23 Best Things to Do in Hoi An With Kids

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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 first visited Hoi An with a toddler and instantly fell in love with the city. It is our favourite place in Vietnam. Hoi An was the highlight. The Ancient Town at night with its thousands of silk lanterns reflected in the Thu Bon River is one of the most beautiful things we have seen anywhere in the world.

In this guide, we also give you some tips on how to make the most of your visit with kids to Hoi An, Vietnam.

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.

Stay connected from the moment you land with an eSim. There’s no need to swap physical SIM cards. It takes just a few minutes to set up before you leave. We always use an eSim from Airalo.

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 An Bang Beach

An Bang Beach has become the preferred beach option near Hoi An. It’s a beautiful coastline that has been significantly less affected by the erosion issues that have impacted Cua Dai Beach in recent years.

Located about 4 kilometres from the Ancient Town, it’s just a short taxi, bicycle or motorbike ride. An Bang has a relaxed, village atmosphere that feels a world away from the busier resort beaches elsewhere in Vietnam.

The beach itself is wide, the water is warm and clear for most of the year, and the beachfront restaurants serve fresh seafood at reasonable prices.

For families, An Bang works well because of the gentle atmosphere and the relative lack of aggressive beach vendors compared to more developed Vietnamese beach destinations.

Kids can play in the surf while adults eat and drink comfortably at one of the many casual beachfront restaurants and bars.

Note: The water can be rough during the typhoon season from September to November so make sure to check conditions before swimming. The best swimming months are February to August. Beach chairs and umbrellas are available for a small fee from the beachfront restaurants.

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.

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 14^th 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!

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.

16. Vinpearl Land Nam Hoi An

If your family needs a day off from history and culture, Vinpearl Land Nam Hoi An is the answer. Located about 10 kilometres from the Ancient Town on the south side of the Thu Bon River, it’s a full entertainment complex combining a water park, theme park rides and a mini zoo.

It’s the kind of place that will completely occupy children for a full day.

The water zone is the standout for families with younger children, with water slides, wave pools and splash areas in a well-maintained, shaded complex. The theme park rides suit older kids and teenagers. The mini zoo adds an animal encounter element that breaks up the day nicely.

It’s not a cheap day out by Vietnamese standards but it’s genuinely well run and provides a break from the heritage sightseeing that can overwhelm smaller children. Consider it a reward day after a few days in the Ancient Town.

17. Bay Mau Coconut Forest — Basket Boat Tour

The Bay Mau Coconut Forest basket boat tour is one of the most distinctive and entertaining experiences in the Hoi An area and consistently one of the best things families do here.

You might have seen the photos: round traditional Vietnamese basket boats spinning through a jungle of coconut palms on narrow waterways, steered by local fishermen with remarkable skill.

The reality lives up to the images. Local guides paddle you through the coconut palm forest on the Thu Bon River delta, pointing out wildlife, demonstrating traditional fishing techniques. The highlight is spinning the basket boats in circles, which children find absolutely hilarious and slightly terrifying in the best possible way.

Most tours include a brief fishing demonstration and some include crab catching.

The tour takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour and is suitable for children of all ages. Tours depart from the Cam Thanh area about 5 kilometres from Hoi An Ancient Town. Most can be arranged through your hotel or booked directly online. Morning tours before the heat of the day are recommended.

18. Eat This: Bánh Mì Phượng

No visit to Hoi An is complete without eating at Bánh Mì Phượng. This is the most famous bánh mì stall in Vietnam. A simple street food shop on Phan Châu Trinh Street that Anthony Bourdain described as the best bánh mì in the world and that has been drawing visitors ever since.

The bánh mì itself is a Vietnamese sandwich. A crusty French baguette filled with a combination of pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, fresh herbs, chilli and a sauce that varies by stall.

Phượng’s version has been refined over decades and the queue of both locals and tourists tells you everything you need to know. It’s is also one of the cheapest meals you will eat anywhere on the trip.

Go in the morning when the bread is freshest and the queue is shorter. Kids who are resistant to Vietnamese food usually love bánh mì because it looks reassuringly like a sandwich. The chilli is added separately so you can control the heat for younger children or skip it entirely.

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:

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!

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!