Hoi An: Kayak Cocopalm Forest & Village Tour with Local Guide

Summary

Kayaking cam thanh forest and meeting duy vinh villagers

You’ll kayak through Cam Thanh’s cocopalm forest with a local guide, glide along quiet waters to Duy Vinh village, meet artisans weaving sedge mats by hand, and share laughs over cold drinks on your return paddle. Expect gentle adventure and honest moments that linger long after you’re back at your hotel.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the light slipped through the cocopalm leaves — kind of dappled, almost greenish on my arms. We’d just pushed off from the kayak station in Cam Thanh, and our guide Minh grinned as he handed me a paddle. He told us to watch for tiny crabs scuttling along the roots. The air smelled a bit briny but sweet too, like wet grass after rain. I was honestly nervous about steering at first (my partner laughed when I zigzagged), but Minh kept saying, “No rush here.” And he was right — it felt slow and quiet, except for birds somewhere overhead.

We drifted along the Thu Bon river for maybe an hour? Time got weird out there. The mangrove forest is thicker than I expected — you can’t really see much beyond the next bend. At one point Minh pointed out some old fishermen’s shrines tucked between the palms. He told us how people here have lived with these tides forever. Then we reached Duy Vinh village, which looked sleepy at first glance but then we heard weaving looms clacking away inside open doorways. A woman named Lan waved us in and showed how she threads sedge into mats — her hands moved so fast I couldn’t follow. She let me try (I messed up immediately; she just laughed). There’s something grounding about that rhythm.

I still think about that walk around Duy Vinh — chickens darting underfoot, someone burning incense at a tiny temple by the water. It wasn’t busy or staged; just people doing their thing while we wandered past. On the paddle back, Minh handed out cold drinks and pointed to a kingfisher flashing blue over the river. My arms were tired but in that good way where you know you’ll sleep well later. If you want a day trip from Hoi An that feels real — not rushed or touristy — this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Kayak and visit craft village

• Pick up from Hoi An address
• Briefing on paddle safety
• Kayak through Cam Thanh mangrove forest
• Stroll in Duy Vinh village
• Learn sedge-mat weaving craft
• Visit local fishermen temple
• Kayak back to starting point
• Refreshment and transfer to hotel

Top questions

How long does the kayak tour in Cam Thanh last?

The tour includes more than 2 hours of kayaking plus time visiting Duy Vinh village.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hoi An kayak tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off from your hotel in Hoi An are included.

Do I need kayaking experience for this tour?

No experience is needed; it’s suitable for all fitness levels and beginners.

What do we do at Duy Vinh craft village?

You’ll stroll around the village, meet locals, and learn about traditional sedge-mat weaving.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

Yes, you’ll get drinking water during the tour and one beer or soft drink at the end.

Can children join this kayak tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; child rates apply when sharing with two paying adults.

Is there an English-speaking guide on this day trip?

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

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, all kayaking or stand-up paddle board gear (with life jacket and dry bag), drinking water throughout, one beer or soft drink at the end of your paddle, plus guidance from an English-speaking local who knows every bend of Cam Thanh’s cocopalm forest before bringing you back to your hotel refreshed.