As the travel industry races ahead, Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa is inviting guests to do the opposite: slow down and truly experience Hoi An. In conversation with Wanderlust Tips, Ms. Nancy Nguyen, Director of Sales & Marketing at the resort, shares her perspective on slow travel, the role of local Navigators in guiding guests beyond the tourist trail, and why a quiet sunrise or an unhurried afternoon by the pool can become the most memorable part of any journey.
To you, how is slow travel fundamentally different from an ordinary holiday? Was there a moment when you realized this shift was truly changing the way travelers choose where to stay?
I believe the greatest difference of slow travel is the shift from “seeing” to “feeling.” A holiday is no longer measured by how many places you’ve checked off, but by how deeply you’ve connected with a destination, by the emotions and memories you carry home with you.
In recent years, we’ve noticed that travelers are spending more time learning about local culture before they book. They’re drawn to authentic experiences, lesser-known stories, and recommendations that come directly from the people who live there. This shows they’re looking for more than just a beautiful place to stay; they’re seeking a place that opens the door to discovering a destination in the most genuine way possible.
Hoi An is considered one of Asia’s emerging slow travel destinations. What is it about this destination that makes it naturally suited to the philosophy of slow travel?
In my view, what makes Hoi An an ideal destination for slow travel is not just its beauty, but its ability to preserve its own rhythm of life and identity over time. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, Hoi An does more than protect its ancient architecture; it also safeguards intangible values such as traditional crafts, culinary culture, festivals, and the everyday way of life of the local community. This is what creates a place where visitors don’t just come to look, but can truly live alongside it and feel it.
What I love most is that Hoi An never pressures you to see everything in a single day. Every street, every riverside café, every craft village, and every morning market has its own stories. Travelers can spend hours cycling through the fields, chatting with an artisan, or simply sitting and watching the daily rhythm of life unfold. These seemingly ordinary experiences are often the ones they remember most after the trip.
Perhaps that is what sets Hoi An apart. It doesn’t just invite visitors to stop by; it makes them want to stay longer, to truly understand and connect with this place.
Many resorts talk about “local experiences,” but the approach varies widely. Where do you draw the line between an experience that feels genuinely authentic and one that feels staged for guests?
In my view, the line lies in whether an experience is created to “perform” culture or to help guests truly connect with it. An authentic experience doesn’t have to be perfect or elaborately staged. It’s when travelers get to see local life as it really is, meet real people, hear real stories, and understand why those values are still cherished today.
At Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa, we don’t want to bring all of Hoi An inside the resort or recreate culture as a show. Instead, we hope the resort becomes a starting point for guests to step out and discover the destination. Through our team of Navigators, we introduce the places locals love: family-run eateries, traditional craft villages, and quiet corners that rarely appear on the usual tourist map.
We believe the most memorable experiences are not those designed solely for visitors, but the moments when they feel they are truly part of the destination. That is the spirit of discovery that the Renaissance brand has always pursued.
What role do the people on the ground, associates who know the destination like locals, play in helping guests slow down and explore more deeply?
That is one of the most important factors. The Renaissance Navigator team doesn’t just recommend well-known attractions; they also share the places they personally love, from family-run eateries and traditional craft villages to lesser-known spots for watching the sunset.
We always encourage our associates to tell stories about the land they live in, rather than simply providing information. It’s these natural conversations that often create the most memorable experiences for our guests.
If a guest had only one day but wanted to feel the true spirit of “slow living” in Hoi An, how would you suggest they begin their morning?
If visitors only have one day to truly experience the spirit of “slow living” in Hoi An, I would recommend starting with a deeply relaxing morning and breakfast at Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa. This is the perfect time to savor local delicacies like Cao Lau, Mi Quang, or a cup of coconut coffee, a firm favorite among international guests. I have always believed that exploring a destination should begin with its cuisine.
Afterward, rather than rushing straight to the Ancient Town, I would suggest taking the time to explore surrounding areas like the Cham Islands or Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Out there, everything unfolds at a slow, authentic pace: boat rides to the islands, the daily rhythms of local fishermen, and the stories of artisans who have preserved their pottery craft for generations. These are the kinds of experiences that allow guests to gain a deeper understanding of the culture and people of Quang Nam, rather than merely admiring the scenery.
As late afternoon approaches, guests can take the resort’s shuttle bus into the Ancient Town. This is my absolute favorite time of day, when the lanterns are lit, the pace of life softens, and people stroll leisurely along the banks of the Hoai River. I think that is the most fulfilling way to experience Hoi An: without rushing or chasing a strict itinerary, simply letting each moment tell its own story.
Food, craft villages, and the rhythm of daily local life – which of these do you find international travelers are most drawn to once they truly slow down to observe?
In fact, these three elements are deeply intertwined. Initially, many visitors are drawn here by the cuisine. However, as they spend more time, they become captivated by the stories behind the dishes: how locals make noodles, cultivate their vegetables, or preserve traditional crafts.
What leaves the deepest impression on them is rarely a famous tourist attraction; rather, it is the feeling of immersing themselves in the local rhythm of life, observing it unfold in a truly natural and authentic way.
How can a resort’s design and layout invite guests to slow down, from something as simple as a sunrise view to an unhurried afternoon by the pool?
We believe a resort should be more than just architecturally beautiful; it must also cultivate its own unique rhythm of life for its guests. At Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa, everything, from our ocean-facing open spaces, tropical gardens, and infinity pool, to activities like morning yoga and wellness spa treatments, is thoughtfully designed to encourage guests to slow down.
Sometimes, a truly memorable vacation isn’t about doing as much as possible, but rather having the time to watch the sunrise, breathe in the ocean breeze, listen to the rolling waves, and reconnect with oneself. That is exactly the feeling we hope every guest takes home with them after leaving Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa.
Slow travel also seems tied to wellbeing and balance. Compared to a few years ago, what are guests seeking more of today – comfort and amenities, or quiet and stillness?
I believe that today, travelers no longer have to choose between comfort and tranquility; they expect both. What has truly changed is the definition of “luxury.”
While in the past, luxury was often measured by scale or the sheer number of amenities, today, for many guests, luxury means having the time to enjoy breakfast without checking their phones, waking up to the sound of ocean waves, or spending an entire afternoon simply reading a book by the pool.
At Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa, we notice that guests are increasingly seeking experiences that allow them to recharge both physically and mentally. A successful holiday is no longer defined by a packed itinerary, but rather by guests feeling lighter, more balanced, and truly reconnected with themselves before returning to their daily lives.
In your role overseeing sales and marketing, how do you balance promoting a “slow” destination when the travel industry at large still moves at such a fast pace?
Marketing today races against every second, but I believe our message doesn’t necessarily have to be in such a rush. Of course, digital technology helps us reach our guests more effortlessly, but instead of bombarding them with promotions or pushing for a quick “book now,” we choose to highlight meaningful experiences. We want to inspire travelers to truly slow down and fully embrace their journey.
An example is our “Meet Our Navigators” campaign, launched in the second quarter of 2026. Through this initiative, our own team members step into the role of Navigators, guiding guests to Hoi An’s unique hidden gems: a century-old Cao Lau noodle-making house, a traditional silk village, a teahouse run by hearing-impaired staff, the Bay Mau coconut forest, and the folk art of Bai Choi. What I love most about this campaign is its gentle, authentic storytelling that never feels transactional or overly promotional. Yet that very authenticity drove remarkable engagement, with our videos reaching nearly 6 million views and almost 20,000 interactions.
To me, this captures how we balance the “fast” and the “slow”: leveraging technology to extend our reach, while using genuine stories to invite people to pause. Ultimately, technology is merely a bridge; it is emotionally resonant experiences and authentic stories that linger in people’s minds and make them wish to return.
Looking ahead, do you see slow travel as a short-term trend, or will it become the new standard for how discerning travelers choose where to stay?
I do not believe slow travel is merely a trend. I think it is the evolution of travel itself.
For many years, the travel industry was measured by how many places we could visit. Today, the true value of a journey is measured by how deeply we connect with a destination and how transformed we feel upon returning.
For luxury travelers, a beautiful hotel or flawless service has simply become the baseline. What they increasingly seek is a place that helps them understand the local culture, recharge their energy, and take home meaningful stories. That is the very philosophy Renaissance has always pursued: we do not just offer a getaway; we unlock discoveries that make every journey truly unforgettable.
Thank you, Ms. Nancy, for such thoughtful reflections on the meaning of slow travel. We look forward to sharing your perspective with our readers.
About Nancy Nguyen, Director of Sales & Marketing
Nancy Nguyen is an experienced hospitality sales professional with over a decade of experience in the hotel and resort industry in Central Vietnam. She has held senior sales leadership roles at renowned international hospitality brands, including Hyatt Regency Danang Resort & Spa and Sheraton Grand Danang Resort & Convention Center.
Since January 2026, Nancy has taken on the role of Director of Sales & Marketing at Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa, where she leads sales and marketing efforts, driving business growth and strengthening the resort’s market presence in Hoi An and the Central Vietnam region.
Her extensive experience across luxury and international hospitality brands has given her a strong understanding of the regional market, commercial strategy, and the evolving needs of today’s travelers.
About Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa
Renaissance Danang Hoi An Resort & Spa is a beachfront retreat along Cua Dai Beach, featuring 218 accommodations, including 25 private pool villas, designed to offer guests a balance of contemporary comfort, privacy, and authentic Central Vietnam experiences. The resort also features a diverse selection of dining venues, wellness experiences, and recreational facilities, while its location provides easy access to the cultural heritage and vibrant charm of Hoi An. Whether for a relaxing beach escape, a family holiday, or a destination-inspired getaway, the resort offers a distinctive setting to discover Hoi An from a different perspective.