Best Things to Do in Hoi An with Kids 2024

Nestled amidst stunning scenery, this charming Vietnamese town is where ancient heritage meets modern fun. Hoi An promises something for every age – thrilling day trips, unique activities, and tantalizing food that'll excite the whole family. Get ready for a family adventure filled with temple hopping, lively festivals, and lazy beach days. If you start planning for a family trip, uncover our list of things to do in Hoi An with your kids.

1. Discover VinWonder Nam Hoi An: Truly Wonderful Park for Kids

VinWonders Nam Hoi An is only about 15 km from the famous tourist destination of Hoi An ancient town. This entertainment complex offers a paradise of fun and entertainment for the whole family, boasting nearly 100 indoor games and over 20 thrilling outdoor adventures!

At the heart of VinWonders Nam Hoi An lies Folk Culture Island, offering visitors a glimpse into the artistic essence of traditional Vietnamese craft villages. Embark on a unique adventure with River Safari Nam Hoi An, where you can encounter 50 different animal species such as kangaroos and rhinoceros. This experience allows your children to witness a diverse range of flora and fauna up close. 

VinWonder Nam Hoi An

• Open hours: 9 AM–7 PM, daily.
• Price: from 320,000 VND (12,99 USD) to 600,000 VND (24,35 USD) per person, depending on height, age, and what time you are checking in.
• Address: Vo Chi Cong, Binh Minh, Thang Binh, Quang Nam.
• Website: https://vinwonders.com

2. Learn to Make Traditional Lanterns

In Hoi An, there's a standout lantern-making class that is run by a local family. Learning how to make traditional lanterns is a great way for both adults and kids. 

Especially, kids can improve their dexterity and creativity when making lanterns. They'll choose their favorite style, material, and color, then carefully bend, cut, and glue each component before painting and personalizing their lanterns with unique designs.

By joining this class, you can make your lanterns and take a piece of Hoi An home with you.

• Open hours: Daily
• Price: 250,000 VND per person for Express Class, and 380,000 VND per person for Full Class
• Address: 08 Tran Cao Van, Cam Pho, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Website: https://hoianhandicraft.com

3. Learn to Make Pottery

Pottery making is a must-do activity for both adults and children visiting Hoi An. One of the most famous spots in Hoi An is Thanh Ha Pottery Village, just a 15-minute drive from the old town. It has been a pottery production hub for over 400 years. 

Walking through the village, you'll be greeted by the aroma of earthenware. Thanh Ha offers various activities, including a museum showcasing its history, and hands-on pottery experiences. The pottery-making process starts with brown clay sourced from the nearby Thu Bon River and shaped using traditional pottery wheels. The finished products are sun-dried before being fired in wood-burning ovens for about 7-8 hours.

You can explore the village, watch artisans at work, and even try making pottery yourself.

• Open hours: 8 AM to 5:30 PM, daily
• Price: 

  • Entrance ticket (including exploring the village, the Nam Dieu Temple, and making pottery with artisans): 35,000 VND (~1.50 USD) per adult. Free for children under 120cm, and 15,000 VND (~0.65 USD) for children over 120cm

  • Entrance ticket to the Terracotta Park and Museum: an additional 40,000 VND (~1.70 USD) per adult, and 29,000 VND (~1.26 USD) for children over 120cm

• Address: Pham Phan, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam

4. Learn to Make Colorful Time Masks

The art of making time masks is upheld by artist Bui Quy Phong and his family with decades of experience. Mr. Phong refers to these masks as "time masks" due to the connection to Vietnamese history, particularly the boi or tuong singing art form.

These masks, crafted with layers of folded paper bonded with powder glue, are used as costumes for artists and cherished as cultural gifts.

• Open hours: 9 AM to 7 PM, daily.
• Price:
  • Mask painting: 200,000 VND (~8.60 USD) per person
  • 2-hour workshop: 350,000 VND (~15 USD) per person
  • Cultural performance: 100,000 VND (~4.30 USD) per person
• Address: 
  • 66 Bach Dang, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam
  • 58/7 Le Loi, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Facebook: https://thetimingmakshoian 

5. Join a Cooking Class

Participating in a cooking class is a favorite activity for tourists in Hoi An, offering an engaging experience for the whole family. The process typically involves visiting the local market, optional fishing activities on the river, and hands-on cooking. Children from 7 to 12 can even prepare their dishes, while those under 7 participate in simpler tasks.

One highly recommended option is the Hoi An Eco Cooking Class By Kien Nguyen, located in the renowned coconut village. Led by a knowledgeable guide, participants start with a visit to the lively local market. Then, they explore the Vietnamese countryside, navigating traditional basket boats through the nipa palm forest alongside local fishermen. They can pick nipa coconuts and learn traditional fishing techniques, including catching purple crabs.

The tour culminates at the cooking centre, where a skilled chef leads a hands-on cooking class. Participants cook their meal and enjoy it with hot white rice.

Note that several cooking tours are available in Hoi An, so it's wise to read reviews or refer to a local travel consultant to avoid confusion and ensure a smooth experience.

• Open hours: Half-day tour - 8:30 AM to 1:30 PM, daily.
• Price:

  • 730,000 VND (~29,89 USD) per adult (with Market tour).

  • 500,000 VND (~20,47 USD) per kid (with Market tour).

• Address: Tran Nhan Tong, Cam Thanh, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
• Website: hoianecocookingclass

6. Immerse the Hoi An Scenery by Getting Around

Exploring Hoi An ancient town is a favorite activity for tourists, offering a blend of daytime beauty and nighttime charm.

During the day, Hoi An is enchanting with its warm sunshine, ancient brick roofs, and yellow walls. The suburbs provide a serene escape, with endless rice fields alongside water buffalos and tropical fruit trees. As night falls, Hoi An transforms into a mesmerising spectacle of colorful lanterns and bustling street vendors.

To fully appreciate Hoi An's scenery, various transportation options are available. Along with many other famous cities in the world, Hoi An was voted by tourists as one of the destinations with the most safe & ideal cycling routes. Cycling is ideal for exploring the suburbs, but for safety reasons, children under 12 should go with their parents on one bike.

• Open hours: daily.
• Price: ~ 25,000 to 30,000 VND per bike per day (~1 USD).
• Address: easy to find anywhere in the ancient town or renting at your accommodation.

Besides cycling, in the old town, a covered cyclo ride also offers a charming way to explore its streets, costing approximately 150,000 VND (~6.14 USD) per hour for one adult and one child. During the tour, you'll see iconic sites like the Japanese Bridge and Central Market.

• Open hours: daily.
• Price: 150,000 VND (~6.14 USD) per hour for one adult and one child.
• Address: easy to find anywhere in the ancient town.

At night, a walk allows you to immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere. For a unique experience, take a boat ride down the Thu Bon River. Under the moonlit sky, your lantern-lit boat will glide past shimmering lanterns, offering a magical view of the Old Town. Prices range from approximately 150,000 VND (~6.14 USD) to 200,000 VND (~8.19 USD) per trip, depending on the boat size. 

• Open hours: from 8 AM till late
• Price: 150,000 VND (~6.14 USD) to 200,000 VND (~8.19 USD) per trip for 3 to 5 people
• Address: Bach Dang, Minh An, Hoi An, Quang Nam

7. Explore the Hoi An Night Market's Food

Hoi An offers a diverse culinary scene from Western favorites to vegetarian and vegan options. For families, consider these local specialties:

• Banh Xeo: Savory crispy pancakes filled with shrimp, pork, and vegetables.
• Cao Lau: Unique dish combining pork, rice noodles, and spices.

Be mindful that MSG is frequently used in Hoi An's cuisine. For individuals sensitive to MSG, inquire about its use before ordering to avoid potential discomfort.

8. Watch the Captivating Hoi An Water Puppets

Attending a water puppet show is a must-do activity when visiting Vietnam, especially with children. The show takes place at an outdoor theater and typically lasts for over 45 minutes. The performance is lively and captivating, making it suitable even for toddlers and children.

The Hoi An water puppet show typically occurs at 6:30 pm on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. For the best viewing experience, it is recommended to arrive at least 20 minutes before the show begins.

• Open hours: from 6:30 PM till late
• Price: 40,000 VND (~2 USD) per kid; 80,000 VND (~4 USD) per adult
• Address: 548 Hai Ba Trung, Tan An, Hoi An, Quang Nam

9. Experience at the Hoi An Local Tailor Shops

Hoi An is renowned for its abundance of tailor shops, making shopping for and creating custom clothing a must-do activity in the area. 

The experience can be summed up as 5 steps:

• Select a tailor: Browse the numerous shops and choose one with a reputation for quality.
• Choose your fabric: Explore the vast selection of fabrics, from silks and linens to cotton and wool, to find the perfect material for your desired garment.
• Get measured: Experienced tailors will take your precise measurements for a perfect fit.
• Fittings: One or more fittings may be required to ensure the garment fits you flawlessly.
• Receive your unique piece: Take home a one-of-a-kind clothing item tailored specifically to your preferences.

Don’t forget to seek recommendations from your hotel staff for trusted tailors. Consider renowned tailors like Bebe and Ba An, known for their exceptional craftsmanship, located at the market.

• Open hours: From 9 AM to 10 PM
• Price: varies depending on your custom
• Address: 05-07 Hoang Dieu, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam

10. Join the Beach Bliss for Kids in Hoi An

An Bang Beach, just outside the Hoi An old town, which offers the perfect escape for families with children. Renowned for its pristine shores and gentle waves, it provides a safe and enjoyable environment for little ones to splash in the shallow water.

Relax and unwind on the spacious beach, find shade under an umbrella, or indulge in delicious food and drinks at the beachside cafes and restaurants while your kids build sandcastles and explore the shoreline.

• An Bang Beach
• Address: Hai Ba Trung, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

11. Captivate the Memories Show at Hoi An Impression Theme Park/Hoi An Memories Land

Impression Amusement Park in Hoi An is like a magical storybook, but instead of reading about adventures, you get to live them.

This park is about exploring history, art, and culture in a fun and exciting way. It offers a plethora of fun activities, including costumed musicians, street performances, lanterns, a rainbow-lit flyover, and a miniature Japanese Bridge.

The highlight of the park is the Hoi An Memory Show, a visual extravaganza featuring hundreds of performers. This captivating show depicts historical photos of Hoi An from past to present, blending humor, romance, and emotional tragedy for an unforgettable experience.

• Open hours: from 8 PM till late, daily (except Tuesday).
• Price: The ECO (most basic) ticket class to experience the Hoi An Memories show is 150,000 VND per child and 600,000 VND per adult. In addition, there will be a small fee to participate in Hoi An Impression Theme Park.
• Address: 200 Nguyen Tri Phuong, Cam Chau, Hoi An, Quang Nam.
• Website: https://hoianmemoriesland

12. Join a Basket Boat Ride at Bay Mau Coconut Forest

Embark on a family adventure with a basket boat tour through the enchanting Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Cruise through lush nipa palm groves on unique bowl-shaped bamboo boats, while your skilled captain gifts delightful animal-shaped souvenirs crafted from coconut leaves to you and your little ones.

The highlight of this unforgettable journey is the Basket Boat Dance, an exhilarating activity essential. 

• Open hours: 8 AM to 5 PM, daily.
• Price: 30,000 VND (~ 1.30 USD) per person for the entrance fee, and 100,000 to 200,000 VND (~ 5 – 9 USD) for a basket boat ride.
• Address: Cam Thanh, Hoi An, Quang Nam.

Hoi An is a charming city where rich culture meets family fun. Here, you'll find a safe environment overflowing with exciting activities that will leave everyone with lasting memories. From welcoming locals to diverse experiences that cater to all ages, Hoi An offers the perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal family vacation destination.

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