Kayak Cam Thanh Mangrove & Duy Vinh Craft Village Tour

Paddle through a mangrove ecosystem, then meet the artisans who weave sedge mats by hand

This kayaking activity in Hoi An takes you through the Cam Thanh mangrove forest to explore its unique Nipa palm ecosystem, then to the village of Duy Vinh to watch locals practice traditional sedge-mat weaving. Hotel pickup, kayak or stand-up paddleboard with full gear, an English-speaking guide, and a drink are included. The morning outing suits all fitness levels and works for families, couples and groups.

The Experience

What makes a morning on the Thu Bon river different from paddling anywhere else? The Nipa palms that grow in Cam Thanh's mangrove forest are unique to this area around Hoi An. You get picked up from your hotel at 8:30, head to the kayak station for a safety briefing, then push off into the forest where the tallest palms stand. The paddle itself is easy-going—the operator says it suits all levels—and the route loops through the ecosystem before turning toward the village.

Duy Vinh sits at the end of the paddle. You spend time walking through the village, meeting the people who live there, and watching them work sedge mats the way their families have for generations. There's a local fishermen's temple to see as well. After the village, you paddle back to the starting point, where there's time to cool down with a drink before the transfer back to your hotel. The whole outing runs about three hours from pickup to drop-off.

You'll have a kayak or stand-up paddleboard with paddle, life jacket and dry bag; an English-speaking guide leads the way; drinking water comes with you; and one beer, soft drink or energy drink is included. Children from age 5 can join as long as an adult comes along. If you're traveling with kids, the operator notes this works well for families—the pace is gentle and the village visit gives everyone something to do besides paddle.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An.
• kayak or stand-up paddleboard with paddle, life jacket and dry bag.
• English-speaking guide.
• drinking water.
• one beer, soft drink or energy drink.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Kayak Tours

Is this one for you?Three hours on the water leaves the rest of your morning free—you're back at your hotel by midday, which works if you want to explore Hoi An's Old Town or rest before an afternoon activity. The easy pace suits all fitness levels, so it's not a workout; it's a chance to see how the ecosystem works and how people in the village live.

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Top questions

What is the Nipa palm forest like when you paddle through it?

Cam Thanh's mangrove forest is home to the tallest Nipa palms in the Hoi An area, creating a unique ecosystem you won't see elsewhere. The paddle winds through the forest before heading toward Duy Vinh village, and the operator describes the scenery as spectacular.

Can I bring my children on this kayaking tour?

Children from age 5 can join the tour as long as they're accompanied by an adult. The operator notes it's family-friendly, and the easy pace and village visit make it suitable for kids.

What do I actually do at Duy Vinh village?

You walk around the village, meet the local people, and watch them practice their traditional craft of sedge-mat weaving. There's also a temple dedicated to local fishermen that you can visit.

Does the price include everything I need to paddle?

Yes—the kayak or stand-up paddleboard comes with paddle, life jacket and dry bag. You also get an English-speaking guide, drinking water throughout, one drink at the end, and hotel pickup and drop-off.

How long does the whole tour take from my hotel?

The activity runs about three hours total, including the paddle through Cam Thanh, the village visit and the return paddle. Add travel time for pickup from your hotel in Hoi An and the transfer back.