Hoi An: Countryside Bike Tour, Basket Boat & Old Town Lanterns

Summary

Cycle village paths try basket boats and stroll lantern-lit streets

You’ll pedal quiet country lanes near Hoi An, try your luck riding a water buffalo or paddling a basket boat through lush palms, taste local tea and candy with villagers, then wander Old Town’s lantern-lit streets at dusk — ending your day releasing your own lotus lantern onto the river for good luck.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much trying to get on a water buffalo outside Hoi An — but there I was, clinging on while our guide Minh grinned like he’d seen this a hundred times. The countryside was already humming that morning, air thick with the smell of wet earth and something herbal from the fields. Minh had met us at our hotel with bikes (mine squeaked a bit, but honestly it added to the charm), and we set off along those skinny paths that wind between rice paddies and vegetable plots. At Tra Que Village, we stopped to watch farmers working — hands deep in soil, moving so quietly you almost felt rude talking too loud.

The Nipa Palm Forest was next, and I still hear the splash of oars echoing under those green arches. We tried paddling one of those round basket boats — not as easy as it looks on Instagram — and Li, another local we met there, laughed when I tried to say “dừa nước” (water coconut) in Vietnamese. Probably butchered it. She showed us how to weave little palm leaf toys while we sipped hot tea that tasted faintly sweet and grassy. There was this moment when everything just slowed down: sunlight flickering through leaves, someone singing softly from another boat nearby.

Back in Hoi An’s Old Town, things shifted — suddenly all color and movement again. The Central Market was noisy in the best way: vendors calling out prices, baskets of dragonfruit stacked high, the sharp scent of herbs everywhere. Minh handed me a glass of some herbal drink (I never caught the name), cold and slightly bitter but refreshing after biking around all day. We wandered narrow lanes past mossy walls and old wooden doors until dusk crept in. Lighting a lotus lantern by the Hoai River felt oddly personal; I watched mine drift away with dozens of others, tiny flames bobbing on dark water. Still think about that view sometimes, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Hoi An countryside and Old Town

• Meet guide and prepare bicycle
• Ride through green fields and paths
• Meet locals and ride water buffalo
• Watch farmers gardening activities
• Explore Nipa Palm Forest and water coconut village
• Watch fishing and paddle basket boat
• Make water coconut handicraft
• Enjoy tea and handmade coconut candy
• Visit Central Market and try herbal drink
• Walk Old Town streets and see historic sites
• Release lotus lantern on Hoai River

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Hoi An countryside tour?

Yes, hotel or meeting point pickup is included for all guests.

How long does the day trip from Hoi An last?

The tour covers a full day including countryside cycling, village visits, and Old Town exploration.

Do I need cycling experience for this bike tour?

No advanced skills needed; moderate fitness is recommended due to rural paths.

Can infants join this private tour?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during activities.

Is lunch provided during the tour?

No full lunch is mentioned; you’ll enjoy local herbal tea and handmade coconut candy as snacks.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart conditions.

What unique activities are included?

You’ll ride a water buffalo, paddle a basket boat in Nipa Palm Forest, release paper lanterns on Hoai River.

Will we have time to explore Hoi An Ancient Town?

Yes, you’ll walk through Old Town’s market and historic streets after returning from the countryside.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup or meeting point greeting by your guide, use of bicycles for exploring Hoi An’s countryside villages and Tra Que Vegetable Village, hands-on time riding a water buffalo if you’re up for it, paddling a basket boat with locals in Nipa Palm Forest (plus tea and coconut candy), wandering through Hoi An Ancient Town’s market streets at dusk with time to release your own paper lantern on the Hoai River before heading back.