Ipoh became our first Malaysian home. Over four weeks, we learned to navigate tropical city life, discover new foods, spot wildlife from our window, and experience the cultures and traditions that shape everyday Malaysia.
Author: Svetlana
Da Nang: Between the Sea and the Mountains
After four weeks in Hoi An, we expected Da Nang to be just another beach city. Instead, we discovered ancient Champa history, mystical caves, sunrise walks, bustling fish markets, Monkey Mountain, and a dragon breathing fire into the night sky.
February 2026 Travel Budget: Wrapping Up Slow Travel in Vietnam
February had our lowest total monthly spend so far, though daily costs were slightly higher than in January. This highlights how slower travel, fewer transfers, and longer stays can keep overall expenses low.
Hoi An: Life Around Tết
Tết in Hoi An was not just a single celebration—it was a gradual transformation. Over four weeks, we watched flowers appear, markets change, families gather, and traditions unfold as the town welcomed the Lunar New Year.
Hoi An: Vegetable Gardens, Woodcarvers and Waterways
Beyond Hoi An's Ancient Town lie peaceful villages, traditional crafts, rice fields and waterways. Join us as we explore Tra Que and Cam Kim on foot, discovering a quieter side of Hoi An that many visitors never see.
Hoi An: Exploring the Ancient Town
Hoi An Ancient Town lived up to its reputation for lantern-lit streets and historic charm. Yet our favorite moments came during the quieter hours, when the crowds faded and the town's history, architecture, and atmosphere could be appreciated at a slower pace.
Our First Days in Hoi An: Kumquat Trees, Snails and Karaoke
Before Hoi An’s lanterns and Ancient Town, we found its everyday rhythm in the streets around our apartment — neighborhood festivals, local food, and unexpected evenings shaped by kumquat growers and karaoke. These early days revealed a side of Hoi An that guidebooks rarely show.
January 2026 Travel Budget: How Slow Travel Made Vietnam Even Cheaper
In January, our Vietnam travel became more budget-friendly. Staying longer in Ninh Binh and Hue, cooking some meals at home, and using land transport kept costs low. At CAD 72.97 per day for two, this was our cheapest month so far, without compromising on experiences or comfort.
Hue: From Empire to Everyday Life
Hue reveals itself beyond its imperial monuments — through quiet museums, family homes, and unexpected encounters. From royal palaces to private ancestral houses, the city blends history and daily life in ways that feel personal, lived-in, and unexpectedly human.
Hue: Imperial City, Tombs, and Living History
A day inside Hue's Imperial City and a journey through three royal tombs revealed the city's imperial past. Along the way, we discovered peaceful gardens, grand mausoleums, a living monastery, and a few unexpected moments that became some of our strongest memories of Hue.