Hoi An: Where Families Come to Slow Down

Hoi An is the perfect antidote to Hanoi's chaos or Ho Chi Minh City's intensity. This UNESCO-listed ancient town is compact, pedestrian-friendly (in the core), and packed with experiences designed for kids. The pace here is gentle — three days is plenty.

Lantern-Making Classes

This is the quintessential Hoi An family activity. Kids choose silk fabric, assemble the frame, and walk away with a working lantern.

Hoi An Lantern Making Class — Most classes cost $5-8/child and run 45-60 minutes. The Hoa Nang Lantern shop on Nguyen Thai Hoc Street is particularly patient with young kids (ages 4+). They let kids choose colors, design the pattern, and attach the tassels. Parents can help or watch from across the street at a cafe. Thu Thuy Lanterns — Slightly more structured class for $8/child. Best for ages 6+. The owner speaks excellent English and shares stories about the lantern festival tradition.

Cooking Classes That Welcome Kids

Hoi An's cooking classes are legendarily good, and many welcome children alongside parents.

Tra Que Herb Village Cooking Class — The best option for families. Starts with a walking tour of the herb village where kids can pick vegetables and smell herbs. Then hands-on cooking in an open-air kitchen. Kids make fresh spring rolls (no cooking) and help mix ingredients. $20-25/person including market tour. Book on Klook for $18. Red Bridge Cooking School — Riverside cooking school with a short boat transfer included. Kids get their own station with child-safe knives. The menu includes pho, spring rolls, and banana flower salad (skip for picky eaters). $30/adult, half price for kids under 12. Morning Glory Cooking School — Central location with classes starting at 8:30am (before the heat). The owner, Trinh, wrote the book on Hoi An cuisine — literally. Best for ages 8+. $35/person.

Basket Boat Rides in the Coconut Forest

A 20-minute drive from the Ancient Town, the Bay Mau Coconut Forest offers bamboo basket boat rides. These circular "thung chai" boats were used by fishermen for generations. The ride includes a demonstration of net fishing and — the highlight — being spun around by the boat driver while locals sing. Kids absolutely shriek with joy.

Cost: $10-15 per boat (holds 2 adults + 2 kids). Book through your hotel or at the dock. Morning tours (8-10am) are cooler. Tips for the spinners: 20,000-50,000 VND ($1-2).

Bike Rides Through Rice Paddies

Hoi An's countryside is flat, green, and perfect for family cycling. Most hotels rent bikes for free or $1/day. Kids' bikes and child seats are widely available.

Recommended route: Ancient Town → Tra Que Herb Village → rice paddies → Cam Thanh fishing village → back via the beach. Total 10-12km, mostly flat. Stop at Tra Que for a fresh juice ($0.50) and at the fishing village to watch the basket boats. Electric bike option: If the kids are too small or it's too hot, hire a xe om (motorbike taxi) or private car for $15 for a 2-hour tour.

An Bang Beach

Hoi An's nearest beach is a 10-minute bike/taxi ride from the Ancient Town. The water is calm, the sand is clean, and the beachfront restaurants serve cold drinks and fresh seafood.

Best spot for families: The southern end near the fishing boats — quieter with shallower water. The restaurant at Soul Kitchen ($3-5 meals) has a kids' play area and beanbags on the sand. Cost: Free entry. Sunbeds are 50,000 VND ($2) if you order drinks. Shower stalls are 10,000 VND.

Full Moon Lantern Festival

If you're in Hoi An on the 14th day of the lunar month, you'll experience the magic of the monthly lantern festival. The Ancient Town switches off electric lights and hangs thousands of silk lanterns instead. Locals release paper lanterns with candles onto the Thu Bon River.

Kids can buy a floating lantern for 10,000 VND ($0.40) and make a wish. The atmosphere is pure magic. Go to the riverfront near the Japanese Covered Bridge around 7pm.

Where to Eat with Kids

Morning Glory — Hoi An's most famous restaurant. The cao lau (noodles with pork and greens) is mild and kid-friendly. High chairs available. Mains $3-5. Banh Mi Phuong — The banh mi that Anthony Bourdain made famous. $1.50 each, made fresh in front of you. Ask for "no spicy, no pâté" for kids. The line moves fast — don't be intimidated by the queue. Mango Mango — Riverside restaurant with a kids' menu ($4-6). The coconut prawns are a hit. The owner, Chef Duc, is wonderful with children. Cargo Club — French patisserie in the Ancient Town. Incredible desserts ($2-4) and a second-floor balcony perfect for people-watching. The passion fruit mousse is unforgettable.

The Verdict

Hoi An is Vietnam's most family-friendly destination. The combination of slow pace, hands-on activities, mild food, and beautiful setting makes it accessible even for families nervous about traveling in Vietnam. Three full days here — with at least one trip to the beach — is the sweet spot.