Hoi An has been the jewel of Vietnam’s tourism crown for decades now. Fifteen years ago, as a solo female backpacker, I was smitten by this beautiful old town’s history-laden streets, lantern-lit evenings, and, of course, the throngs of cheap tailors.
It all appeared a little Disney-fied, with dozens of adorable cafes and bars that, upon closer review, were all owned by the same handful of businesses, with pricey shops displacing traditional Vietnamese tailor families off the main streets.
A real-deal vacation experience in Hoi An may not be for everyone, but if you’re craving Western-owned restaurants, Instagram-worthy photos, and specialty coffee drinks, it’s still your kind of place.
Hoi An Family Travel Highlights
Family Travel Highlight #1: My Son Ruins
This captivating and very picturesque group of Hindu temples, which date back to the fourth century, are undergoing numerous restorations and repairs. We had a great, if warm, day out with our little ones at Visiting My Son. Mini-explorers would love to rediscover the remains.
If you’re worried that small kids won’t be interested in My Son, read our page on Classical Ruins to discover why ruins make an excellent family outing.
Family Travel Highlight #2: The Beaches
Hoi An may not directly suggest images of beaches, but luckily for beach lovers worldwide, it does have two excellent beaches.
Bang Beach and Cua Dai Beach are a delightful 3-kilometer walk apart along the shore. This little trek in the early evening was enjoyable even for the kids, who liked slinging sand at each other and jumping in and out of the waves.
All the amenities you might want are available on both beaches, including loungers, restroom access, and, of course, cocktails! Both beaches are littered with beach bars and restaurants.
Family Travel Highlight #3: The Water Puppet Show
Don’t worry, Hoi An has you covered if, like us, you were upset not to be able to see a traditional Vietnamese water puppet activity in Hanoi. These wonderful shows are great fun for children and adults alike.
Has Hoi An changed for the better?
Let me jump to Hoi An’s defense before I tell you everything about our wonderful family trip adventures in Hoi An and beyond. As tourism has negatively impacted some parts of the town, particularly the Old Town, international funding and focus have resulted in some incredible positive efforts and developments, including the restaurant we recommend in our itinerary, Streets, and I Love Hoi An Tours. Zizi and I had the privilege of meeting the CEO of this outstanding travel firm in Hue. Click here to learn more about my conversation with Nguyen Thi Huong Lien, an inspiring young woman.
The crew behind I Love Hoi An offers a variety of trips, ranging from standard tourist routes to innovative and socially concerned itineraries. Visit their website to learn more and to reserve a motorcycle trip conducted by women who care about the environment!
The fact that Hoi An is now very family-friendly is another advantage of its popularity for mass tourism. Over the years, Hoi An has seen several foreign companies that have opened numerous eateries in the area, and we can blame Hoi An for being an incredible place to live and work.
3-day Hoi An Itinerary
This Hoi An time we set up should give you an idea of how much fun you could have in Hoi An with small children and/or toddlers or without either. It includes kid-friendly restaurants and bars, plenty of culture, and lots of beach time.
Day 1: Immersion in Old Town Magic
Start your day with a stroll through the Old Town, which is best explored on foot or by bicycle. Admire the colorful architecture, with its French colonial influences and traditional Vietnamese touches. Don’t miss the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, a symbol of Hoi An’s cultural blend.
Streets for lunch. This charming little restaurant has a conscience in addition to serving delicious local cuisine. All of the servers and cooks here are part of a program that teaches disadvantaged Vietnamese kids skills related to the food and hospitality industries. Visit Streets International for additional information.
We enjoyed our afternoons and evenings at Salt Pub. It’s Australian-run but is right on the beach, has a kid’s playground, and serves yummy food. Of course, a nice ice-cold beer went down well too.
Day 2: Explore beyond the Old Town
The embrace of Old Town invites you to explore Hoi An’s alluring mosaic of rural charm, history, and environment. Ascending to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of My Son will require you to exchange cobblestone lanes for lush hills. Picture yourself among temples made of sandstone.
Then, replace your walking shoes with a bicycle’s pedals and watch nature open before you. As you go past luscious rice fields and as far as the eye can see, take in the clean, pure air. Watch farmers work on their crops; their deliberate motions bear witness to years of custom. A stop at a local village will allow you to experience the slow pace of rural life and have a strong cup of Vietnamese coffee.
Dingo Deli for dinner. Once more, it’s pricey and managed by an outsider, but it features both an indoor playroom and cute little children’s play. Furthermore, the food tastes well. Families with little children can unwind, relax, and meet new friends there.
Day 3: Discover hidden gems and bid farewell
Bid farewell to the Old Town’s lively reach and explore Hoi An’s hidden gems as dawn colors the sky in delicate pinks and oranges. On day three, your Vietnamese voyage comes to an end with a bittersweet experience and a wealth of unique adventures.
Sunrise over Tra Que Lagoon: Tra Que Lagoon offers peace away from the bustle of the city. Feel the crisp morning air as you take in the brilliant colors of dawn reflected on the placid river and observe anglers lowering their nets in the golden light. Relax and enjoy the peace of the environment while taking an easy boat trip in the lagoon. You can feel the water sway gently.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village: At Thanh Ha Pottery Village, fully engage with the ageless craft of ceramics. Stroll around workshops where talented artists fashion clay into beautiful bowls, vases, and dolls. Study about age-old methods that have been passed down through the years, and consider giving pot-throwing a try. Get a one-of-a-kind memento that captures the essence of Hoi An’s creative history to take home.
