Hoi An Secret Cocktail Experience
This year, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Chôm Chôm Travel, an agency curating top experiences across Vietnam, to coordinate a fantastic Hoi An Secret Cocktail Experience for 25 Exodus Summit members, part of an inspiring meetup that brought together over 80 Black women in Hoi An, Vietnam.
It was a joy to blend culture, connection, and creativity in an international setting. The Vietnamese community welcomed us warmly, and as a result, several women decided to stay or are now living in Vietnam. It was a beautiful reminder of how travel can transform lives.
Travel often plants seeds we don’t expect, what starts as a short visit can turn into a new chapter. When a place feels right, it’s okay to pause, explore, and see what life might look like there.
This experience reminded me just how meaningful it is to design moments that foster networking, learning, and genuine human connection, no matter where we are in the world.
Table of Contents
From Coffee Shops to Cocktails
I first connected with Chôm Chôm Travel on Instagram through my content about Vietnam. When I visited Ho Chi Minh City, we met at the cutest coffee shop. In case you didn’t know, Vietnam is famous for its vibrant coffee culture, and the café perfectly captured that vibe.
Because of that initial connection, I’m so proud that our collaboration for the Hoi An Secret Cocktail Experience turned out to be a huge success. Everyone had an amazing time, and the night was full of laughter, great energy, and sisterhood.
Tip: Be open to connecting with people online, some of the best experiences come from reaching out and building genuine relationships virtually before you even arrive. You never know where a simple DM or comment can lead!
Exploring Hoi An After Dark
We kicked off the evening in style, hopping into three electric cars that transported us into Hoi An’s charming Old Town. It was pouring rain, but that didn’t stop the party or the enthusiasm. That night reminded me that travel rarely goes perfectly and that’s okay. The magic often happens when you lean into the moment instead of the plan.
The air was warm, the lanterns glowed softly above the streets, and excitement filled the night as we set off to uncover four hidden speakeasy-style bars tucked throughout the city.
Each bar had its own personality, some cozy and dimly lit, others vibrant and full of life. The talented bartenders kept the energy high, serving up four unique cocktails paired with tasty finger foods. Each stop offered something new, from bold tropical flavors to smooth, locally inspired creations that showcased Vietnam’s vibrant artisanal craft cocktail scene.
A beautiful night of sisterhood, laughter, and connection in Hoi An Ancient Town.
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a small commission at no extra cost to you if you make a purchase through these links. Thank you for your support!
What made this Secret Cocktail Experience truly one-of-a-kind and extraordinary was the combination of expert mixologists and guides deeply knowledgeable about Hoi An’s rich history and culture. Each cocktail was more than a drink, it was a story, carefully crafted to reflect the city’s heritage and local flavors. This wasn’t just a night out; it was a premium, immersive experience that blended history, artistry, and fun in one magnificent evening.
Cocktails, Culture, and Creativity
Each drink told a story. Between the handcrafted cocktails and the fun, engaging guides, it felt like more than a night out. It was a full-on cultural experience.
I always tell travelers, look for experiences that mix local flavor with storytelling. Whether it’s a cocktail class, a market tour, or a cooking session, those are the moments that connect you to the heart of a place.
You could sense the creativity behind every pour, the local ingredients, the balance of flavors, and the pride of the mixologists who made each cocktail shine.
🍹 Bar 1: The Hidden Beginning (Bold, fiery tropical cocktail featuring purple banana)
🥃 Bar 2: A Twist of Tradition (Sweet, citrus-inspired twist on a classic)
🍸 Bar 3: Bold and Beautiful (Smooth tequila infused with fresh cinnamon / Shawn’s favorite)
🍹 Bar 4: Grand PHO-nale (A nod to pho flavors, aromatic spices, and a tribute to Vietnam’s beloved traditional noodle soup)
Video Credit:
Many thanks to Chôm Chôm Travel for creating these videos. They beautifully capture the energy and magic of our Hoi An Secret Cocktail Experience.
Looking for an authentic Vietnam experience?
If you want to explore Vietnam like a local and have an authentic, memorable adventure, contact Chôm Chôm Travel and let them know the Queen of DC sent you. They will take excellent care of you!
Mix, Mingle, and Explore
As a solo traveler, it’s normal to feel hesitant about going out to nightlife events alone. That’s why I love joining a group experience through Chôm Chôm Travel, GetYourGuide or Viator. It’s a fun way to meet new people, explore safely, and enjoy the night without any stress. I also recommend carrying drink protectors, they’re small, easy to pack, and give an extra layer of safety while you’re out. When I was planning to do the Saigon Secret Cocktail Experience solo, I realized it would be even more fun with the ladies visiting, so I waited.
Solo travel doesn’t mean being alone; it means choosing how and with whom you want to connect. Group experiences like this strike the perfect balance between safety and spontaneity.
Word of advice: Always get travel insurance. I use SafetyWing which combines travel and health coverage for peace of mind wherever I go. For more travel safety tips, check out the highlight link.
Cheers For The Good Times
A heartfelt thank you to Chôm Chôm Travel, our phenomenal host, and the knowledgeable guides who made each stop truly magical. Their storytelling, humor, and energy made the evening feel effortless and full of joy.
And to my Exodus Summit sisters who trusted me and joined this experience, thank you! I’m so glad you had a wonderful evening. Sisters out here living, thriving, and creating cherished memories.
Every time I witness women exploring new places together, it reminds me that travel isn’t just about where we go, it’s about who we become in the process.
Get My eBook: How to Move Abroad: A Practical Guide
Thinking about moving abroad? Over the past few years, I’ve experienced firsthand the highs, lows, and realities of moving abroad, from navigating the planning and logistics to building a life in completely new countries. I know how overwhelming it can feel, and that’s why I wrote How to Move Abroad: A Practical Guide to help make the process easier for you. packed with practical tips, insider advice, step-by-step guidance, checklists, resources, and even my Vietnam and Malaysia budgets. This guide gives you the clarity and confidence you need to start your own journey with ease.
Get your copy of the How to Move Abroad Guide: A Practical Guide
Whether you’re dreaming of a new adventure, taking a sabbatical, craving a fresh start, or ready to make a bold move, this guide will take the guesswork out of the process so you can focus on the excitement of creating your life abroad.
Bookmark or share this post if you’re planning a move abroad, it might help someone else preparing for their big leap!
Move Abroad Strategy Session
Are you ready to turn your dream of living abroad into a real, actionable plan but not sure where to begin? In the Move Abroad Strategy Sessions, I work with you one-on-one to:
- Uncover your “move abroad number” and learn exactly how to calculate the cost of your move so you know what’s possible and when you can confidently take the leap
- Explore the challenges and opportunities unique to your goals and situation
- Map out a high-level plan tailored to your timeline, location, and lifestyle
- Answer your questions about logistics, culture, and planning strategies
Most sessions run about 90 minutes to ensure we cover your goals thoroughly. By the end, you’ll walk away with a clear roadmap to move forward. And if you’re ready, we can also explore a longer-term program to fully design and execute your move abroad.
👉 Book Your Strategy Session Here
Support My Work
You can Buy Me A Coffee if you enjoy my content and want to support my work. Every cup helps me keep creating authentic, inspiring content from around the world. Just click the link or icon!
Shop my Amazon Storefront for all my travel must-haves, the gear, gadgets, and essentials I actually use and rely on to make traveling easier and more enjoyable.
Before your next trip, check out my Travel Planning Resources, where you can book hotels and accommodations, find tours and local activities, and access trusted travel tools and tips to help you plan smarter and travel easier.
Subscribe to my newsletter for travel tips, moving abroad advice, and stories from my journeys. Perfect for anyone planning a trip or chasing their next adventure. Contact me at shawng@queenofdc.com or on Instagram.
To see what’s happening around the world, Subscribe to my Queen of DC Channel.
Until next time, peace!
2 comments
What a wonderful experience! Sisterhood at its finest! Miss you Queen!
Yes, we had a blast! It truly was a magical time and fellowship with the Sisters in Hoi An. Miss you more and thank you for all your support and reading the blog!