Hoi An is not loaded with entertainment options that cater towards children. This is an old city with an old style, and the majority of activities involve historic sites, traditional homes and people-watching. The nearby beach at Cua Dai is always a good option and accessible to kids. Scuba diving and boat tours to Cham Island are another good way to spend an afternoon.

Beaches
The main beach near Hoi An is Cua Dai, a leisurely 25-minute bike ride from the city. The beach itself probably won’t blow your mind, but it is a lively scene with hawkers, tourists and pretty views of the South China Sea. You can swim in the water or lounge on the beach, which offers a refreshing change from the urban scene in Hoi An.

Boat Trips on the Thu Bon River
A fun way to get out on the water and see Hoi An and the surrounding countryside is on a boat cruise along the Thu Bon River. This is the river that flows through the city, and boatmen line the banks along Bach Dang Road waiting for passengers. The ride is inexpensive and it’s a wonderful way to spend an afternoon.

Cham Islands
One of the more interesting excursions you can take from Cua Bai Beach is a boat ride to the Cham Islands. This cluster of seven islands is five kilometres from shore, making for a quick and easy trip. These fishing islands are populated by ethnic Cham people, one of the most ancient groups in the region. It costs virtually nothing for the boat trip, which lasts half a day.

Marble Mountains
A few kilometres from Hoi An is this set of five marble and limestone formations. This is the best site around for hiking, climbing and caving. Each peak is named after an element. Tho Son is the highest peak, and can be climbed via a series of ladders. The quarries and countless caves also provide lots of fun exploration, and reminders of its Buddhist roots can be seen everywhere.

Scuba Diving
If you have to get your underwater fix, there is a small scuba diving scene outside of Hoi An. The dive sites are scattered around the Cham Islands, and the city’s main outfitter, Cham Island Diving Centre, is run by an Italian expat. For a very reasonable price you can take an all-day trip to the remote parts of the Cham Islands, adding other cultural activities should you desire. Phone: +84 510 910 782

There is little else to do in Hoi An but soak in the cultural ambiance of this amazingly authentic historic city. The old town district is where most of the highlights are clustered and where visitors tend to spend most of their time. Tour one of the old houses that has had the same family living in it for 200 years, learn how to cook delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and browse the lively stalls of the central market. There is plenty to do in Hoi An to keep you occupied and interested.

Miss Vy’s School of Cooking
Of the few cooking schools in Hoi An, Miss Vy’s is widely regarded as the original - and best. Join one of her daily cooking classes and find out a few of her secrets. Class begins with a morning trip to the market to buy ingredients. After cooking several dishes you get to eat your own creations. 
Phone: +84 510 910 489; 

My Son
About 40km from Hoi An is this marvellous temple ruin constructed by the ancient Cham people who once ruled much of Vietnam as a powerful Hindu empire. The Cham ruled from the seventh through the 12th centuries, and My Son was one of their most important temple complexes. The atmosphere is positively serene and evocative, proving its worth as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Lighthouse Restaurant Cooking Class
The Lighthouse Restaurant Cooking Classes provide a fascinating insight into the preparation of delicious Vietnamese cuisine and an opportunity to learn first-hand about Hoi An’s traditional values and customs. Small and intimate classes are run in an extremely clean and comfortable environment. Classes begin with a morning trip to the market to buy ingredients. After cooking several dishes you eat your own creations whilst enjoying a spectacular river view!
Phone: +84 510 224 1503; Mobile: +84 905 159567 (Mrs Linh)

The dining in Hoi An is just as inspiring as the scenery. Everywhere you look there’s a tiny restaurant or food stall creating something mouth-watering at prices that won’t dent your wallet. Delicious, fresh seafood can be found in almost every establishment as it’s hauled in each morning at the Central Market. This complements a wealth of local specialities like huge savoury fried won tons, banh bao vac (white rose dumplings with shrimp), and cao lau, (a local dish of noodles, pork and leafy green veggies).

You can find a good meal anywhere but Bach Dang Road along the river is the hub of dining action. The only drawback is that touts from each restaurant try feverishly to lure you into their establishment. They are friendly but persistent, which appeals to some but annoys many other travellers.

A handful of fine restaurants can be found in the city, and each resort has an in-house eatery. Head to the Central Market for a local breakfast of cao lau and cold white coffee made with Vinamilk. Always carry small denominations of money when eating at the stalls and cheap cafés.

When most visitors think of shopping in Hoi An, silk springs to mind. This town has Vietnam’s finest selection and quality of silk and hand-tailored clothes. Virtually every visitor goes home with something since the prices are too good to resist. There are dozens of tailor shops, and overall the craftsmanship is very good. It pays to shop around to find the best shop for quality and service.

Tran Phu Street is the place to hunt for Vietnamese art, pottery and woodcarvings. This is also where skilled local cobblers still make custom shoes at excellent prices. Central Market can fulfil all your souvenir needs, but wherever you shop be prepared to haggle over the price. Being a foreigner you will inevitable be overcharged so bargain hard.