Hoi An Countryside: Jeep Tour, Rice Paper & Basket Boats

Hoi An villages, old crafts and river islands in one day

You’ll join local families in Hoi An’s countryside to make rice paper by hand, roll fragrant incense sticks, weave sleeping mats (with lots of laughter), and glide through palm forests in a round basket boat. Expect warm smiles, honest food, hotel pickup and drop-off—and maybe a bit of flour on your shirt by day’s end.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 8 km of Hoi An, all entry fees and donations to local homes along each stop, hands-on activities like making rice paper and weaving mats with local families, bottled water plus coffee or juice breaks (or even cold beer), travel by Vietnam Army jeep-style vehicle with an English-speaking guide—and plenty of time for laughs or questions wherever you go.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

93 verified traveler reviews

Ratings come from travelers who booked this exact experience. We never edit or filter them.

Read all the reviews ›

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hoi An countryside crafts and culture

• Make rice noodles and crackers
• Learn incense-making craft
• Weave colorful sleeping mats
• Relax at coffee stop
• Enjoy views from Cua Dai Bridge
• Ride round basket boat
• Visit Tra Que vegetable village

The Experience

Hands covered in sticky rice batter, I tried to copy Mrs. Luan’s quick movements but mostly just made a mess. She smiled anyway and handed me a thin sheet of rice paper that was somehow both warm and almost see-through—like edible silk, if that makes sense. The smell of steaming rice hung in the air while her husband laughed softly at my attempts. Cam Kim Island felt quiet except for the occasional rooster and the sound of water slapping against the shore nearby. I didn’t expect to like making food with strangers this much.

The jeep rumbled along narrow paths between fields so green they looked unreal, past water buffaloes flicking their tails at flies. Our guide, Thao, waved at every person we passed—sometimes slowing down to chat in Vietnamese (I caught maybe three words). We stopped at a small house where incense sticks were drying on racks outside; inside, the scent was thick and sweet. Rolling incense with the family was trickier than it looked—my sticks came out lumpy—but they told me it was good luck to try. The mat weaving part in Tra Nhieu Fishing Village was even harder; my hands couldn’t keep up with the rhythm of the old woman next to me, but she just grinned and kept weaving faster like she was showing off.

I’ll admit I needed that coffee stop more than I thought—I went for iced coffee because the air was already hot by mid-morning, and sitting there listening to distant boat engines felt oddly peaceful. Cua Dai Bridge came up next; everyone said it had views like Sydney Harbour but honestly I just liked watching fishermen hauling nets below us while scooters zipped past behind. The basket boat ride through Cam Thanh coconut village was pure fun—our “captain” spun us around until we were dizzy and laughing (and yes, slightly wet).

We ended up smelling herbs in Tra Que Vegetable Village—lemongrass stuck to my fingers for hours after—and then got dropped back at our hotel still thinking about all those little moments: flour on my shirt, incense dust on my hands, the way people here seem to wave at you just because you’re there. If you want a Hoi An countryside tour that feels personal and kind of unpredictable—in a good way—I’d say this is it.

Top questions

How long is the Hoi An countryside tour?

The tour lasts about half a day including all stops and transfers from your hotel within 8 km of Hoi An.

Is hotel pickup included for this day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included if your hotel is within 8 km (5 miles) of Hoi An.

What do you do on the Hoi An countryside jeep tour?

You’ll make rice paper snacks with locals, visit an incense-making family, weave mats in Tra Nhieu Fishing Village, ride basket boats in Cam Thanh coconut village, enjoy a coffee stop, cross Cua Dai Bridge for river views, and visit Tra Que Vegetable Village.

Are meals or snacks included during the tour?

Yes, local snacks are provided during stops along with bottled water and drinks at the coffee break.

Is this tour suitable for children or infants?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels; infants must sit on an adult’s lap or use specialized infant seats provided.

Do I need any special skills or fitness level?

No special skills are needed—the activities are hands-on but accessible for most people with basic mobility.

Can I join if I’m pregnant or have back problems?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What vehicles are used during the tour?

You’ll travel in a Vietnam Army jeep-style vehicle driven by a local driver; motorbikes may also be available as an option.