Tour detail

Dive into Hoi An’s vibrant culture with our cooking class and basket boat tour, where you’ll master authentic Vietnamese dishes and glide through coconut groves in a traditional basket boat – an experience bursting with flavor and fun!

Tour Options:

Menu Cooking: 

• Hoi An Spring Rolls
• Banana Flower Salad with Chicken
• Vietnamese Rice Pancake
• Fish in Clay Pot
• Vietnamese Noddles (Pho)

Notes: The Vegetarian Menu is available 

CHILDREN‘S PRICE

• Under 4 years old: FOC (please share the seat & food with their parents)
• From 4 to 11 years old: 50% Adult‘s price
• From 11 years old up: Adult’s price

Hoi An is a place that many dream of visiting; unfortunately, experiencing its true essence often gets lost in the rush of crowded tourist spots. 

So what if you could step off the beaten path and see the town through the eyes of its locals? The Hoi An Boat Tour offers exactly that — an intimate and memorable journey through its bustling markets, beautiful waterways, and the timeless art of Vietnamese cooking. 

Why You Should Book A Hoi An Boat Tour

Joining a Hoi An boat tour is an excellent way to soak in the charm of this historic town. You will find your peaceful escape in the tranquil waterways and lush surroundings, all while connecting your heart and soul with the natural beauty of the region. And as the boats glide through all these stunning landscapes, you’ll uncover layer after layer of history woven into the area’s ecosystem and local way of life.

The best part? This tour is also a delightful introduction to Vietnam’s culinary traditions! With an expert guide, you’ll visit a local market to observe and interact with vendors selling fresh ingredients essential to authentic Vietnamese dishes. The cooking lessons that follow also introduce you to all the flavors and techniques that make Vietnamese cuisine renowned worldwide. 

The Best Time for A Hoi An Boat Tour

The best time for a Hoi An boat tour is during the dry season, which typically spans from February to May. 

During this period, the weather is pleasant, with warm temperatures and barely any rainfall. A perfect condition for all outdoor activities, not to mention the calm waters of the Thu Bon River and the Nipa palm forest! Under the clear, sunny skies, you will find the views of the lush landscapes much more beautiful and vibrant.

On the other hand, the rainy season (between October and December) is not recommended since heavy rains will likely disrupt boat trips and ruin the overall experience. But if you still prefer fewer crowds, consider the quieter shoulder months of January and September instead to balance peaceful experiences and manageable weather. 

What to Expect on Hoi An Basket Boat Tour

First, we start our day at the Hoi An Market before gliding through the Nipa palm forest in a traditional bamboo basket boat and witnessing skilled fishermen in action. Next, roll up your sleeves in a hands-on cooking class to prepare five iconic Vietnamese dishes. The Hoi An boat tour concludes with a smooth ride back to your accommodation. 

Experience The Hoi An Market

Our Hoi An boat tour begins with a visit to the bustling Hoi An Market located near the iconic Thu Bon River.

Here, you can see vendors selling everything from freshly caught fish to exotic fruits like dragon fruit and mangosteen. The guide will teach you how to choose the best Vietnamese ingredients, such as aromatic herbs like lemongrass and Vietnamese mint, staples for quality local dishes, and ways to engage with friendly vendors. Over history, the area has had a rich history as a trading port, and you can clearly see that reflected here in the market’s everyday activities.

Glide Through The Tranquil Nipa Palm Forest

The coconut boat tour Hoi An continues as you board a traditional bamboo basket boat, or “thung chai,” to explore the lush Nipa palm forest in Cam Thanh village. An interesting piece of info: Locals originally designed these circular boats to evade taxes imposed by colonial powers on traditional boats.

While you paddle along the narrow canals, your guide will explain how this forest, a remnant of the Mekong Delta ecosystem, protected villagers during the Vietnam War by hiding them and their supplies. You’ll also see skilled boat operators spinning their basket boats and casting fishing nets — a long-standing tradition passed down through generations.

So, if you want to learn more about the historical and cultural roots of the community, now is the time!

Learn to Cook Vietnamese Dishes

At a nearby local restaurant, you’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare five classic Vietnamese dishes.

Guided by an expert chef, you will create favorites like Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls) and Bun Cha (grilled pork with vermicelli), dishes that embody Hoi An’s culinary style. Each recipe comes with stories about its origin, such as how Banh Xeo (crispy pancake) symbolizes rural ingenuity with simple ingredients like rice flour and turmeric.

Better yet, during the lessons, you’ll master balancing flavors of sweet, sour, salty, and spicy all AT ONCE — the charm of Vietnamese cuisine! Afterward, sit down to enjoy your creations, accompanied by local sauces and pickled vegetables, for the most memorable farm-to-table dining experience.

Embrace The Charm of Traditional Fishing Boats

Afternoon, participants have the opportunity to ride on traditional fishing boats used by the Cham people centuries ago, which are now integral to Hoi An’s fishing industry.

These wooden boats are built with simple yet clearly durable designs. You also gain great insights into fishing methods that have sustained communities along the Thu Bon River for generations (the use of eco-friendly bamboo traps, for instance). Furthermore, as you sail, the nipa palm forest will become clearer from a unique vantage point. Here’s where the fishermen often work hard at sunset — a scene that captures the harmony between human life and nature in this UNESCO-recognized cultural heritage town.

A Smooth Return to Your Accommodation

Finally, after a day filled with exploration and insightful learning, the tour concludes with a smooth ride back to your accommodation in Hoi An. 

Take these quiet moments to reflect on all your unique experiences: the lively market shopping, the Nipa palm forest exploration, spinning in a basket boat, the taste of dishes you prepared yourself, and so much more. What an eventful day in one of Vietnam’s most historic and charming towns! 

Two Schedule Options for Hoi An Boat Tour

To make sure our tour caters to all preferences and plans, we have provided two schedule options to choose from:

• The Morning Tour (8:15 AM to 12:40 PM) offers an early start for those who enjoy cooler temperatures and wish to make the most of their day in Hoi An. You can experience the Hoi An Market in full swing as vendors set up their stalls with fresh produce and local goods.
• The Afternoon Tour (1:00 PM to 4:40 PM) works best for those who prefer a more relaxed morning. As the tour wraps up, the golden hour over the Thu Bon River will take your breath away and make the experience twice as memorable.

Regardless of your preferences, both options promise a fulfilling journey and offer relatively the same activities. Make sure you specify your preferred schedule in the special request box when booking! 

Book for Just $24!

Stop imagining and start exploring; book your Hoi An Boat Tour 2025 today! If you have questions or need assistance, the team at Vietnam Backpacker Hostels is here to help:

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