Hoi An for Families
Basket boat adventures, gentle An Bang Beach, lantern-making workshops, bicycle rides through rice paddies, and incredible food — everything for a memorable family holiday
Hoi An is a dream destination for families. The car-free Ancient Town is safe for children to explore, the flat terrain is perfect for family cycling through rice paddies and along the river, and the activities are genuinely exciting for kids of all ages. Children adore the basket boat rides in Cam Thanh where local guides perform spinning tricks, An Bang Beach has gentle waves and shallow water ideal for young swimmers, and lantern-making workshops let kids create their own beautiful souvenir. Add in cooking classes, the magical Full Moon Festival, and some of the best and most affordable food in Vietnam, and you have the ingredients for an unforgettable family adventure.
Top Kid-Friendly Attractions
Basket Boat Rides in Cam Thanh
Must VisitAges 3+
The undisputed number one family activity in Hoi An. Children are thrilled by riding in traditional round bamboo basket boats through the water coconut palm forest. Local guides paddle through narrow waterways and perform spinning tricks that leave kids (and adults) laughing hysterically. Some guides teach children to paddle and catch small crabs. The experience costs 150,000-200,000 VND per person and lasts about 45 minutes. Located in Cam Thanh village, about 3 km from the Ancient Town.
An Bang Beach
Must VisitAll ages
Hoi An's main beach is perfect for families. The waves are gentle, the water entry is gradual and shallow (ideal for young children), and the wide sand provides plenty of space for building sandcastles. Beach bars and restaurants line the shore with sun loungers available (often free with a drink or meal order). Lifeguards are present during peak hours. The beach is just 4 km from the Ancient Town — an easy bicycle ride or 5-minute Grab ride. Bring sunscreen and hats.
Lantern-Making Workshop
Must VisitAges 5+
Children love creating their own traditional Hoi An silk lantern under the guidance of a local artisan. Workshops are offered by several operators in the Ancient Town — Lifestart Foundation and Hoi An Handicraft Workshop are recommended. Kids choose their silk colours and bamboo frame shape, then learn the traditional techniques. The finished lantern is theirs to take home as a beautiful souvenir. Workshops cost 100,000-150,000 VND per person and last about 1 hour.
Cham Islands Snorkeling
RecommendedAges 8+
A day trip to the Cham Islands (Cu Lao Cham) offers snorkeling in clear tropical waters, beach time on white sand, and a seafood lunch. The coral reefs are home to colourful fish that fascinate children. Speedboat transfers take 30 minutes. Day trips cost 500,000-800,000 VND per person including transport, lunch, and snorkeling equipment. Available March to September when seas are calm. Life jackets provided. Not suitable for very young children due to the boat ride.
More Family Activities
Family Bicycle Rides
Top PickHoi An's flat terrain makes it one of the best places in Vietnam for family cycling. Rent bicycles (30,000-50,000 VND per day for adults, children's bikes available) or use the free bikes from many hotels. The ride to An Bang Beach along quiet roads is perfect for families. The route through rice paddies to Tra Que Vegetable Village is scenic and safe with minimal traffic. Many hotels offer child seats and even tandem options. Children love the freedom of cycling through the countryside.
Family Cooking Class
Great OptionSeveral cooking schools welcome families with children. Red Bridge, Thuan Tinh Island, and Morning Glory all offer family-friendly sessions. Classes start with a fun market visit where kids can help pick ingredients, followed by hands-on cooking — children particularly enjoy making fresh spring rolls and shaping wontons. Classes cost 400,000-600,000 VND per person (discounted rates for children). Duration: 3-4 hours including the market visit and lunch.
Ancient Town Treasure Hunt
Great OptionTurn your Ancient Town exploration into an adventure by creating a treasure hunt. Challenge children to find: the Japanese Covered Bridge, a yellow house with blue shutters, a dragon on a rooftop, five different-coloured lanterns, a woman in a conical hat (non la), a offerings at a doorway shrine, and a boat on the river. The car-free streets are safe for children to explore. Buy a 120,000 VND Old Town ticket for access to 5 heritage sites including assembly halls and the bridge.
Family-Friendly Dining
Banh Mi Phuong
Hoi An's most famous banh mi stall, made world-famous by Anthony Bourdain. Children love the crispy baguettes filled with pate, cold cuts, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs. The stall is fast, friendly, and affordable at just 25,000-30,000 VND each. The perfect quick family lunch. Located on Phan Chau Trinh street — look for the queue. A quintessential Hoi An family experience.
Morning Glory Restaurant
Chef Trinh Diem Vy's restaurant serves Hoi An specialities in a welcoming, lantern-lit setting perfect for families. The shared dishes format works wonderfully — order Cao Lau, White Rose dumplings, crispy wontons, and fresh spring rolls and let everyone try everything. The staff are friendly with children. Expect 300,000-500,000 VND for a family of four. Air-conditioned interior and atmospheric outdoor seating.
Streets Restaurant
A social enterprise restaurant training disadvantaged young people in hospitality. The menu features well-executed Vietnamese and international dishes in a beautiful heritage building. Child-friendly with high chairs available. The food is excellent and eating here supports a wonderful cause. Expect 250,000-400,000 VND for a family of four. Located in the Ancient Town.
Cao Lầu & Pho Stalls
Hoi An's signature dish, Cao Lầu, is a unique noodle dish with a smoky flavour that most children enjoy. Pho is also widely available and comforting for kids. Local stalls in the Central Market and along the Ancient Town streets serve bowls for just 30,000-40,000₫. Fresh, nutritious, and filling. A wonderful introduction to Vietnamese cuisine for young palates.
Cocobox & Reaching Out
For afternoon treats, Cocobox serves coconut ice cream and smoothies that children love. Reaching Out Silent Tea House (a social enterprise staffed by deaf artisans, communication via written notes) offers a unique cultural experience with excellent juices and snacks. Both are located in the Ancient Town. Budget 30,000-80,000₫ per person.
Pizza & Western Options
For days when kids want familiar food, Hoi An has several good Western restaurants. Cargo Club offers excellent sandwiches and pastries. Several Italian restaurants serve wood-fired pizza along the riverfront. The An Bang Beach restaurants also serve burgers and fries alongside Vietnamese dishes. Expect 200,000-400,000₫ for a family of four.
Where to Stay with Family
An Bang Beach Area
The best area for families with beach access, quieter streets safe for children, and a relaxed atmosphere. Many resorts and homestays offer family rooms, pools, and gardens for children to play in. A 10-minute bicycle ride or 5-minute Grab to the Ancient Town. Hotels range from 500,000-1,500,000₫ per night. The beachfront location means easy access to sand and sea without the bustle of the old town.
Ancient Town Area
Staying in or near the Ancient Town puts you within walking distance of restaurants, lantern-lit streets, and heritage sites. The car-free zone is safe for children. Boutique hotels and homestays with pools are available from 600,000-2,000,000₫ per night. The evening atmosphere with lanterns is magical for kids. Slightly noisier than the beach area but supremely convenient for sightseeing.
Safety Tips for Families
Getting Around Safely
- The Ancient Town is car-free — the safest area for children to walk and explore freely
- Bicycles are the main transport — many hotels provide child seats and children's bikes
- Roads to An Bang Beach have some motorbike traffic — supervise children when cycling
- Use Grab for rides to Da Nang or the airport — reliable and air-conditioned
- The flat terrain means pushchairs are more practical here than in most Vietnamese cities
Health & Comfort
- Apply sunscreen generously — the tropical sun is intense even on cloudy days
- Carry mosquito repellent, especially during rainy season and evening walks along the river
- Bottled water only — available everywhere for 5,000-10,000₫
- Schedule beach and cycling for mornings, indoor activities for the hot afternoon hours
- The nearest international hospital is in Da Nang (30 minutes) — Vinmec has English-speaking staff
- Pharmacies are available in Hoi An but bring specific children's medications from home
Budget Tips for Families
Rent bicycles (free from most hotels). Cycling is the best way to get around Hoi An with kids — free from hotels or just 30,000-50,000₫ per day. The flat terrain is perfect for family rides.
Eat local food. A family of four can eat delicious Vietnamese food for 120,000-200,000₫ at local restaurants. Banh mi sandwiches are just 25,000₫ each — kids love them.
An Bang Beach is free. No entrance fee for the beach. Loungers are often free with a food or drink order. A full day at the beach costs very little and provides hours of entertainment for children.
Book homestays with pools. Family homestays with swimming pools cost from 400,000-800,000₫ per night — a fraction of resort prices. Children love having a pool, and kitchen access saves on meal costs.
Hoi An for Families - FAQs
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