Hoi An: Basket Boat Ride & Ancient Town Tour with Local Lunch

Summary

Hoi An old town strolls, coconut forest basket boats, village lunch

You’ll wander Hoi An’s lantern-lit streets with a local guide, try your hand at paddling a traditional basket boat through Cam Thanh’s coconut forest, share laughs with villagers over lunch, and feel part of daily life here — not just passing through.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, you won’t fall in — unless you want to!” That’s what our guide Minh said as we eyed the round bamboo basket boats bobbing in Cam Thanh. I’d seen photos but didn’t expect the boats to feel so light underfoot, almost like stepping onto a floating drum. The air smelled sweet and earthy from the water coconut palms, and a fisherman nearby grinned at my awkward paddling attempts (I’m sure he’s seen worse). We spun gently along the quiet waterways, just the slap of water against bamboo and a few birds overhead. It was humid but not uncomfortable — more like being wrapped in a warm towel.

Earlier that morning, Minh had met us right at our hotel lobby — he waved before I even spotted him. We started in Hoi An Ancient Town, weaving through narrow lanes past yellow walls and lanterns. He pointed out the Japanese Bridge and told us how traders from China and Japan shaped this place centuries ago. I tried to say “xin chào” to an old woman selling rice cakes; she laughed softly and handed me one anyway. There’s something about Hoi An that feels both lively and gentle at once — maybe it’s the way everyone seems to know each other, or how even strangers nod hello.

I didn’t expect lunch to be such a highlight. We sat on low stools by an open window in Cam Thanh village while Minh explained each dish (I forgot half the names but remember the taste — salty fish sauce, fresh herbs, something smoky from the grill). Afterward, we watched kids play near the riverbank while waiting for our ride back. The whole day felt unhurried — like we were guests rather than tourists. I still think about that slow drift through the coconut forest sometimes, especially when city life gets too loud.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hoi An city and basket boat tour

• Hotel pick-up by driver
• Visit Hoi An Ancient Town
• Explore Japanese Bridge and old houses
• Head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village
• Ride basket boat for one hour
• Try catching crabs with fishermen
• Learn to paddle bamboo basket boat
• Enjoy local food for lunch or dinner
• Transfer back to hotel

Top questions

How far is Cam Thanh Coconut Village from Hoi An?

Cam Thanh Coconut Village is about 5km southeast of Hoi An Old Town.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your hotel are included.

What do you do during the basket boat ride?

You’ll paddle through water coconut palms with local fishermen and can try catching crabs.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, a local meal is included during your visit to Cam Thanh village.

Are entrance tickets covered?

All entrance fees are included in your tour price.

Is this tour suitable for families with young children?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized seats.

Do I need to bring anything special for the trip?

A hat and sunscreen are recommended due to sun exposure during outdoor activities.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance tickets for Hoi An Ancient Town and Cam Thanh Coconut Village, bottled water throughout the trip, a guided basket boat ride with local fishermen (yes — you’ll get to paddle), plus a traditional Vietnamese lunch before heading back relaxed and full.