Hoi An Countryside: Bike Tour, Tra Que Village & Basket Boat

Summary

Cycle quiet lanes near Hoi An, try farming at Tra Que and ride a basket boat

You’ll cycle quiet country roads near Hoi An with a local guide, meet farmers in Tra Que village and join their daily work, then float through coconut palms in a round basket boat before sharing a Vietnamese lunch. It’s an easygoing day full of small surprises — you might even come home thinking about mint leaves and muddy shoes.

What’s the experience like?

I realized about two minutes into the Hoi An countryside cycling tour that I’d forgotten how to properly adjust a bike seat — so there I was, wobbling out of my hotel with Mr. Tai grinning and helping me sort it out. He didn’t seem bothered (maybe he’s seen worse?), and soon we were pedaling past those narrow alleys where you catch whiffs of incense and someone’s breakfast frying. The air was already warm but not heavy yet, and the sound of scooters faded behind us as we hit the open lanes.

We stopped at Tra Que Vegetable Village just as the sun started to climb higher. There was this earthy smell — wet soil mixed with something herbal — and a woman named Lan showed us how she waters rows of morning glory with those big metal cans. I tried it; my arms are still sore, honestly. Lan laughed when I nearly soaked my shoes. She handed me a sprig of mint straight from the ground — it tasted sharper than any mint I’ve had back home. We helped collect seaweed from the riverbank (slippery stuff), then watched two older men transplanting seedlings with this kind of slow patience that made me feel rushed just standing there.

The ride kept going past shrimp ponds and rice paddies where ducks waddled in muddy lines. At one point, a water buffalo stared us down like he owned the road — which maybe he did? We stopped for photos but mostly just watched local kids chasing each other along the dikes. It felt like time stretched out here; nobody seemed in a hurry except maybe me, trying to keep up with Mr. Tai’s stories about his childhood in these fields.

Later we reached the coconut palm forest, which is greener than I expected — almost too green if that makes sense. The basket boat ride was…well, wobbly again (theme of my day), but our rower steered us through these tight channels while singing something under her breath. Lunch after all that was simple: rice, fish, some vegetables from Tra Que itself. I’m not sure if it was exhaustion or just being there, but everything tasted better than usual.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cycling and local experiences in Hoi An

• Pick up from hotel in Hoi An
• Outline tour sights
• Cycle to Tra Que vegetable village
• Meet locals working in gardens
• Participate in farming activities
• Cycle past shrimp farms and rice fields
• Take photos of farms and animals
• Visit water coconut palm forest
• Ride basket boat with locals
• Enjoy local Vietnamese lunch
• Cycle back to hotel

Top questions

How long is the Hoi An countryside cycling tour?

The tour covers about 15 to 20 kilometers by bike around Hoi An.

Does this bike tour include hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from your hotel around Hoi An is included.

What activities are included at Tra Que Vegetable Village?

You’ll join locals for farming tasks like hoeing soil, collecting seaweed, transplanting and watering vegetables.

Is lunch provided on this Hoi An bike tour?

Yes, a local Vietnamese lunch is included after the morning activities.

Do you get to ride in a basket boat?

Yes, you’ll have a chance to row or ride in a traditional round basket boat through the water coconut palm forest.

Is this tour suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Are entrance tickets and bikes included?

Bikes and entry fees are included as part of your booking.

Who leads the tour?

A local English-speaking guide will lead your group throughout the day.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel in Hoi An, use of a bicycle for exploring country roads and villages, entrance tickets where needed, hands-on farming activities at Tra Que village, rowing or riding in a traditional basket boat through coconut palms, bottled water along the way, an English-speaking guide who knows every shortcut (and story), plus lunch featuring local dishes before you’re dropped back at your hotel.