Hoi An: Lantern Making, Basket Boat & Crab Fishing Tour

Summary

Hoi An countryside lanterns, basket boats and crab fishing with local lunch

You’ll jump right into Hoi An life: folding your own silk lantern in a family workshop, paddling a round bamboo boat through coconut groves (with plenty of laughs), and trying your luck at crab fishing before sitting down for lunch in a local’s home. It’s messy in the best way—and you’ll leave with more than just souvenirs.

What’s the experience like?

We got picked up right from our little guesthouse in Hoi An—no stress about finding the place, which was honestly a relief. Our guide, Lan, greeted us with this big grin and led us straight to a tucked-away lantern workshop. The smell of glue and fabric hit me first (not bad, just sort of cozy), and I fumbled with the silk while the lantern maker showed me how to fold it just right. My hands were all thumbs at first, but Lan kept encouraging me—she said everyone’s first lantern looks “unique.” I’m pretty sure she was being kind. Still, holding that finished lantern felt weirdly satisfying. It folds up flat too, so you can actually take it home without breaking it.

After that we headed out to Cam Thanh coconut village for the next bit—the bamboo basket boat ride. They dressed us in Ao Dai (I had no idea how tricky those hats are to keep on your head) and we set off down these narrow canals lined with water coconut palms. The air was thick and sweet—like green leaves after rain—and every now and then you’d hear someone laughing from another boat spinning around. Our boatman let me try paddling (I spun us in circles; he laughed so hard he almost dropped his net). We tried crab fishing too—just dangling a bit of bait over the edge while tiny crabs scuttled below. Not exactly high-stakes sport but strangely calming.

Lunch was back at Long’s house—a proper Vietnamese meal cooked by Mrs Tram, who somehow managed to make everything taste like home even though I’d never been there before. She showed us how to wrap rice paper rolls (mine fell apart instantly), but nobody seemed to mind. There was this easy warmth around the table—people passing dishes, sharing stories about Hoi An or just nodding along when words ran out. I still think about that view from their porch: river glinting through palm leaves, cicadas buzzing somewhere out of sight.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Lantern making and basket boat tour

• Hotel pickup by local guide
• Attend Hoi An lantern making class
• Make and take home lantern
• Dress in traditional Ao Dai costume
• Ride bamboo basket boat in Bay Mau forest
• Learn to paddle basket boat
• Watch basket boat spinning performance
• Cast net and catch crabs
• Lunch at local home Long’s

Top questions

How long does the Hoi An lantern making & basket boat tour last?

The tour runs about 4.5 hours, either morning (8:30am–1:00pm) or afternoon (2:00pm–6:30pm).

Is hotel pickup included for this Hoi An countryside tour?

Yes, pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Hoi An is included.

Do I get to keep my handmade lantern from the class?

Yes, you make your own lantern and can take it home—it folds flat for travel.

Is lunch included on this Hoi An day trip?

Yes, you’ll have lunch or dinner at Long’s local home after the activities.

Are there vegetarian options for lunch?

This isn’t specified—best to request dietary needs when booking.

Is this tour suitable for kids or people with mobility issues?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and infants can join; specialized infant seats are available.

What should I wear for the basket boat ride?

You’ll be given an Ao Dai costume; comfortable clothes underneath are recommended.

Will there be an English-speaking guide on this tour?

Yes, an English-speaking guide (who is also a chef) will lead your group.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, all transportation between stops, entrance fees where needed, use of life jackets and rain gear if necessary, a hands-on lantern making class (with your finished lantern to keep), bamboo basket boat ride through Cam Thanh coconut village canals with crab fishing fun, traditional Ao Dai costumes for photos, plus a home-cooked Vietnamese lunch or dinner at Long’s family house before heading back to town.