With two toddlers in tow, An’s family had a blast eating their way through one of Vietnam’s most enchanting ancient town: Hoi An.
While this wasn’t my first time to Hoi An, it was the first time for my two young daughters and, I’m happy to say, they loved it!
When travelling with kids, my necessities now for family holidays are short, direct flights and tot-friendly locations, preferably with kids’ clubs and other child-friendly amenities and activities. The charming Hoi An and a stay at Anantara Hoi An Resort fit the bill so we booked a 5-day getaway.
Scenically positioned on the banks of the Thu Bon River, Anantara Hoi An Resort is a unique retreat in the historic Vietnamese port town that’s been a UNESCO world heritage site since 1999. Designed with French, Dutch, Chinese and Japanese influences that reveal Hoi An’s cultural diversity, split level rooms and suites open onto porches with comfortable daybeds overlooking either the river or garden courtyard. And whilst it’s not completely geared toward families, it does have a lovely swimming pool located in its own riverside courtyard and a kid’s activity corner. The girls had no complaints!
We stayed in an Anantara River View Suite with a separate living room area and view of Thu Bon River. The suite was spacious, bright and uncluttered which made it both welcoming and calming – it definitely felt like an escape from home.
I personally loved the sunken bathtub and separate rain shower, complete with Elemis lotions and potions, while my little ones adored the large balcony with two swinging daybeds. They were also delighted with the never-ending stream of cupcakes that awaited them in the room courtesy of the friendly F&B manager, Van.
Hoi An is known for its delicious culinary options and the resort did not disappoint. An expansive buffet breakfast was served at the first-floor Lanterns restaurant, where you could linger at a riverview table over pastries, freshly squeezed juice, cold cuts and eggs-to-order, or a steaming bowl of Vietnamese pho. There are light bites, such as spring rolls, salads and pizza, at the poolside Reflections bar or high tea at the Hoi An Riverside Restaurant.
The food was amazing paired with excellent service from Van, a greeting from her every morning made our stay even more special! She also recommended new dishes for us to try during our visit: hoanh thanh chien (crispy wonton with chop suey topping) and Banh Mi Phuong (Madame Phuong’s Vietnamese sandwiches).
The dinner menu at Anantara Hoi An Resort focuses on local dishes, such as the legendary cao lau noodles, alongside steak and seafood. The riverfront setting made it the perfect place for a happy hour cocktail too before dinner, but actually my girls couldn’t get enough of ordering room service – it thrilled them every time!
The resort’s manager, Hai, was also exceptional. She offered to take my family for a walk to explore more of Hoi An beyond the old town. The photos from this walk are my most cherished ones of the entire trip. (Also, there are rows of tailoring shops nearby the resort, so if it’s a couple of new dresses you’re after or a suit for the hubby at a great price, don’t miss out. Check with the resort staff for best advice on where to go.)
We had a wonderful time throughout our stay and I would encourage anyone to visit Hoi An with their kids. Anantara Hoi An Resort also has convenient interconnecting rooms for large families and children under four years old stay free. Extra beds for 4- to 12 year-olds and over-12s are an additional charge. There are also plenty of activities for children and a babysitter on request.
If you’re after sun, culture, sea and a relaxing time for the entire family, you won’t be disappointed while staying at Anantara Hoi An Resort!
To learn more about current offers at Anantara Hoi An Resort through Diethelm Travel Vietnam, please contact sales@vn.diethelmtravel.com.