Hoi An with Kids & Da Nang: Tips, Activities and Where to Stay
Hoi An with kids is one of those destinations where everything just comes together. Combined with Da Nang, it offers the perfect mix of culture, beaches and relaxation during your Vietnam family trip. In this blog, you’ll find everything you need to know for an unforgettable time in Hoi An with kids.
This blog was written by Debbie.
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Hoi An and Da Nang with Kids
Some places simply stay with you. Not because they are perfect, but because everything just feels right. For us, that was undoubtedly Hoi An. We have now traveled through Vietnam twice with our children (aged 2 and 5), and this was the place that stood out the most.
Hoi An feels like one of those destinations where everything comes together. The colorful streets lined with lanterns, the food stalls on every corner, the friendly locals, and the laid-back atmosphere make it a place where families can instantly unwind. During the day, you can wander through the Old Town or cycle towards the beach, and in the evening, the city transforms into something magical. Lights everywhere, music, boats floating along the river—it’s busy, yes, but so atmospheric that you almost forget about the crowds.
Da Nang feels completely different. Larger, busier, and more modern. Yet that contrast is exactly what makes the combination so appealing. While Hoi An is charming and intimate, Da Nang feels more raw and authentic. Think long sandy beaches, local families gathering by the sea in the evenings, and a city that is far less focused on tourism. It may not be “beautiful” in the traditional sense, but it feels genuinely Vietnamese.
What makes this combination so great for families is the variety. You have culture, beaches, activities, and relaxation—all within a short distance of each other. That makes it an ideal stop on a Vietnam family itinerary.
Things to Do in Hoi An with Kids
One of the first things you’ll notice is how much there is to do for families, without it feeling overly designed for children. It’s the small, everyday experiences that make it so enjoyable.
Make Your Own Lantern
One of the most fun activities in Hoi An is joining a lantern-making workshop. In small local studios, children can create their own colorful lantern. It requires a bit of patience, which actually makes it a nice and relaxing activity between sightseeing adventures. From around the age of five, most children can participate easily, and they get to take home a unique souvenir. Workshops usually last about an hour. Recommended options include Lantern Making Class by Lynn and The Lantern Lady.
Take a Boat Ride
Things get a little more adventurous on the water. The famous basket boat tour is a classic Vietnamese experience where you cruise through the waterways in round bamboo boats. Many tours include fun activities such as crab fishing, making it especially entertaining for children.
In the evening, the atmosphere changes completely during a boat ride on the river in Hoi An. Lanterns light up the water, soft lights reflect on the surface, and small boats drift past one another. Is it touristy? Absolutely. But it is also a truly special experience that is well worth doing.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Just outside Hoi An, you’ll find Thanh Ha Pottery Village, a traditional pottery village where ceramics have been handcrafted for generations. Visitors can join a pottery workshop or try painting ceramics, making it a fun and interactive activity for all ages. As you explore the village, you’ll see local artisans at work using traditional techniques and gain a fascinating insight into this centuries-old craft.
Visit the Beach
For families looking for something a little more active, the beach is the perfect place to spend the day. An Bang Beach has a relaxed and family-friendly atmosphere, with plenty of beach clubs where you can comfortably spend an entire day. In Da Nang, the beaches are larger and a bit wilder. My Khe Beach is ideal for playing in the sand, swimming, or even trying a first surfing lesson with children.
The Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains offer a fun change of pace. With caves, stairways, and scenic viewpoints, it feels like a mini adventure for the whole family. One tip: take the elevator to the top, especially if you’re traveling with children. It saves a lot of energy (and potential complaints). Do keep in mind that the site is not stroller-friendly.
Even More Family-Friendly Fun
Then there are the unexpected experiences that children often love the most. A small evening fair at Sông Hoài Square, a photo booth with fun costumes at Life4cuts, or watching the Dragon Bridge in Da Nang breathe fire and spray water on weekend evenings. These are the kinds of moments that often become just as memorable as the major attractions.
Where to Stay in Hoi An and Da Nang with Kids
A great hotel can make all the difference when traveling with children. Fortunately, both Hoi An and Da Nang offer plenty of accommodation options that are perfectly suited to families.
Bel Marina Hoi An Resort
In Hoi An, Bel Marina Hoi An Resort is an excellent choice for families. Its riverside location is beautiful, and the complimentary shuttle service makes it easy to reach the beach. One of the biggest advantages is the variety of swimming pools with different depths, making them suitable for both younger and older children. The breakfast buffet is extensive, and the atmosphere is relaxed—exactly what you want after a warm day of exploring.
La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa
If you prefer to stay closer to the beach in Hoi An, La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa near An Bang Beach is a great option. It offers a wonderful combination of comfort, excellent facilities, and a family-friendly atmosphere, making it an ideal base for exploring both the beach and the historic town.
TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach
In Da Nang, TMS Hotel Da Nang Beach is a fantastic choice. Located directly opposite the beach, it offers spacious rooms and an infinity pool with stunning ocean views. It feels slightly more luxurious while still being very family-friendly. Thoughtful extras such as a children’s play area and high chairs help make traveling with kids that little bit easier.
Where to Eat in Hoi An and Da Nang with Kids
Eating in Hoi An and Da Nang with children is surprisingly easy and stress-free. Our kids could always find something they enjoyed, from filled bánh mì sandwiches and all kinds of noodle dishes to spiral potatoes and even fish-shaped ice cream. And yes, if your children are craving fries or a good Italian pizza, you’ll find plenty of those too.
Street food is an experience in itself. Everyone can order whatever they feel like eating, and you enjoy it together on the small plastic stools that line the streets. Our personal favorites were bánh tráng nướng (often described as Vietnamese-style pizza) and the famous spiral potatoes. The best bánh mì we had was at Bánh Mì Sum.
For a more relaxed dining experience, The Noodle House along the river in Hoi An is a great choice. If you’re spending the day at the beach, La Plage at An Bang Beach is highly recommended for families thanks to its play area and high chairs. Along the promenade of My Khe Beach in Da Nang, you’ll find plenty of welcoming restaurants with a local atmosphere, as well as familiar options like pizza and pasta for younger travelers.
How to Get to Hoi An and Da Nang
Da Nang is the main gateway to this region. From there, it’s about a 40-minute drive to Hoi An. Many international flights arrive directly in Da Nang, while others connect through another city in Vietnam. Once you’re in the country, getting around is surprisingly easy.
Grab works exceptionally well in Vietnam and is very affordable. Short rides often cost just a few euros, making it ideal for families. You don’t have to negotiate prices or spend time looking for transportation, which makes traveling with children much more convenient.
Within Hoi An itself, many attractions are within walking distance. The town center is compact and largely pedestrian-friendly, creating a relaxed environment for families. Cycling is another great option, especially for trips to the beach. Da Nang is much larger, so you’ll likely use taxis or Grab more often, but the distances are still manageable and easy to navigate.
Practical Tips for Visiting Hoi An and Da Nang with Kids
How long to stay?
For Hoi An, I would recommend staying at least four days. It’s one of those places where many travelers end up staying longer than originally planned. For Da Nang, three days is a great addition, especially if you want time for the beach and a few excursions.
Together, Hoi An and Da Nang make up the perfect one-week stop on a Vietnam family itinerary, offering plenty of variety without the need to constantly move from place to place.
Best Time to Visit Hoi An and Da Nang with Kids
The best time to visit this region is from February to August, when the weather is generally dry and sunny. June can be particularly hot, especially during the middle of the day. We traveled during this period ourselves and found that the beach and swimming pool were perfect for cooling down, while sightseeing in the city during the afternoon could sometimes be a bit too warm.
The rainy season runs from September to January. That doesn’t mean you should avoid visiting, but it’s worth keeping in mind that you may experience frequent showers and less predictable weather conditions.
Shopping in Hoi An and Da Nang
Both Hoi An and Da Nang have plenty of small shops where you can easily buy everyday essentials. We purchased diapers and baby supplies at Baby’s World (Mẹ và Bé) in Hoi An, a store with a wide range of products for babies and toddlers, including diapers, formula, and personal care items.
Another convenient option is using the Grab app. You can order almost anything you need and have it delivered directly to your hotel, which is especially helpful on days when you just want to relax by the pool or at the beach.
Laundry in Hoi An
During a longer trip, it’s always nice to be able to do some laundry along the way. Hoi An has many small laundries where clothes can be cleaned quickly and affordably. Most hotels offer laundry services as well, but we found them to be significantly more expensive. A great local option is Laundry Hoi An Mrs. Sa .
Traffic
Traffic in Vietnam can take some getting used to at first—scooters seem to come from every direction. We often crossed the street with one child each while the traffic simply flowed around us. The key is to stay calm, keep walking at a steady pace, and avoid stopping suddenly. Once you get the hang of it, it feels far less intimidating and becomes part of the authentic Vietnam experience.
One big advantage in Hoi An is that scooters are not allowed in much of the Old Town, making it a wonderfully peaceful place to stroll through the colorful streets with children.
What Makes This Place So Special
Hoi An and Da Nang may not be “perfect Instagram destinations” in the traditional sense. But that combination of atmosphere, simplicity, culture, and relaxation is exactly what makes them such fantastic places for families.
Somewhere between the lantern-lit streets, the delicious street food, and the sound of the ocean, something special happens. It’s not something you can plan or schedule. It’s simply about spending quality time together, without rushing from one attraction to the next. And in the end, those are often the memories that stay with you the longest.
Wil je je rondreis naar Vietnam meteen gaan plannen?
Bij het plannen van je reis naar Vietnam zijn er verschillende manieren om je verblijf en activiteiten te boeken. Als je graag zelf alles regelt, kun je via Booking.com eenvoudig accommodaties vinden die passen bij jouw wensen. Voor unieke excursies en tours is GetYourGuide een uitstekende keuze. Wil je liever alles in één keer geregeld hebben? Dan biedt TUI complete pakketten aan voor een zorgeloze vakantie. Ben je op zoek naar meer flexibiliteit en wil je je reis op maat samenstellen? Kijk dan eens bij Riksja, waar je met bouwstenen je eigen ideale reis kunt samenstellen.
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