Hoi An: Coconut Basket Boat Ride & Crab Fishing Village Tour

Summary

Hoi An’s coconut groves by basket boat, crab fishing and river life

You’ll float through Hoi An’s coconut forest in a traditional basket boat, laugh your way through crab fishing with locals, and try your hand at casting nets on the river. With hotel pickup included and friendly guides sharing their stories along the way, you’ll get a real taste of village life—plus maybe end up spinning in circles if you’re brave enough to ask.

What’s the experience like?

Paddles clack against the rim and suddenly we’re spinning—fast. I grabbed the edge of our little round boat, laughing like an idiot while the uncle steering us grinned wider with every turn. The coconut palms crowd close overhead, their leaves whispering. I could smell the river—a bit earthy, a bit sweet. Our guide, Lan, told us stories about her childhood here as she handed me a tiny paddle (mine was more for show than anything).

We’d started with cold bottled water at the village restaurant—simple but honestly welcome in this heat—and then shuffled down to the riverbank where these bamboo basket boats bobbed like big bowls. I tried to copy Lan’s paddling style but mostly just splashed myself. There were other boats out too, some with families from Hanoi, a couple of older fishermen waving as they passed. One guy showed us how to cast a net—his arms moved so quick it looked easy until I tried (it wasn’t). The main keyword for this tour is “coconut basket boat ride Hoi An”, but that doesn’t really cover how it feels when you’re actually on the water.

Crab fishing was next—Lan handed me a bamboo stick with a bit of bait tied on and I dangled it into the reeds. We caught one tiny crab (she let it go right away), and she laughed at my surprise. There was something calming about drifting under all those green arches, not much noise except birds and the slap of water against our boat. If you come after 3:30pm you’ll miss the net casting part—I didn’t know that before booking but glad we made it early.

I still think about that moment when everything went quiet for a second—the sun poking through palm leaves, just floating there while someone else did all the steering. It’s not fancy or anything, but maybe that’s why it sticks with me.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Coconut forest boat ride and fishing

• Pick up at hotel by car
• Welcome with a bottle of water
• Visit water coconut forest by basket boat
• Learn to paddle basket boat
• Watch basket boat spinning
• Watch casting the fishing net
• Do fishing crab activity
• Relax at the restaurant
• Return to hotel

Top questions

What time should I book to see net casting?

The net casting activity ends after 3:45pm; arrive before 3:30pm to join.

Is hotel pickup included in this Hoi An coconut basket boat tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off are included if you select that option during booking.

Can children join the coconut basket boat ride?

Infants must sit on an adult's lap; suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal issues.

How long does the day trip last?

The experience typically lasts around 2-3 hours including transfers.

What should I bring for crab fishing in Hoi An?

You don’t need special gear; hats, umbrellas, life jackets and water are provided.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off if selected, entrance tickets to the coconut forest area, bottled water on arrival at the local restaurant, use of hats, umbrellas and life jackets for comfort and safety during your time on the river before returning back to your hotel.