Hoi An: Basket Boat Ride & Crab Fishing in Coconut Forest

Summary

Hoi An’s coconut forest by basket boat, local crab fishing & laughter

You’ll glide through Hoi An’s lush coconut forest in a basket boat, try your hand at crab fishing with local guides, and hear stories from Cam Thanh’s past. There’s laughter, hands-on paddling lessons (with plenty of wobbling), and moments of real calm among the palms—plus hotel pickup and all entry fees included.

What’s the experience like?

“If you fall in, just laugh — the water’s warm!” That’s what our guide, Mr. Tuan, grinned as he handed me a round bamboo hat and helped me into the wobbly basket boat. I’d seen photos of these boats before coming to Hoi An, but actually sitting in one—well, it felt a bit like perching on a spinning top. The air smelled faintly sweet from the nipa palms all around us, and somewhere nearby someone was frying something with garlic. I tried not to think about how easy it’d be to tip over.

We drifted into the thick Cam Thanh water coconut forest, sunlight flickering through palm leaves and dappling our faces. Mr. Tuan pointed out scars on some of the trees—he said this place was once a hiding spot during the war. It’s hard to picture now with all the dragonflies buzzing and kids waving from other boats. He showed us how to throw a fishing net (I nearly tangled myself), then handed me a little stick for crab fishing. I didn’t expect much but somehow managed to catch a tiny one; it looked at me with suspicion before I let it go.

The best part? Tuan taught us how to paddle—sort of—by spinning the boat in circles until we were dizzy and laughing so hard my sides hurt. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the creaking bamboo and distant voices across the creek. I still think about that calm sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Cam Thanh Nipa palm site

• Arrive in Hoi An ancient town
• Visit water coconut woods
• Tour creeks by basket boat
• Learn to paddle basket boat
• Fish crabs and throw fishing net
• Watch local basket boat rowing

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Hoi An basket boat tour?

Yes, free one-way hotel pickup is included for this tour.

What activities are part of the Cam Thanh coconut forest tour?

You’ll ride a basket boat, try crab fishing, watch net throwing demonstrations, and learn to paddle from local fishermen.

How long does the Hoi An basket boat experience take?

The exact duration isn’t specified but expect around 2-3 hours including transfers.

Is this tour suitable for children or elderly travelers?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for those with poor cardiovascular health; infants must sit on an adult’s lap.

Are entrance fees included in the price?

Yes, all entrance fees and taxes are covered in your booking.

Do I need to bring anything special for crab fishing or paddling?

No special equipment is needed; everything is provided including hats and life jackets.

Will there be a local guide during the tour?

Yes, you’ll be accompanied by a local guide throughout your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes one-way hotel pickup in Hoi An, entry tickets to Cam Thanh Nipa palm site, use of basket boats with life jackets provided, bottled water to keep you cool under the palms, a traditional Vietnamese conical hat (Non La) for shade—and guidance from friendly local fishermen who’ll show you every step along the way.