Hoi An & Cam Thanh: Basket Boat, Ancient Town & Lantern Ride

Summary

Basket boats in Cam Thanh, ancient Hoi An streets and night river lanterns

You’ll float through Cam Thanh’s coconut waterways in a basket boat (yes, you can try rowing!), wander Hoi An’s ancient lanes with a local guide, release your own flower lantern onto the Hoai River at dusk, and end up exploring night markets under glowing lanterns. Expect laughter, new tastes at dinner, and moments that linger longer than you’d guess.

What’s the experience like?

I was still laughing at myself for spinning in circles when we finally drifted out of the coconut palms in Cam Thanh. The basket boats are round — like giant soup bowls — and I swear steering them is an art. Our guide, Minh, grinned and showed us how to cast those big fishing nets. I tried it once, got tangled up, and nearly splashed myself. The air smelled green and muddy, with a bit of brine from the river. There were dragonflies everywhere, skimming the water. You could hear distant voices from other boats echoing between the trees.

Back on dry land, we bumped along to Hoi An Ancient Town. The old houses look like they’ve been holding their breath for centuries — yellow walls chipped by rain, lanterns swaying overhead even before sunset. Minh took us into one of those merchant homes (I think it was Phung Hung? Or maybe Tan Ky — I lost track), where he pointed out carvings in the beams that meant luck or long life. He told stories about traders coming from Japan and China; I liked how he said “Hoi An was always a place for meeting.” We wandered into the Museum of Folklore too — two creaky floors stacked with puppets and silk banners, plus someone doing a calligraphy demo right there.

By evening the air felt thick with incense and grilled pork smoke from street stalls. We crossed the Japanese Bridge just as someone started playing a bamboo flute nearby — honestly, it gave me goosebumps for a second. Dinner was some local specialty (white rose dumplings?), eaten fast because everyone wanted to get outside again for the lantern thing. That part surprised me: you take this tiny flower-shaped lantern, make a wish if you want (Minh said good luck comes if you don’t tell anyone), then set it floating on the Hoai River while boats glide past lit up in every color.

The night market after was noisy but kind of magical too — all those lights and people bargaining over silk scarves or little wooden frogs that croak when you rub them with a stick. I remember thinking I’d never seen so many shades of yellow in one place before. Even now I can almost hear that flute echoing across the water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coconut Village and Hoi An Exploration

• Hotel pickup in Da Nang area
• Ride basket boat in Cam Thanh Village
• Try traditional fishing with locals
• Tour Hoi An ancient town sites
• Visit Museum of Folklore
• See Japanese Bridge and carvings
• Shop handicrafts and art galleries
• Dine on local specialty food
• Evening boat ride on Hoai River
• Release flower lantern for luck
• Explore lantern-lit night market

Top questions

How long does this Hoi An & Cam Thanh tour last?

The tour lasts around half a day including transfers from Da Nang or nearby areas.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in Da Nang or nearby areas.

Can children join the basket boat ride?

Yes, infants and small children can join; prams or strollers are allowed and infant seats are available.

What food is served during dinner?

Dinner features local specialty dishes typical of Hoi An cuisine.

Are entrance fees included?

Yes, entrance fees to both Hoi An Ancient Town and Cam Thanh Coconut Village are included.

Do I need to know how to row a basket boat?

No experience needed; guides will show you how to row during the tour.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide leads all activities throughout the tour.

What activities are included besides sightseeing?

You’ll try traditional fishing techniques, enjoy a basket boat performance, release flower lanterns on the river, and visit handicraft shops.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off from Da Nang or nearby spots, entry fees for both Cam Thanh Coconut Village and Hoi An Ancient Town, mineral water to keep cool along the way, hands-on basket boat rowing (with help if you want), traditional fishing activities guided by locals, an evening boat ride on the Hoai River where you'll release your own flower lantern for luck, plus dinner featuring local specialties before heading back at night.