We’re adding more local information, photos, and useful tips to this article. This is not the final version yet, but we hope it helps you plan your first basket boat ride in Hoi An.
If you’re visiting Hoi An for the first time, you may have seen videos of round bamboo boats moving through a coconut forest, or spinning quickly on the water.
This activity takes place in Cam Thanh Coconut Village, not far from Hoi An Old Town. It’s fun, but there are a few things you should know before you go, especially about choosing a boat operator and checking what is included in your booking.
Here’s a practical guide to help you plan your visit.
1. What Is a Hoi An Basket Boat?
A basket boat, called thuyền thúng or thúng chai in Vietnamese, is a traditional round boat usually made from woven bamboo.
Fishermen along Vietnam’s central coast have used these boats for generations. They are still used for fishing near the shore and travelling between the beach and larger fishing boats. Some larger boats also carry basket boats out to sea. Fishermen can then use the smaller boats to fish nearby before returning to the main boat.
In Cam Thanh, local families use basket boats to take visitors through the waterways of the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The forest is full of nipa palms, known locally as dừa nước, which grow along rivers and brackish waterways.
2. Where Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village?
Cam Thanh Coconut Village is around 4–6 km from Hoi An Old Town, depending on your starting point. The basket boat rides take place in and around the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, also called the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest.
There are different boat stations and departure points. Ask your operator for the exact meeting location rather than travelling to a general map pin.
How to Get There
- Bicycle: A nice option if you enjoy cycling through the countryside.
- Motorbike: Convenient if you are legally permitted and comfortable riding in Vietnam.
- Electric car (e-car): A comfortable option where the service and route are available.
- GrabBike: Useful for solo travellers; check availability in the app.
- Taxi or GrabCar: Convenient for families and small groups.
- Organized tour: Some packages include transport or hotel pickup.
3. What Can You Do During the Ride?
Activities depend on the route and operator. Not every booking includes everything below.
Explore the Nipa Palm Forest
A local rower takes you along waterways surrounded by nipa palms. Some routes are narrow and quiet; others pass busy areas with many boats. This is a good chance to enjoy the scenery and take photos.
Watch Basket Boat Spinning
Experienced rowers can spin their round boats quickly on the water. You may watch from another boat or, if offered, join the spinning yourself. It can be exciting but also make you dizzy. Spinning is optional, and there may be an extra charge.
Try Crab Fishing
Some rowers show visitors how to catch small crabs near the nipa palm roots using a simple line and bait. Children may find this especially interesting. Ask in advance if crab fishing is included.
See Traditional Fishing Demonstrations
Some tours include demonstrations such as casting a fishing net. They give visitors a short introduction to traditional local fishing methods.
See Coconut Leaf Crafts
You may see local rowers making small rings, flowers, or other decorations from nipa palm leaves.
4. How Long Does a Basket Boat Ride Take?
Many rides take around 40–60 minutes, but the duration varies by operator and package. Some are shorter, and others include more activities or waiting time.
Local tip: Ask how much time you will actually spend on the water, not just the total duration of the tour.
5. How Much Does It Cost?
Prices can vary depending on the operator, number of passengers, booking channel, and included activities. We recommend checking current prices directly rather than relying on an old online price.
Before paying, ask:
- Is the price per person or per boat?
- How many people can join one boat?
- How long will the ride last?
- Are any entrance fees included?
- Are spinning, crab fishing, and fishing demonstrations included?
- Does the price include transportation or hotel pickup?
- Are there any optional charges?
We’ll add verified local price information as this guide is updated.
6. When Is the Best Time to Go?
Early morning and late afternoon are usually more comfortable than midday, when the sun can be strong. These times can also be better for taking photos.
Hoi An’s rainy season generally falls around September to December. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, or unsafe water conditions may cause trips to be delayed or cancelled. Contact your operator if the weather looks bad.
7. Peaceful Ride or Lively Experience?
Not every basket boat ride feels the same. Some areas have music, spinning performances, and many visitors. Other routes focus more on the forest and quieter waterways.
Choose a lively ride if you enjoy music, spinning, and fun videos. Choose a peaceful route if you prefer nature, photography, or a more relaxed trip with family.
Tell your operator what you prefer before booking. Even quieter routes may still meet other boats during busy periods.
8. Is It Safe?
A basket boat ride is usually a simple activity, but you are still on the water. Basic safety matters.
- Wear a properly fitted life jacket.
- Follow the rower’s instructions and stay seated.
- Keep your phone and camera secure.
- Don’t join spinning if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.
- Avoid going out in unsafe weather.
- Ask the operator about suitability for young children, older visitors, or people with limited mobility.
9. What Should You Bring?
- A hat and sunscreen for sunny days.
- Drinking water, especially in hot weather.
- A waterproof phone pouch to protect against splashes.
- Light, comfortable clothes and suitable footwear.
- Some cash for small purchases or optional activities.
10. How to Book a Basket Boat Ride
Book Directly with a Local Family or Operator
You can choose a local boat family or operator and contact them before arriving. Check their location, recent reviews, route, price, and activities. Then go directly to the agreed meeting point.
Be careful with roadside offers. On the way to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you may meet people offering basket boat rides along the road. Some offers may sound attractive, but the actual ride or included activities may be different from what was promised. You could pay more than expected or miss the experience you wanted.
It’s better to research and choose a boat family or operator in advance. Before starting, confirm the total price, time on the water, route, number of passengers, and included activities. Don’t feel pressured to make a quick decision along the road.
Book Through Your Hotel or Homestay
Many accommodations can arrange a ride for you, sometimes with transportation. Ask for the operator’s details and what’s included.
Book Online
Online travel platforms offer different packages. Read the inclusions, meeting point, cancellation terms, and recent reviews carefully.
Book a Combined Tour
Some packages combine the basket boat ride with a cooking class or a countryside tour. Check the schedule and how much time is spent on each activity.
11. Make It a Half-Day Trip
Basket Boat Ride + Vietnamese Cooking Class
Some cooking classes in Cam Thanh include a local market visit, a basket boat ride, and a hands-on cooking session. This is a good choice if you enjoy food and local culture.
Basket Boat Ride + Countryside Tour
You can combine the boat ride with a bicycle or motorbike tour around Cam Thanh and nearby villages. Depending on the route, you may see rice fields, local farms, and quiet countryside roads.
Our tip: Allow around 3–5 hours for a combined half-day experience, depending on the activities and transportation.
12. Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to join basket boat spinning?
No. Spinning is optional. You can enjoy the forest without taking part.
Can children join?
Many operators accept children, but safety arrangements and suitable life jacket sizes vary. Check before booking.
Will I get wet?
You may get splashed, especially during spinning. A normal ride is usually less splashy, but staying completely dry is not guaranteed.
Can I take photos and videos?
Yes, but keep your equipment secure. Ask permission before taking close-up photos of local residents.
Can I go when it’s raining?
Light rain may not always stop a ride. Heavy rain, thunderstorms, strong winds, and unsafe water conditions can affect operations. Follow the operator’s safety decision.
Do I need to book ahead?
Not always, but booking ahead helps if you want a particular operator, route, or combined tour.
13. Final Tips for First-Time Visitors
A Hoi An basket boat ride can be a fun part of your trip, especially if you know what to expect.
Choose your operator in advance, avoid rushed roadside offers, and agree on the total price and included activities before getting into the boat. Decide whether you prefer a peaceful route or a lively experience, and don’t feel you have to try spinning.
With a little planning, you can enjoy the coconut forest and learn more about a traditional boat that local fishermen still use today.
A Little More About the Nipa Palm Forest
Nipa palms are more than a background for tourist photos. Local people have long used their leaves for roofing and crafts. Their flower stalks can also be tapped to collect naturally sweet nectar.
At Hoa Arika Hoi An, we use fresh nipa blossom nectar, along with coconut and arenga blossom nectars, to sweeten our drinks without refined sugar. It’s one of the local stories we enjoy sharing with visitors.
Learn more at Hoa Arika Hoi An.
Explore Hoi An with Hoa Arika — A sweet story from Hoi An.