Private Chan May Port Tour: Da Nang, Hoi An & Coconut Village

Summary

Explore Da Nang Landmarks & Hoi An Old Town from Chan May Port

If you want a real taste of central Vietnam—quiet lagoons, mountain passes, hands-on village life, and lively old towns—this tour covers it all. You’ll get local stories, good food, and plenty of time to explore at your own pace.

What’s the experience like?

Right after leaving the ship at Chan May Port, the air felt a little salty and warm—typical for this part of Vietnam. Our driver was already waiting, waving with a big grin. We set off along the coast, and within half an hour, the scenery changed completely. Lap An Lagoon appeared out of nowhere, quiet and glassy, with just a few fishermen in their wooden boats. It’s not a spot you’d find in most guidebooks, but honestly, it’s one of those peaceful places where you just want to stop and breathe for a minute.

The drive over Hai Van Pass is something I won’t forget. The road curves up through the hills, and you get these wild views—mountains on one side, sea on the other. Our guide, Minh, pointed out old French bunkers at the top and told us how the weather can change fast up here. Sure enough, a cool breeze rolled in, mixing with the smell of eucalyptus. We stopped for photos; even the locals were snapping shots.

Next up was Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village. I’d never tried a basket boat before—those round bamboo boats you see in photos—but the local boatman made it look easy. He even let me try steering (I spun in circles for a bit, everyone laughed). The canals are lined with thick coconut palms, and you can hear birds calling overhead. There’s a faint scent of river mud and fresh leaves. It’s quiet except for the splash of paddles and the occasional shout from another boat.

Hoi An Ancient Town is just as colorful as people say. Yellow walls, old wooden doors, lanterns everywhere—even during the day. Minh led us down little alleys where tailors were working right by open windows. We stopped for iced coffee at a place called Faifo Café; their beans are roasted just down the street. The heat outside made that first sip even better. Minh shared stories about how Japanese traders built the covered bridge here centuries ago. Every corner had something new—a temple, a silk shop, or just a street vendor selling fresh bánh mì.

We finished in Da Nang at Love Lock Bridge. It’s a popular spot for couples—lots of padlocks with names scratched on them. You can see Dragon Bridge from here, its golden scales shining in the late afternoon sun. Minh said if you’re around on a weekend night, the dragon actually breathes fire and water (sadly, we missed it this time). Still, just standing there watching scooters zip by and feeling the city buzz was a perfect end to the day.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Da Nang & Hoi An Highlights

• Pass Lap An Lagoon
• Drive Hai Van Pass
• Row at Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village
• Explore Hoi An Old Town
• Visit Love Bridge
• See Dragon Bridge

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for families with young kids?

Yes, it’s family-friendly. Basket boats are fun for all ages and there’s space for strollers in the vehicle. Just let us know if you need extra help.

Can we customize our stops or spend more time in Hoi An?

Absolutely! The itinerary is flexible—just tell your guide what interests you most and we’ll do our best to adjust timings.

Are meals included? What kind of food is served?

Lunch is included and usually features local Vietnamese dishes—think fresh spring rolls, grilled pork, and rice. Vegetarian options are available too.

Will there be an English-speaking guide?

Yes, your guide speaks English fluently and knows lots about local history and culture. Feel free to ask questions along the way.

What’s included

Your tour includes bottled water, a tasty local lunch, all entry fees and taxes, plus comfortable transport with air conditioning. We handle everything so you can just enjoy the day.