Hoi An Vespa Tour: Old Town, Basket Boat & Countryside Ride

Summary

Vespa rides through Hoi An’s alleys, fields and coconut forests

You’ll feel Hoi An’s pulse riding pillion on a vintage Vespa—dodging through ancient alleys, sipping local coffee in hidden cafés, gliding in a bamboo basket boat among coconut palms, and sharing laughter over real Hoi An food with your guide. It’s less about sights and more about feeling part of the city for a day.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it feels like to ride through Hoi An’s tangled alleys on a Vespa, with the air thick with incense and distant noodle broth? I didn’t expect to laugh so much just trying to balance my helmet (my head’s apparently too big for Vietnam). Our guide, Minh, picked us up right at our hotel—he grinned when I tried to say “Xin chào” and probably forgave my accent. The Old Town was just waking up; lanterns still glowing faintly in the morning haze, women setting out baskets of herbs by the curb. We zipped past yellow walls and crumbling temples, dodging bicycles and kids chasing each other barefoot. It’s louder than you’d think but in a way that feels alive, not chaotic.

After weaving through back roads (I lost count of the turns), we found ourselves suddenly surrounded by rice paddies—green so bright it almost hurt my eyes. Minh stopped so we could watch an old man tending his buffalo; he waved at us with muddy hands. The air smelled like wet earth and something sweet I couldn’t place. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the cicadas and the soft hum of our Vespas cooling down. We had coffee at some café that Minh called “trendy,” but it felt more like someone’s living room—plastic chairs, condensed milk dripping into glasses. I still think about that first sip: strong enough to wake the dead.

The bamboo basket boat ride was next—honestly, I thought it would be touristy, but our boat lady sang folk songs while spinning us around until we were dizzy (and laughing like idiots). Her hands were rough from years on the water; she taught me how to paddle but mostly just shook her head at my technique. Lunch came after—a little spot tucked behind a tangle of bougainvillea. We shared plates of cao lau noodles and crispy pancakes, Minh explaining which herbs go with what dish. By then I’d stopped caring about getting my hands messy or how much chili I added.

We finished back in town, dusty and full and maybe a little sunburned. Minh waved goodbye like we’d known him longer than a few hours. There’s something about seeing Hoi An this way—close up, noisy, sometimes awkward—that sticks with you more than any postcard view could.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Hoi An Vespa Tour and Local Experiences

• Pick up from hotels in Hoi An
• Explore historic Old Town and alleys
• Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village countryside
• Stop at trending local coffee spot
• Ride bamboo basket boat in coconut forest
• Enjoy Hoi An delicacies at local restaurant
• Return to meeting point and end tour

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for the Hoi An Vespa Tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels within 1-5km of Hoi An Ancient Town.

How long does the Vespa tour in Hoi An last?

The tour covers several hours including stops at Old Town, countryside rides, basket boat experience, coffee break, and lunch.

Do I need to know how to drive a Vespa?

No—you ride as a passenger with an experienced driver provided by the tour.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, lunch (or dinner) featuring Hoi An specialties is included at a local restaurant.

Are entrance fees covered in the price?

All tickets and entrance fees are included in your booking.

Can people with limited fitness join this tour?

The tour is suitable for all fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiac issues.

What kind of motorbikes are used on this tour?

You’ll ride vintage army-style scooters or Vespas driven by licensed drivers.

Is there an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your guide speaks English throughout the experience.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup from your hotel around Hoi An Ancient Town (within 1-5km), all entry tickets and permits along the route, an English-speaking guide plus licensed driver on your own vintage Vespa or scooter (with helmet and rain poncho if needed), an authentic lunch or dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties—and drop-off back at your starting point when you’re done exploring.