Planning 2 weeks in Vietnam in November with our daughter (5). Got 3 days in Hoi An pencilled in but worried she’ll get bored. She likes the beach and boats. Should we cut it to 2 days and add a day in Da Nang instead? What do kids actually enjoy there?
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The lantern boat ride at night was the highlight for our kids too. We went around 7pm when it was dark enough for the lanterns to really glow.
We did 4 days in Hoi An with our 4 year old and she still talks about the lantern boats. The trick is to not overplan, one activity per day max and the rest beach or pool time.
Do not cut it. Da Nang has bigger beaches but it is a city, Hoi An is the one with the magic for kids. If she needs a full play day, VinWonders Nam Hoi An is 20 minutes away and has a water park. We did 2 days beach, 1 day old town plus the evening lantern boat ride, zero boredom.
Replying to Mike
Thanks Mike, that settles it, we are keeping the 3 days. Quick one: did your kids do the lantern boats at night? Mine is 5 and I cannot tell if he would love it or find the crowds overwhelming.
Replying to Adrian Woods
Yes, we did it with our two, they were 4 and 7 at the time. The ride is short, maybe 20 minutes, and they give you life jackets without you even asking. Go around 6pm before it gets really packed, the crowds are the only part that might be too much for a 5 year old. Mine fell asleep in the boat on the way back, if that tells you anything.
Keep the 3 days. We did Hoi An with our 6 year old last year and the beach days were the highlight for him. An Bang in the morning is calm and shallow, perfect for little ones. And the coconut basket boats at Cam Thanh were a massive hit, they let him try the rowing and he still talks about it. The old town is lovely in the evening but honestly your daughter will remember the boats more than the lanterns.
Replying to Leanne Murrell
Yes to the morning beach plan. We learned the hard way, midday sun there is brutal for kids. Beach 8 to 11, back to the hotel pool for a nap, then old town after 4 when it cools down. Worked perfectly for our 4 year old.
Replying to Leanne Murrell
Thanks Leanne, this is exactly the reassurance I needed. An Bang beach in the morning sounds perfect. Did you find the sea calm enough for a 5 year old to paddle in, or were the waves a bit much? Also how was the sand, clean enough for him to just dig around for hours?
Replying to Adrian Woods
The sea was super gentle in the mornings, my son was in and out with a bucket for hours. Afternoons the waves pick up a bit so we switched to the hotel pool. Sand was clean, no worries there. Honestly 3 days flew by, we wished for 4.