especially charming.
I really enjoy the smaller markets in the countryside the most; however, if you’re just visiting the capital, Palma, for a few days, you’ll also discover many wonderful opportunities to shop for authentic Mallorcan products there.
Hoi An is probably the biggest tourist trap in Vietnam. And I still thought it was great, even though I’m rarely enthusiastic about places like this. Hoi An was completely different to what I had seen of Vietnam so far. At first glance, the old town of Hoi An is a mix of crowded tourist stronghold and highly polished attraction that has little to do with the rest of Vietnam.
Beautiful motifs can be found on every corner in the old town of Hoi An.
Having previously sailed through Halong Bay, fought my way through the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and taken a unique tour from Hue on a motorcycle, this stop was something completely different.
Still, I had such relaxing days. So in this article, I’m sharing my best tips and spots in Hoi An with you, along with 8 reasons why you shouldn’t miss Hoi An on your trip to Vietnam!
1. Hoi An: Paradise in Vietnam
You’ll probably follow the usual itinerary on your trip to Vietnam, which means traveling either from north to south or vice versa. Hoi An is located almost exactly in the middle of Vietnam. This makes it the perfect place to spend a few quiet days after a hectic trip through cities like Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City.
If you’ve been traveling in Vietnam for a while, you’ll notice how loud the streets are—and it might get on your nerves. That’s because the Vietnamese love to honk! They honk constantly—when passing other cars, at traffic lights, and when turning. And the streets are full of scooters, which are especially popular in Vietnam.
Hoi An is a welcome exception: Only bicycles and non-motorized rickshaws are allowed in the historic center; cars and scooters are banned. The entire historic center is one big pedestrian zone! This means you can explore the old town on foot at your own leisure, without having to worry about getting run over by the nearest scooter rider.
The old town is quite clear. All the sights in Hoi An are close to each other. You can stroll leisurely through the streets and stop at the pretty cafes and restaurants. Many houses are also open to the public: there are often benches in the courtyards: just sit down and let yourself drift.
2. the history of Hoi An and the historical old town
Hoi An was founded by the Cham in the 4th century—that’s how old the city is! Between the 16th and 19th centuries, the city grew in importance. The port became one of the most important trading ports in the South China Sea until it was replaced by nearby Da Nang. However, the old buildings were preserved, and since Hoi An had completely lost its strategic importance, the old town remained entirely untouched even during the Vietnam War. That’s great for us, because it means Hoi An is now a magical place steeped in history.
Although the old wooden houses in the Old Town have been hit by flooding several times, they are in very good condition. Most have been in the same family for generations, and many of the houses can also be toured from the inside. Most of the houses in Hoi An’s Old Town are actually inhabited, which is something to keep in mind when choosing what to wear. Vietnamese people are not very open-minded: covering your shoulders and knees is always a good and respectful choice when entering a private home.
There are small ticket booths scattered throughout the Old Town where you can buy a 3-day pass. This pass grants you free admission to all attractions in Hoi An.
3. food in Hoi An: Vietnamese cuisine at its best!
Hoi An is truly every foodie’s dream! There’s great food around every corner here, no matter your budget. Whether it’s small street snacks or elaborate menus at one of the many upscale restaurants, I haven’t had a single bad meal in Hoi An! Vietnamese cuisine is always very fresh and flavorful, but in Hoi An there are also plenty of innovative cafes and restaurants offering fantastic takes on Vietnamese specialties.
Cooking course in Hoi An
If you want to know how to recreate these dishes at home, just sign up for the right cooking class. Many restaurants also offer these kinds of classes, and they usually include a trip to the market. That way, you can get familiar with the ingredients right away.
Green Mango serves delicious fusion cuisine that combines Vietnamese basics with Western elements. Things get a bit more experimental at the Mango Rooms, where unusual combinations meet tropical flair. And if you’re only going to visit one restaurant in Hoi An, make it Morning Glory —that’s where I had the best pork bánh mì I’ve ever had.
But it doesn’t always have to be a restaurant: the street food in Hoi An is delicious everywhere, too!
4. cafés in Hoi An: Ca phe sua da & Co.
As much as I wanted to, I couldn’t bring myself to eat all day. But with temperatures over 35 degrees in the shade, I developed quite a taste for cà phê sữa đá, the typical Vietnamese iced coffee. And there are quite a few cafés in Hoi An. My favorites are Hoi An Roastery and Coco Box.
One of my favorite cafes in Hoi An: Cocobox.
You can find even more travel inspiration for Vietnam here
5. shopping in Hoi An: tailor stores on every corner
Hoi An is famous for its tailor shops. Throughout the old town, you’ll find numerous small workshops where you can have suits and dresses custom-made. I didn’t buy anything there because, once again, I wanted to save weight in my luggage.
What I have heard, though, is that tailors in Hoi An are supposed to be more expensive than in other places—it is, after all, a major tourist destination. Also, I’d take a close look at the quality of the fabrics: I’ve often had the impression that they cut corners there, and nothing is more disappointing than investing money and effort in a beautiful piece that, in the end, looks like it came from a discount store just because of the poor fabric quality.
As for souvenirs, I ended up sticking to tea—it weighs less—and the tea was really great. And if you’re lucky, you can even sample all kinds of different varieties during an authentic Vietnamese tea ceremony.
Popular souvenir from Vietnam: tea in all variations.
6. nightlife in Hoi An: lanterns, street food and balmy nights
Hoi An is truly beautiful in the evening, when colorful lanterns light up the entire Old Town. The streets fill with people, and everyone enjoys the balmy nights with a fresh cocktail or dinner at one of the many fantastic restaurants. If you’d like, you can even buy your own paper lanterns at the night market.
Especially beautiful in the evening: the many stalls with colorful paper lanterns.The whole of Hoi An is decorated with lanterns.
7. relaxing on the beach – An Bang Beach
Had enough of the Old Town? Right nearby, just a 20-minute bike ride away, is An Bang Beach—and it’s a wonderful place to relax after all that sightseeing. The beach is clean and wide, and the water is warm. And just like in the Old Town, you don’t have to worry about food and drinks: the beach is full of vendors who unobtrusively offer snacks and ice-cold water for a small fee.
8. off to the countryside!
If you’re in the mood for some country air and want to experience a bit of life around Hoi An, you should book one of the many day tours offered throughout the city.
Many tours are done by bike, and in some cases you can also visit the small workshops where, for example, the famous paper lanterns are made. Or you can take the opportunity to pet a few water buffalo!
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