Sassy Mama's Guide To Hoi An, Vietnam

Travel - Inspiration & Tips - Short Haul - Guides

There’s a reason Hoi An and Da Nang are best loved by Hong Kongers. A direct flight (under two hours at that!) delivers you straight to pristine beaches, cultural immersion and stays to suit every taste and budget. Here’s what to see, eat and do on your next family getaway.

What’s not to love? Closer than Bali, Phuket and on par with the Philippines, Da Nang is one of the quickest flight to a tropical locale from Hong Kong. A tourist spot in its own right, beach resorts line the turquoise coast all the way through to the old town of Hoi An, 40 minutes further down the road. Ease and convenience are priorities when travelling with kids in tow, and it doesn’t get more straightforward than this balmy destination which promises something for the whole gang.

Jump To:
What To See And Do In Hoi An
Hoi An Restaurant Recommendations
Hotels And Resorts Near Hoi An
Weather And When To Visit Hoi An
Travelling From Hong Kong To Hoi An
Visas For Vietnam

What To See And Do In Hoi An

Hoi An Old Town

Hoi An is perfect for whileing away the hours simply wandering. A fluke of history meant that this once bustling trade city was abandoned in favour of Da Nang, just in time to protect it from modernisation. It made the UNESCO World Heritage list and has been a firm tourist favourite ever since.

Walking through the streets (much of the old town is closed to traffic) highlights a mix of Vietnamese, Chinese, Japanese and European architectural influences. Colourful lanterns light the streets in the evening, and cooler weather makes it the perfect time to peruse markets and eateries. While hectic at times, the old town is flat, stroller-friendly and fun for kids.

Food Tours And Cooking Classes

Eating your way around town is reason enough to visit Hoi An. The seemingly endless eateries can be overwhelming, so to eat as the locals do, a food tour can offer a great introduction to popular favourites (bánh mì anyone?) as well as local, regional delicacies (a steaming bowl of cao lau noodles) and more adventurous dishes (try the balut – not quite an egg, not quite a duck).

Hoi An Food Tour offers a range of private and small group food tours where you can walk, cycle or be whisked around town on the back of a motorbike as you sample the best street food in the area. The friendly, young guides will keep you entertained throughout, whether zipping through the back streets or meandering past the rice paddies.

The better restaurants in town offer cooking classes so you can try your hand at making local favourites. What a treat to be able to recreate fresh rice paper rolls or crispy pancakes back home! Vy’s Market Restaurant (see our restaurant recommendations below) offers excellent classes, as does Green Bamboo and Tra Que Water Wheel.

Lune Center — Theatre Shows

Older kids and teens will love a night out at the Lune Center. It’s hard to miss the 13-metre high bamboo dome scenically perched by the riverfront. We caught a spellbinding production of Teh Dar, an hour-long production of acrobatics, tribal music and contemporary dance with the creative use of bamboo for circus stunts.

Tailor-Made Clothing In Vietnam

Hoi An is Mecca for custom clothing, footwear, bag and jewellery shops. We dare say leaving town without at least one made-to-measure piece will be a challenge! The tailors range in quality and price, depending on materials selected and the craftsmanship involved.

Yaly Couture is tried and tested — we’ve had everything made from a wedding dress to winter coats here. While on the pricier side, you get what you pay for, with its range of quality fabrics and skilled seamstresses across its three branches.

BeBe is another firm favourite for its top-notch tailoring. Established more than 15 years ago, unlimited fittings at each of its three Hoi An branches ensures is a key draw.

Sassy Mama Tip: Decide what you like (and what suits you!) before visiting the tailor. For the time pressed, endless options make it easy to get overwhelmed. Keep in mind that if you choose something that doesn’t suit your body type, no amount of tailoring will make it work.

Ultimate Family Day Out

Holidays are for unwinding, so let the pros take care of the planning. This tried and tested five-hour Hoi An Hidden Gems for Early Risers comes highly rated by one Sassy Mamas’ own. As the name suggests, you’re up at the crack of dawn and on the road at an eye-watering 4:30am (also a good way to ensure tykes are tuckered out) with highlights including visits to one of only two remaining family noodle-making workshops in the region, as well as the only local rice wine brewer and distillery. Older kids will have a chance to interact with village fisherman and try their hand at coffee roasting. If five hours is too much for the younger ones, lantern-making workshops and classes at Pottery Mỹ Linh in Hoi An are other fun ways for them to get creative while learning about Vietnam crafts.

Marble Mountain

Situated seven kilometres from Da Nang, Marble Mountains is a group of five limestone peaks, and home to a network of caves, tunnels, towers and pagodas built by Mahayana Buddhists and the Nguyen Dynasty Kings. Open daily from 7am to 5:30pm, set aside at least two hours to explore, and try to avoid visits during rainy season or the hottest hours of the day where possible. Those with young kids will be relieved to know that a lift is located at Thuy Son Peak so there’s an option to bypass the uneven stairs altogether. Word of warning, Van Thong Cave is only suitable for 10-year-olds and above with its many steep steps.

Bike Tours

The area around Hoi An Old Town and the surrounding countryside is mostly flat, and once away from the main roads, surprisingly quiet. Perfect for a family cycling trip! Your hotel will most likely have bicycles available to rent (by the hour or at a day rate), but if your navigation abilities are questionable, following a local guide is your best bet. Many companies combine a cycling tour with other activities, like cooking classes and boat tours, so you can customise the perfect day out.

French expat, Pascal, and his wife run Heaven & Earth Bicycle Tours. The company offers small group and private cycling tours for all abilities and families will love that they have kids’ bikes and baby seats (that comply with EU and international safety standards).

Island Tours, Scuba Diving and Snorkelling

Just off the coast of Hoi An in the South China Sea are the Cham Islands, home to the Cu Lao Cham Marine Park. While the diving here isn’t world-class, the islands feature some of the best coral reefs along the coastline of Vietnam. A number of operators offer speed boats to the islands as well as full-day snorkelling and diving trips.

Read More: Explore Sharp Island With The Family

Beach Time

Cua Dai and An Bang Beach are just a few kilometres from Hoi An Old Town and should definitely be on your list if visiting in the dry season. You’ll find us lazing about under a palm tree with a coconut in hand! Small bars and restaurants line the sand so go for a stroll, find a perfectly located sun lounger and park yourself there for the day.

Shopping In Hoi An

There are countless shops and markets around the Old Town of Hoi An. Don’t forget to bargain! Whether you are after custom clothes, leather goods, jewellery, artwork or souvenirs, you’ll be spoilt for choice. A few standout shops are well worth the visit for nicer momentos.

Homeware shop Sunday is a favourite with several of the Sassy Mama team for personal accessories and statement pieces for your apartment. The handmade crafts and homeware are sourced from villages throughout Vietnam and Southeast Asia, and are a great way to extend the holiday vibes long after you return home!

Lovers of quality fabrics and French design should head straight to Metiseko for clothing and accessories. The creative team draws its inspiration from Vietnamese traditions and landscapes (think jungle and bamboo-inspired prints) to create silks and organic cotton that are sustainably sourced from local artisans.

Sassy Mama Tip: Metiseko also has an online store and ships overseas!

Hoi An Restaurant Recommendations

You will never go hungry in Hoi An! While you can of course opt for the Vietnamese classics like bánh mì and phở, why not try more local Hoi An favourites? We love cao lầu noodles, white rose dumplings (bánh bao bánh vạc), Vietnamese turmeric noodles (mì quảng) and crispy pancakes (bánh xèo).

Mango Mango

Occupying a prime position overlooking the Thu Bon River, grab a table at the upstairs terrace at Mango Mango. You’ll have a great view not only of the river (especially beautiful if visiting during the full moon) but also of the Japanese Covered Bridge and the Hoi An Night Market. There’s live music every night, a great cocktail list and a menu perfect for sharing, making it our top pick for unwinding after a day of sightseeing!

Ms Vy’s Restaurants

For solid local cuisine, head to any of Ms Vy’s restaurants (and there are a lot of them!). Ms Vy is somewhat of a legend in Hoi An with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant business. She grew up in Hoi An, but her parents are from the north and the south respectively, and she incorporates both influences into her cooking. Morning Glory and Vy’s Market Restaurant both serve delicious Vietnamese fare passed down through the generations. We are obsessed with the bun cha pork patties, refreshing chicken salad, spring rolls and fried fish and mango salad.

Sassy Mama Tip: To try Ms Vy’s recipes at home, pick up a copy of the Taste Vietnam: The Morning Glory Cookbook.

Noodle House by STREETS

We’re a sucker for a social enterprise, so Noodle House by STREETS is always going to make our list of recommendations. STREETS is a hospitality training restaurant where young adults from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to education and a leg up in the F&B industry. It has also branched out to offer market tours and cooking classes. Go on, put your tourist dollar towards a good cause!

Central Market Food Hall

For a truly local foodie experience, stroll through the Central Market Food Hall (this will almost certainly be included in any food tours). Sensory overload in the best possible way, this is not for the faint-hearted. Here locals source fresh produce, as well as cheap and cheerful lunches and snacks. As with all street food, look for a stall packed with locals and a high turnover to ensure you’re eating only the freshest fare!

Cargo Club

The French influence on Vietnam cuisine can be seen throughout the country, and nowhere is this more evident in Hoi An than Cargo Club Café, our go-to spot for French pastries and desserts (you had us at pain au chocolat!).

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Hotels And Resorts In Hoi An And Da Nang

There are so many incredible places to stay in Hoi An. Accommodation can either found on the outskirts of the Old Town or beachside, a few kilometres away. Many families choose to stay further afield in Da Nang (30 to 45 minutes drive away) and add Hoi An to their itineraries as a day trip.

Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort And Spa

A favourite with Hong Kong families, Hyatt Regency Da Nang ticks all the boxes. Choose from hotel rooms, one, two or three-bedroom apartments or go all out in a spacious, beachfront villa with a private pool. Home to Camp Hyatt, one of the largest kids’ clubs in Southeast Asia, you’ll find toddler play pits, ball pools, canopy swings, net climbing, and a thrilling water mountain. Pre-teens (and adults, who are we kidding?) can take time to themselves at The Arena, complete with arcade machines, classic games, racing, shooting and PlayStation 5 and board game rooms. Or why not do something as a family? Beach volleyball and kayaking promise to create special memories.

Sassy Mama Tip: Apartments and villas at the Hyatt Regency Da Nang are available to rent. You still have full access to the resort’s amazing facilities (including Camp Hyatt for a minimal cost) for the best of both worlds!

Hyatt Regency Da Nang Resort And Spa, www.hyatt.com

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort

Occupying prime position on Cua Dai Beach is the Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort. A highlight is having direct access to both a private white sand beach as well as a pool overlooking the sea. It has beautifully furnished garden and river view rooms, and spacious suites boasting gorgeous ocean views. Families will love having the option of interconnecting rooms, and amenities for younger children (baby cots, baths and toiletries) can be provided.

Victoria Hoi An Beach Resort, www.victoriahotels.asia

Four Seasons, The Nam Hai Hoi An Resort

Everyone who stays at The Nam Hai absolutely raves about it! The exclusive, all-villa property is the epitome of luxury and offers families an indulgent, relaxing stay. In between pool and beach sessions, children will love the range of activities on offer at the kids’ club.

Four Seasons The Nam Hai, www.fourseasons.com

Anantara Hoi An Resort

The riverfront Anantara Hoi An Resort (less than a kilometre from the Old Town) can’t be beaten, and indulging in its fabulous breakfast spread with water views is a daily treat. The spacious rooms either overlook the landscaped gardens or capture the breeze from the river. Families will love having a separate living area, huge bathrooms and an outdoor area to unwind at the end of the day. Make time to visit the spa either for a romantic couples treatment or solo pampering.

Anantara Hoi An Resort, www.anantara.com

Read More: 5 Babymoon Destinations In Asia

Namia River Retreat

Nestled on Con Ba Xa islet, a short bicycle ride from Hoi An, newly opened Namia River Retreat, an all-villa property featuring tranquil views of the Thu Bon River or lush Nipa palm forest, offers ultimate Mama me time with its wellness-inclusive programme (yes, you heard right! A 90-minute treatment for each night booked. Does it get any better?). While you’re being pampered, drop the the little ones off at the kids club for supervised play time — everyone’s happy!

Namia River Retreat, namiariverretreat.com

Weather And When To Visit Danang And Hoi An

The central Vietnamese coast has both wet and the dry seasons. The wet season lasts from September to January, but most of the rain falls in October and November. Expect cooler temperatures around this time (a max of around 25°C) and there is also the potential for flooding.

The summer heat really kicks in from June to August (expect temperatures well above 30°C). On the flip side, this is also the time to see the most spectacular full moon. This time each month, street lights are turned off in the Old Town, and you are guided purely by colourful lanterns and the moonlight (a highlight if you time your visit right and can handle the heat). If you are an avid beachgoer, this is the perfect time to visit. The water is calm and the winds light, which is ideal for island hopping and scuba diving.

Most families will find the shoulder months (March to May) most pleasant weather wise. The humidity is relatively low and temperatures are comfortable. Perfect for meandering the Old Town at leisure and lazing by the pool!

Getting To Get To Hoi An And Da Nang From Hong Kong

There are daily flights from Hong Kong to Da Nang which take just under two hours (so not too long to keep the kids entertained!). Da Nang is just over a 30-minute drive to Hoi An, and most hotels can organise transfers.

Sassy Mama Tip: Ride-sharing app Grab is widely available. Similarly, Grab Eats is also popular for ordering in if the kids have had an early night.

Visas For Vietnam

Many nationalities require a visa to enter Vietnam. Make sure you check the most up-to-date information as can differ between arrival cities. Some will be eligible for entry visa-free, for example, citizens of the UK (but not BNO passport holders) and many Europeans can enter visa-free for up to 15 to 21 days. There are also visa-on-arrival options as well as e-visas.

Sassy Mama Tip: Check all details are correct on your e-visa application and when the documents are sent to you (Sassy Mamas have experienced delayed arrivals due to typos made by issuing agencies).

Editor’s Note: “Sassy Mama’s Guide To Hoi An, Vietnam” was most recently updated in April 2025 by Stef Shiu, with thanks to Jess Mizzi for her contribution. Image 1 courtesy of Stef Shiu, image 2 courtesy of Getty, images 3, 4 & 8 courtesy of Jess Mizzi, image 5 courtesy of Klook, image 6 courtesy of Emilie de Cannart d'Hamale, image 7 courtesy of Unsplash, image 10 courtesy of Pexels, image 11 courtesy of Mango Mango, image 12 courtesy of Noodle House by STREETS via Facebook, image 13 courtesy of Cargo Club Cafe & Restaurant via Facebook, image 15 courtesy of Four Seasons, image 16 courtesy of Toomas Tartes on Unsplash. Images 9, 14 & 17 courtesy of Emily Chu.

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Sassy Mama’s Guide To Hoi An, Vietnam

There’s a reason Hoi An and Da Nang are best loved by Hong Kongers. A direct flight (under two hours at that!) delivers you straight to pristine beaches, cultural immersion and stays to suit every taste and budget. Here’s what to see, eat and do on your next family getaway.