Maria Matthews Discovers Vietnam's Hidden Charm in Hoi An and Da Nang

What began as a sister's birthday celebration in Vietnam evolved into something far more meaningful for travel advisor Maria Matthews. Her recent journey to Hoi An and Da Nang revealed a side of Vietnam that challenged her preconceptions and deepened her appreciation for destinations that quietly shine beyond the tourist spotlight.

Matthews discovered a country where genuine hospitality creates the foundation for every travel experience. "What stood out to me the most was the kindness and genuine warmth of the Vietnamese people. Everywhere we went, people were welcoming, gracious, and so sincere, which made the trip feel even more special," she reflects on her time exploring these two distinct yet complementary destinations.

Two Cities, Two Personalities

Hoi An captured Matthews' imagination with its UNESCO Heritage architecture and romantic atmosphere. Former merchant houses have been thoughtfully transformed into charming cafés and boutiques while preserving their historic character. The narrow streets burst with color from massive bougainvillea blooms and the glow of traditional lanterns, creating what Matthews describes as a perfect blend of French colonial elegance and Vietnamese vibrancy.

Da Nang presented an entirely different energy, one that surprised Matthews with its understated appeal. The coastal city's expansive beaches and relaxed atmosphere reminded her of Hawaii and Guam, offering a peaceful counterpoint to Hoi An's historic intensity. This contrast highlighted something Matthews hadn't expected to discover about Vietnam's tourism landscape.

Beyond the Beaten Path

Matthews' experience challenged common assumptions about which Vietnamese destinations deserve attention. While heavily promoted locations like Halong Bay dominate travel itineraries, she found that Da Nang offers exceptional value as a destination. "I don't feel like it is promoted as heavily as places like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or Halong Bay, but it has so much to offer. It has beautiful coastlines, a growing number of five-star properties, and a clean, relaxed city-beach atmosphere," she explains.

This revelation speaks to a broader pattern Matthews has observed in her travel advisory work. Popular doesn't always mean best, and sometimes the most rewarding experiences come from destinations that haven't yet claimed the spotlight.

Practical Wisdom for Future Travelers

Matthews' firsthand experience yielded practical insights that only come from navigating a destination personally. She strongly recommends using Grab, Southeast Asia's ride-sharing app, rather than flagging street taxis to avoid overcharging and simplify transportation logistics.

The climate demands preparation too. Most establishments don't automatically serve free water, making it essential to carry bottled water during day-long explorations. The heat and humidity, particularly in Hoi An, require strategic planning with proper sun protection and comfortable walking shoes.

For those interested in Hoi An's famous tailoring scene, Matthews suggests a selective approach. Rather than entering random shops, she recommends seeking hotel recommendations or choosing establishments with strong reviews. Bringing reference pieces helps ensure satisfying results from the skilled local craftspeople.

The Insider's Perspective

Some of Hoi An's most photographed experiences, like the river lantern release, may not live up to expectations. Matthews found the crowded boat rides resembled "bumper boats" more than the serene experience often portrayed. She suggests enjoying the lantern views from riverside restaurants instead, where the atmosphere remains magical without the chaos.

Similarly, in Da Nang, Matthews recommends skipping the heavily touristed Ba Na Hills and Golden Bridge in favor of more authentic experiences. An early morning walk up the steps at Marble Mountains, before the heat intensifies, provides a more genuine connection to the destination than taking the elevator with crowds.

The Value of Experience

This journey reinforced for Matthews why firsthand destination knowledge transforms how travel advisors serve their clients. "Having first-hand experience in a destination really changes everything. It gives me a much better understanding of what to recommend to clients, what is truly worth doing, and what they may want to skip," she explains.

These personal insights extend beyond major attractions to practical details like which ATMs minimize fees, which local dishes deserve priority, and countless small tips that enhance the overall travel experience. Such knowledge can only be gained through personal exploration, not research alone.

Matthews' Vietnamese adventure has already sparked plans for deeper exploration of the country, including the Mekong Delta and Sapa regions. However, her immediate travel calendar points toward Palawan in the Philippines and potentially Bali in Indonesia, continuing her mission to experience destinations that offer meaningful cultural connections alongside natural beauty. "I'm excited to continue exploring destinations that offer a mix of culture, nature, beautiful scenery, and meaningful local experiences," she says, embodying the curiosity that makes exceptional travel advisors invaluable guides for their clients' own adventures.