Hoi An: Basket Boat Ride & Cooking Class in Cam Thanh Village

Hoi An day trip with basket boats fishing stories and home cooking

You’ll paddle a traditional basket boat through Cam Thanh’s coconut groves, try your hand at fishing with locals, wander a bustling market for ingredients, and cook alongside Mr Cu’s family in their home. It’s hands-on and personal — you’ll probably leave with new stories (and maybe wet feet).

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Market visit, basket boat, cooking class

• Visit local market and buy ingredients
• Transfer to fishing village via car
• Boat trip in water coconut palm forest
• Fish and crab with local fishermen
• Make souvenirs with palm leaves
• Learn about Vietnamese–American war stories
• Cooking lesson at local home
• Enjoy lunch or dinner with family

The Experience

I honestly didn’t expect to laugh so much trying to paddle that round bamboo basket boat — it’s called “Thung Chai” here in Hoi An. The whole thing felt wobbly at first, but our guide (I think her name was Lan?) just grinned and showed me how to twist my wrist right. We drifted through the coconut palms in Cam Thanh village, not far from the old town, and I could smell the river mud mixed with something sweet from the palms. There were tiny purple crabs clinging to the sides — apparently you can catch them if you’re quick, but I mostly just splashed myself.

We’d started earlier at a local market, following our guide through aisles of herbs and fish that honestly made me hungry way before lunch. She haggled for some greens and let us try saying their names — Li laughed when I tried to say “rau răm” in Vietnamese (probably butchered it). Then we drove past rice paddies shimmering in the sun toward the river, which was quieter than I expected. The fishermen we met didn’t seem rushed; one even showed me how he makes little souvenirs from palm leaves. He told us a story about hiding in these trees during the war — his voice got soft for a second, and I still think about that moment sometimes.

The cooking class at Mr Cu’s house felt like visiting someone’s uncle — shoes off at the door, a fan humming somewhere above us. We chopped veggies while his wife watched my technique (or lack of it), then sat down together for lunch. The food tasted fresh and simple; maybe it was just being there with everyone that made it feel special. Afterward we lingered over tea, not really wanting to leave yet. So yeah — if you want a day trip from Hoi An that’s more than just ticking boxes, this is it.

Top questions

How far is Cam Thanh village from Hoi An?

Cam Thanh village is about 5 kilometers from Hoi An ancient town.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included.

What do you do during the basket boat ride?

You’ll paddle through water coconut groves with local fishermen and try catching fish or crabs.

Is there a cooking class on this tour?

Yes, you’ll join a cooking lesson at Mr Cu’s home using ingredients bought earlier at the market.

Are meals included?

A traditional Hoi An lunch or dinner is included after the cooking class.

Is this tour suitable for young children or infants?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap; check fitness recommendations before booking.

Are there any health restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or cardiovascular issues.

Will we meet local people during the tour?

Yes, you’ll meet local fishermen and cook with Mr Cu’s family.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, entry fees to all sites visited, cold water and wet tissues along the way, an English-speaking local guide who stays with you throughout, plus a traditional Hoi An lunch or dinner shared at Mr Cu's family home before heading back.