Week Six: The Highs, the Lows & Everything In Between
This stretch of the trip was all about recovery, transition, and finding our feet again. After Christmas Day illness and the end of the Hub, the days that followed felt like a slow regroup physically, mentally, as a family as we moved cities and closed out the year somewhere that finally allowed us to exhale.
The Highs
Post-Christmas recovery
Easing back into normal energy levels after a rough Christmas period.
Leaving Phu Quoc behind
We loved the experience, but we’re ready to move on to new adventures.
Finding Green Areca Villas in Hoi An
Instant calm. Greenery, space, quiet, and a place that felt genuinely family-friendly.
Poolside breakfasts
Pre-ordered, waiting for us, eaten slowly while the kids swam. Easily one of the best daily rhythms we’ve had so far.
New Year’s Eve simplicity
Low-key, unrushed, and exactly what we needed.
The Lows
Lingering sickness
Stomach issues and low energy still hung around for a few days after Christmas.
Travel fatigue
Packing after a long stay, flight delays, late arrivals, and tired kids.
Food frustrations
Oily eggs, strange pasta, bad coffee. Small things, but they add up quickly.
Standout Moments
That first morning in Hoi An
Sunshine, a beautiful pool, omelettes, fruit, coffee, and kids straight into the water.
Watching the kids regulate again
Happier, calmer, and more settled almost immediately.
Catching up with friends from the hub
So great to catch up with new friends made through the hub.
New Year’s Eve in Hoi An
Lanterns, warmth, and a gentle end to a big year.
Lessons Learnt
Accommodation shapes the entire experience more than the city itself.
We function best with space and quiet. Pools, greenery, and room to breathe beat busy hotels every time.
Breakfast matters as bad food sets the tone for the whole day.
Leaving long stays needs a better system – packing chaos drains energy fast.
Not every place needs to be a favourite. Knowing when to move on is part of slow travel.
Reflection
This week wasn’t about ticking boxes or chasing highlights. It was about letting bodies recover, expectations soften, and energy slowly come back online.
Christmas was messy. Da Nang wasn’t for us. And instead of forcing it, we adjusted.
Hoi A gave us a gentle landing to close out the year. Slow mornings, happy kids, and a reminder that when we prioritise comfort, calm, and connection, everything feels lighter.
No big celebrations. No dramatic plans. Just a quiet sense that we’re learning how to live this way properly.
And that felt like the right way to step into a new year.