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If you’re looking for things to do in Hoi An with kids, look no further! This guide will take you through all the best attractions and activities that this beautiful city has to offer. There is something for everyone in Hoi An Ancient Town and the surrounding area.
We’ll also give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit with kids to Hoi An, Vietnam.
Our Top 3 Picks: Hoi An Activities For Families
If you’re short on time, here are our top 3 picks or fun things to do in Hoi An with kids:
- See the Hoi An Water Puppets
- Attend a lantern-making class
- Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River
Planning Your Visit To Hoi An Ancient Town
Hoi An is a great place to visit with kids because there is so much to see and do. The city is full of history and culture, and the people are incredibly friendly. However, there are a few things you should keep in mind when planning your trip.
This guide will help you plan your stay so you can make the most of your time in this beautiful part of Vietnam.
Best Time Of Year To Visit Hoi An
The first things to think about when planning your visit to Hoi An are the time of year and the weather.
The best time to visit Hoi An is between November and April. These months have the most pleasant weather, with daytime temperatures ranging from 25-28 degrees Celsius.
If you’re visiting during the hotter months (May-August), be prepared for high humidity and temperatures between 34 and 36 degrees Celcius on average.
Where To Stay In Hoi An
There are a few things to consider when choosing where to stay in Hoi An. If you’re travelling with kids, you’ll want to make sure you choose a family-friendly hotel or resort.
One of the best places to stay in Hoi An is one of the many beachfront resorts. These resorts offer a variety of activities for kids, as well as direct access to the beach.
Another great option is staying in one of Hoi An’s historic hotels. These hotels are located in the heart of the ancient town and are full of character.
Many of the hotels in Hoi An offer babysitting services, such as Sunrise Hoi An Resort, so be sure to ask about this before you book.
Getting Around In Hoi An
Hoi An is a small city, so it’s easy to get around on foot. However, if you’re travelling with kids, you may want to consider renting a bicycle with a child seat or taking a taxi.
Taxis are readily available in Hoi An and are relatively cheap. You can flag one down on the street, or call a taxi service.
Best Things To Do In Hoi An With Kids
There is no shortage of things to do in Hoi An with kids. This city has something for everyone, no matter what their age or interests.
Here are some of the best things to do in Hoi An with kids:
1. Visit the ancient town
Hoi An’s ancient town is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is full of historical landmarks and beautiful architecture. Wandering around the streets is a great way to explore the city and learn about its history.
The Japanese Bridge is an iconic site in Hoi An, having been finished being built back in 1593.
One of the coolest things to do when visiting Hoi An is to see the lanterns that line the streets. These lanterns are a symbol of Hoi An and are very pretty to look at. You can even buy your own lantern to take home with you!
2. Take a boat ride on the Thu Bon River
Hoi An is located on the Thu Bon River, so taking a boat ride is a great way to see the city from a different perspective. There are many different boat tour operators in Hoi An, so you’ll easily be able to find one that suits your needs.
If you’re looking for something really special, you can take a private sunset cruise on a traditional wooden junk boat. This is a great way to see the city while enjoying the beautiful river views.
3. Visit the Hoi An Museum of History and Culture
The Hoi An Museum of History and Culture is a great place to learn about the history of this city. The museum has a variety of exhibits, as well as a library and research centre.
If you’re travelling with kids, they’ll love the interactive displays that are designed to teach children about the history of Hoi An. The museum is located in the heart of the ancient town, so it’s easy to get to.
4. Explore Cua Dai Beach
Cua Dai Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Hoi An and is a great place to relax and soak up the sun. The beach is located just a short drive from the city centre, so it’s easy to get to.
There are many different things to do at Cua Dai Beach, including swimming, sunbathing, and windsurfing. There are also plenty of restaurants and bars in the area, so you can easily find somewhere to grab a bite to eat.
5. Visit the Hoi An Eco-Trail
The Hoi An Eco-Trail is a great way to see some of the city’s natural beauty. The trail is located just outside of the city centre and takes you through rice paddies, mangroves, and forests.
This is a great activity for nature lovers and is a great way to get some exercise. The trail is also suitable for strollers, so it’s a great option if you’re travelling with young children.
6. Do A Vietnamese Cooking Class
One of the best things to do in Hoi An is to take a cooking class. We did a cooking class during our stay at Sunrise Hoi An Resort and it was a lot of fun.
There are many different cooking classes available, so you’ll be able to find one that suits your needs.
Taking a cooking tour is a great way to learn about Vietnamese cuisine and culture. It’s also a lot of fun, and you’ll get to eat the delicious food that you make!
Many of the resorts in Hoi An have their own cooking class experiences and this is a wonderful activity for older kids and teenagers.
Not only will you get to learn about Vietnamese cooking and traditional dishes, but it also gives them cooking skills that will benefit them once you head home.
7. Check Out The Local Markets
Hoi An’s markets are a great place to find souvenirs, gifts, and local produce. There are many different market stalls in Hoi An, so you’ll easily be able to shop up a storm while visiting.
The markets are also a great place to try some local food. There are many different stalls selling a variety of different dishes, so you’ll definitely be able to find something that you like.
8. Take A Bike Tour
A bike tour is a great way to see Hoi An from a different perspective. There are many different companies that offer bike tours, so you will easily be able to find one that suits your needs.
A bike tour is a great way to explore the city and get some exercise. It’s also a lot of fun, and you’ll get to see some of the city’s hidden gems.
9. Take a Cyclo Tour In Hoi An
A cyclo tour is a great way to sit back and admire the scenery in Hoi An, minus the need to pedal as you do on a bicycle. Cyclos are like rickshaws, and they’re a popular form of transportation in Vietnam.
This is a lot of fun and the kids will love the experience although they are very popular with tourists and as such can be an expensive way to get around.
You will usually find cyclo riders sitting near the Japanese Bridge, or you can book one ahead of time.
10. Visit A Hoi An Lantern Festival
The Hoi An Lantern Festival is a must-see event if you’re visiting Hoi An during the full moon. The festival is a celebration of Vietnamese culture and history, and it’s a lot of fun.
The Lantern Festival takes place every month making it easier to plan your visit around a festival. The celebration falls on the 14th day of the lunar calendar, or around the time of the full moon.
During the festival, all of the lights in town are shut off and the streets are lit up with lanterns. There are many different activities to enjoy.
If you’re visiting Hoi An with kids, they’ll love the chance to see the lanterns and participate in the festivities.
11. Attend A Lantern Making Class
If you can’t be in town for the lantern full moon festival, you can at least have fun learning how to make your own lantern. There are many different places that offer lantern-making classes.
It’s a lot of fun, and you’ll get to take your lantern home with you when you’re finished. This is a great activity for kids and adults alike. And the perfect Hoi An souviner.
12. See The Hoi An Water Puppets
The Hoi An Water Puppets is one of the best things to do with kids in Hoi An. The handmade puppets perform in a pool of water.
The show is a lot of fun, and the kids will love it. It’s also a great way to learn about Vietnamese culture and history.
The shows are on several nights a week and it goes for under an hour, making it a good length of time for kids who may not like to sit still for too long.
Seeing a water puppet show is by far one of the best family activities to do in Vietnam, not just in Hoi An!
13. Take A Farming & Fishing Tour
A farming & fishing tour is a great way to learn about Vietnamese culture and see some of the country’s natural beauty. This is a great activity for families, as it’s both educational and fun.
During the tour, you’ll get to see how rice is grown and harvested, and you’ll also get to go fishing in one of the city’s many canals. This is a great way to learn about Vietnamese culture and see some of the country’s natural beauty.
14. Go On A Vietnamese Foodie Tour Of Hoi An
One of the best things to do in any city is to enjoy the local cuisine. A Vietnamese foodie tour in Hoi An is not to be missed. This is a great way to try some of the city’s best food and learn about Vietnamese cuisine.
There are many different companies that offer food tours, so you’ll easily be able to find one that suits your needs. A food tour is a great way to try some of the city’s best food and learn about Vietnamese cuisine.
Check out these foodie tours in Hoi An:
15. Get Some Tailor Made Clothing
Hoi An is famous for being one of the best places to get tailor-made clothing at an affordable price and there is nothing quite like getting a custom-made shirt or dress while you are on vacation.
There are many different tailor shops in Hoi An, so you’ll easily be able to find one that suits your needs.
This is a great way to get some unique clothing that you’ll love and to give the kids a little creative freedom on styles and patterns.
Travel Insurance: Make sure you don’t leave home without travel insurance. Trust us, it’s one of those things you don’t want to skip, especially when travelling with kids. Check out SafetyWing to make sure you’re covered!
Day Trips From Hoi An
There are many great things to do in Hoi An Vietnam, but sometimes it’s nice to get out of the city and explore the surrounding area.
Here are some of the best day trips from Hoi An:
16. Visit My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most important archaeological sites in Vietnam. The site is located about an hour’s drive from Hoi An and is home to a number of ancient temples.
This is a great place to learn about the history of Vietnam and see some of the country’s most beautiful architecture.
Check out these My Son Sanctuary tours:
17. Explore the Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains are a group of five limestone and marble hills that are located just outside of Hoi An. The mountains are home to a number of temples, caves, and pagodas.
There are many different things to do in the Marble Mountains, including hiking, climbing, and exploring the caves. This is a great place to get some fresh air and escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
Check out these Marble Mountains day tours:
18. Visit the Cham Islands
The Cham Islands are a group of eight islands that are located about 20 kilometres from Hoi An. The islands are known for their beautiful beaches and clear waters.
There are many things to do on the Cham Islands, including swimming, snorkelling, and diving. This is a great place to relax and enjoy the beauty of Vietnam’s coastline.
Check out these day tours from Hoi An to Cham Islands:
19. DaNang
DaNang is only a short drive from Hoi An and is worth a visit if you have time. The city is home to a number of museums, temples, and parks.
Some of the best things to do in DaNang include visiting the beaches, Ba Na Hills, watching the Dragon Bridge fire show and taking a walk through Han Market.
20. Hue
Hue is another city that is located near Hoi An and is worth a visit. The city is home to a number of temples, palaces, and museums.
Some of the best things to do in Hue Imperial City include exploring the Khai Dinh Tomb, Thien Mu Pagoda and taking a boat ride on the Perfume River.
What To Pack For Your Trip To Hoi An
Now that you know all of the best things to do in Hoi An with kids, it’s time to start preparing for your trip! The first thing you’ll need to do is pack your bags.
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Comfortable walking shoes
- A wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- A scarf or shawl to cover shoulders if visiting temples
- Flip flops
- Swimwear
Grab our printable South East Asia packing list for a complete list of things to bring to Vietnam with you!
- Flights – We use Skyscanner or WayAway to research, set price alerts and book flights.
- Car hire – compare the best car rental prices.
- Trains & Buses – We book with Omio
- Accommodation – We use Booking.com or Agoda to book most of our hotel accommodation when we travel.
- Travel insurance – Protect yourself and your belongings with Hey Mondo.
- Tours & attractions – Our preferred attraction and tour booking sites are Get Your Guide and Viator. Booking ahead will mean you don’t miss out on popular tours!
Hoi An is an incredibly family-friendly city and there are plenty of things to keep kids entertained. From exploring the ancient town to playing on the beach, your kids will love the rich culture and unique experiences in Hoi An.
With so many unique things to do in Hoi An for kids, you’re sure to create some lasting memories with your family!
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