adminReturning to Hoi An in autumn, when the sunshine is soft and the weather is perfect for leisurely strolls, as a warm invitation to rediscover a land steeped in history, culture, and architectural heritage. Once a bustling international trading port over 400 years ago, Hoi An now reveals a quieter charm, where the peaceful riverside countryside invites you to slow down, embrace a more unhurried rhythm, and savor the beauty of every moment.
This journey took us on a fascinating exploration with NHAAN Resort & Spa Hoi An, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, a newly tranquil riverside sanctuary in Hoi An and the first property under the Tapestry Collection by Hilton brand in Vietnam.
Designed by world-renowned Vietnamese architect Vo Trong Nghia, the resort’s biophilic architecture seamlessly blends modern sophistication with nature-led design. Expansive panoramic windows, locally sourced stone and timber, and organic textures frame views of the surrounding palm gardens and waterways, creating an open-air sanctuary that melds seamlessly with its environment.
The resort derives its name from two Vietnamese words: nhà (home) and an (peace). Combined, NHAAN represents a peaceful sanctuary where guests are encouraged to reset, reconnect, and forge an authentic bond with Hoi An’s living traditions.
From local roots to the NHAAN’s table
At NHAAN, the journey into local cuisine begins with a simple yet memorable experience: a visit to the local seafood market at dawn, as fishing boats return to shore with the freshest catch of the day. In the gentle morning light, guests accompany the chef to handpick their own fish, squid, shrimp, crabs, and shellfish before returning to the resort for an engaging cooking class. The experience concludes with a leisurely lunch, savoring dishes prepared with the fresh ingredients they have personally selected.
For the executive chef Duong Danh Linh, every dish tells a story of the land, expressed through the language of flavor. Behind NHAAN’s creations lies an ongoing process of observation, discovery, and dialogue with local culture. Each new menu takes shape through market visits, encounters with traditional craft villages, and a deeper exploration of seasonal ingredients.
Building on this foundation, NHAAN’s kitchen seeks to preserve the natural character of its ingredients and the distinctive flavors of local seasonings, while exploring new combinations and contemporary presentations. The result is a culinary experience that remains deeply rooted in the region’s identity while reflecting the refined sensibilities of an international resort.
Hoi An’s tàu phớ, a traditional silky tofu pudding, offers a compelling glimpse into this culinary journey. Once a humble street-side treat in the ancient town, it is reimagined with sea grapes, caramel syrup, and grilled Dai Loc pineapple, creating new layers of texture and flavor while preserving the familiar comfort of soft tofu pudding served with ginger-infused syrup. Meanwhile, the Thanh Ha pottery-clay-roasted fish was inspired by a visit to a traditional pottery village, where chef Linh discovered a connection between the earthy material used to shape ceramics and the intense heat of the kiln. Fresh, locally sourced fish, selected daily, is encased in clay, roasted over charcoal, and finished in a Josper oven, bringing together the sea, the art of pottery, and the craft of cooking in a poetic culinary expression.
From ingredients carefully selected at local markets to dishes meticulously crafted in the kitchen, each step offers a deeper glimpse into the life and identity of Central Vietnam. As the stories behind the dishes unfold through the menu, diners are invited not only to savor their flavors but also to discover where they originate, the people who have preserved these culinary traditions, and how heritage continues to evolve through contemporary creativity. The result is a riverside dining experience that feels both intimate and inspiring.
“For me, preserving local cuisine does not mean keeping everything exactly as it was. It means continuing to nurture and develop it so that Vietnamese cuisine can be introduced to the world while elevating the value of each dish,” says chef Linh.
Slow travel, cultural discovery and restorative wellness
In keeping with Tapestry Collection’s ethos of encouraging guests to explore off-the-beaten-path, NHAAN offers curated activities that spotlight Hoi An’s heritage.
Through its ‘Meet the Artisan’ experience series, NHAAN creates meaningful opportunities for guests to connect with local artisans, where traditional craft techniques are not merely observed but experienced firsthand, through the hands and senses.
In the resort’s lobby, guests can join a pottery workshop led by artisans from Thanh Ha Pottery Village, one of Hoi An’s long-established craft communities, with a history spanning nearly 500 years. Beyond learning to shape a ceramic piece on a traditional potter’s wheel, guests are invited to discover the stories of the people behind the craft: how they grew up immersed in the trade, learned their skills from family members, developed an intimate understanding of clay through touch, and chose to carry forward the work of previous generations.
Among them are artisan Võ Phan Duy and his wife, Xuân Hương, who share the story of generations of their family living and working alongside clay, the potter’s wheel, and fire. Today, this legacy continues through a younger generation who remain committed to preserving the craft, keeping its traditions alive while shaping its future.
Beyond the resort, guests can also explore traditional craft villages around Hoi An, including Thanh Ha pottery village, Tra Que vegetable village, or Kim Bong carpentry village renowned for its traditional woodcarving. At Kim Bong village, it is particularly inspiring to hear the story of the Artisan Huynh Ri and his son, Huynh Suong, the 12th and 13th generations of their family to carry on the ancestral woodworking tradition. Their journey is a testament to the enduring vitality of a traditional craft community: from restoring historic architectural structures to developing fine woodcraft and passing on their skills to the next generation, ensuring that the craft continues to find its place in contemporary life.
At NHAAN, slow travel means more than simply spending extra time at a destination. It is an opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of a place through its people, memories, and cultural values preserved over time. Whether shaping a piece of pottery by hand, listening to an artisan recount the stories behind their craft, or watching intricate woodcarvings take form through skills honed across generations, guests can discover a side of Hoi An that extends far beyond the familiar images of its ancient streets. Through “Meet the Artisan,” heritage is brought closer, creating a space for artisans to share their knowledge and ensuring that traditional crafts continue to be practiced, nurtured, and passed down through generations.
Alongside these cultural explorations, NHAAN offers opportunities for holistic renewal at eforea Spa & Health Club, located on the resort’s rooftop. Here, treatments combine modern therapeutic techniques with local herbal ingredients, all against sweeping views of the waterways and the lush coconut groves of Cam Thanh. An outdoor infinity pool, fitness center, and dedicated yoga area offer inviting spaces for movement, relaxation, and the restoration of inner balance.
From meaningful encounters with local culture to moments devoted to personal well-being, NHAAN brings discovery and relaxation together in a journey that offers more than lasting memories. It invites guests to forge a deeper connection with the destination, its people, and themselves.
Text: Van Tran, Photo: NHAAN
