Hoi An: Rural Villages, Rice Paper & Basket Boat Private Tour

Summary

Hoi an rural life hands-on crafts river basket boats and coffee

You’ll grind rice with island locals on Cam Kim, roll incense sticks in fragrant family workshops, weave mats by hand in sunlit homes, sip strong coffee by shrimp ponds, then drift through Hoi An’s coconut forests by basket boat—all with pickup included and a guide who feels more like a friend by the end.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the hush—out on Cam Kim Island, it’s just the soft clack of bicycle wheels and the smell of wet earth after last night’s rain. Our guide, Minh, waved us over to a little courtyard where an older couple was already grinding rice. I tried turning the stone mill (harder than it looks), and my hands got sticky with rice milk. We made these thin rice papers together—mine tore at the edge, but they smiled anyway and handed me a crispy snack straight off the griddle. Warm, nutty, a bit smoky from the fire. I didn’t expect to feel so welcome so quickly.

We crossed back to Kim Bong village for incense-making. The air changed—suddenly sweet and herbal, almost peppery. The family here had trays of colored powder everywhere; I rolled a stick that looked wonky but smelled good enough. They told stories about Tet and weddings while we worked. Minh translated some jokes I half-understood—Li laughed when I tried to say “incense” in Vietnamese (I probably butchered it). My fingers smelled like sandalwood for hours.

Later we visited another family who weave those bright straw mats you see in every home around Hoi An. Their house was open to the breeze and filled with sunlight. The old man showed me how to thread reeds between bamboo frames—my lines wobbled but he just nodded patiently. There’s something about sitting on a cool floor listening to chickens outside while your hands do slow work that sticks with you longer than you think.

Coffee break came right when I needed it—a tiny shop overlooking shrimp ponds, strong drip coffee in glass cups, everyone quiet for a few minutes except for distant boat engines. Afterward we crossed this high bridge (the view is wild: rice paddies, buffaloes grazing, nets stretched over water) before ending up in a round basket boat under coconut palms. The fisherman steering us pointed out crabs hiding in the roots; he let me try fishing one out but honestly I missed every time. It was more fun than expected just floating there in the shade.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore rural villages and local crafts

• Pick up from Hoi An hotel or meet office
• Cross Thu Bon River to Cam Kim Island
• Make rice papers and local snacks
• Visit Kim Bong village incense-making family
• Try rolling incense sticks
• Meet mat-weaving family in peaceful village
• Weave colorful straw mats
• Stop at coffee house for refreshment
• Drive over bridges to view fish and shrimp farms
• Visit Cam Thanh fishing village
• Enjoy basket boat ride under coconut forest
• Use fishing rod to catch river crabs
• Visit Tra Que vegetable village and smell herbs
• Enjoy Vietnamese lunch or dinner by river

Top questions

How long does the Hoi An rural villages tour last?

The private tour lasts 4 hours without a meal or 5 hours if you choose the lunch/dinner option.

Is hotel pickup included for this Hoi An day trip?

Yes, hotel pickup is included for hotels within 8 km of Hoi An Old Town; other areas can arrange transfer for a small fee.

What activities are included on this Hoi An private tour?

You’ll make rice paper snacks on Cam Kim Island, roll incense sticks in Kim Bong village, weave mats with locals, enjoy coffee, ride a basket boat through coconut forest, and visit Tra Que vegetable village.

Can children join this rural Hoi An tour?

Yes, it’s suitable for all ages and fitness levels; infant seats are available if needed.

Are meals provided during the tour?

You can choose an option that includes lunch or dinner at a riverside restaurant or go without—the price varies accordingly.

What vehicles are used on this day trip from Hoi An?

You can pick between US military jeep, USSR army jeep or modern car/van when booking.

Will there be English-speaking guides?

Yes, your local guide speaks English throughout the experience.

Is public transport nearby if I don’t want pickup?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Hoi An if you prefer not to use hotel pickup.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off within 8 km of Hoi An Old Town (or easy transfer from Da Nang/nearby resorts), all entrance fees and donations at local homes (no hidden costs), bottled water throughout the tour, a stop at a cozy coffee house to refresh and use clean washrooms along the way; plus your choice of vehicle—classic jeep or modern car—and an optional Vietnamese meal by the river if you want to linger longer before heading back.