Coconut Basket Boat Tour Hoi An
When you arrive to Hoi An, don’t miss joining Hoi An basket boat Tour. It’s very interesting. From 90.000vnd / 1 person, come to our restaurant by yourself, we will arrange basket boat for you. You will visit the water coconut forest in Cam Thanh village and discover the peaceful coconut forest, be welcomed warmly by the local people here. So, book our tour and enjoy some fun activities at the village such as: basket boat spinning, catching crabs, casting the fishing net and learning how to paddle a basket boat with the fisherman. You will definitely have a fun time when you come and join us at the coconut forest.
What is the basket boat (coconut boat) in Hoi An?
The history of the Vietnamese coracle
The Vietnamese coracle is a round boat woven entirely from bamboo. Locals coat the outside with waterproof pitch or tar to keep it afloat. Poor fishermen invented this bamboo boat in the 19th century. They needed a cheap, lightweight vessel to navigate shallow waters and avoid heavy boat taxes. People call it a basket boat because of its round shape. Others call it a coconut boat because it travels smoothly through the water coconut forests. Today, riding this unique vessel offers a genuine local fishermen experience.
Where is the Bay Mau coconut forest located?
This activity does not happen in the center of Hoi An Ancient Town. You will find the Bay Mau coconut forest in Cam Thanh Commune. It sits exactly 5 to 7 kilometers southeast of the ancient town and about 30 kilometers from Da Nang. The forest covers over 100 hectares in the Thu Bon river delta, with water flowing directly toward Cua Dai Beach. During the war, this dense nipa palm forest served as a hidden military base. Today, the government protects it as a prime destination for eco-tourism in Vietnam.
How much is a basket boat ride in Hoi An? (2026 updated price)
Hoi An basket boat tour price per person
The actual boat rental costs is 90.0000vnd per person. One coracle holds a maximum of 2 adults and 1 child. This final price includes both your entrance ticket and the 45-minute boat ride. Many tourists tell me they paid 500,000 VND to street touts before finding our website. At Lang Dua Xanh, we always charge the exact local rate. Anyone asking for more money is overcharging you.
Tipping culture on the Thu Bon river
Tipping is never mandatory in Vietnam. You do not have to pay extra money if you do not want to. However, rowing a boat under the hot sun is hard physical work. If your rower provides a safe trip, takes beautiful photos, and makes you smile, a small tip is a kind gesture. A tip of 20,000 to 50,000 Vietnamese Dong (~1-3 AUD) makes them very happy. You can hand this cash directly to your rower at the end of the ride.
How to avoid scams at Hoi An basket boat
Many tourists ask me how to avoid scams at Hoi An basket boat. As a local business owner, I see these tricks every day. I will show you exactly how to protect your money and enjoy a stress-free trip.
Beware of street touts and fake ticket booths
When you drive toward the village, street touts will try to block your way. They usually stand 1 or 2 kilometers away from the real river docks. They will wave at you and shout high prices, often asking for 300,000 to 500,000 VND per person. Some Grab or taxi drivers also push you to their partner docks to earn a 50% commission. Do not stop your car. Do not talk to them. Just keep driving straight to your destination.
Why you should book coconut boat Hoi An online
The safest method is to book coconut boat Hoi An online before you arrive. You can use international platforms like Klook or Viator. However, booking directly through the Lang Dua Xanh website guarantees the best local price and direct support from my team. When you arrive at our location, simply show your booking code to our staff. You will skip the fake ticket booths completely. This simple step saves you money and prevents any arguments on the street.
TikTok vs. Reality: Do you have to spin in the basket boat?
You have probably seen viral videos of tourists spinning wildly on the river. Many of my guests worry about getting dizzy. So, do you have to spin in the basket boat? The short answer is no. You have full control over your experience.
The truth about the spinning boat performance
The fast spinning is just a spinning boat performance done by trained local fishermen. You simply sit safely in your own boat and watch them perform. You do not have to join the spinning boat. If you want to try this thrilling ride, you can step into the performer’s boat and give them the extra fee. If you get seasick easily, just tell your Lang Dua Xanh rower “No spin, please” before the trip starts. They will respect your choice and paddle gently.
What activities does the best basket boat tour Hoi An include?
The best basket boat tour Hoi An offers much more than just a simple boat ride. When you book with Lang Dua Xanh, your 45-minute journey includes 4 main hands-on activities that connect you directly with the local culture.
Watching Basket Boat Spinning
At this part, you will have a chance to watch basket boat performance. Local fishermen perform to spin the basket boats very fast in the exciting music. You can watch this activity but if you want to enjoy it, you may need a little tip to the fishermen spinner.
Paddling through the peaceful Cam Thanh water coconut village
You will sit in a traditional coracle and glide smoothly through the calm river. The dense nipa palm trees create a natural, cooling green tunnel. If you want to escape the crowds, our rowers will guide you deep into the small, quiet canals. You can even ask for an extra paddle to try rowing the boat yourself. It looks easy, but keeping the round boat moving straight requires real skill.
Catching purple crabs with local fishermen
This is one of the most exciting family-friendly activities Hoi An has to offer. Your rower will hand you a small bamboo fishing rod with a piece of bait. You will drop the line near the water coconut roots. Catching purple crabs requires patience and quick hands. To protect the local ecosystem, we practice catch-and-release. You will return the crabs to the river after taking some fun photos. This activity gives you a genuine local fishermen experience.
Watching the traditional throwing fishing net
As you float on the Thu Bon River, you will watch local men perform traditional fishing techniques. A fisherman stands perfectly balanced on the edge of his wobbly boat. He then throws a large, heavy net that spreads into a perfect circle over the water. This beautiful performance showcases skills passed down through generations. Please note that this daily show ends exactly at 4:30 PM, so you should arrive early to see it.
How to get to Cam Thanh coconut village from Hoi An?
Many guests ask me how to get to Cam Thanh coconut village from Hoi An. The village sits just 5 to 7 kilometers southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town. You have 2 easy and popular ways to reach our location.
Cycling through the countryside (Highly recommended)
If you want a perfect Hoi An day trip, I highly recommend renting a bicycle. The ride takes exactly 20 to 30 minutes. You will pedal along flat, quiet roads like Tran Nhan Tong street. Along the way, you will pass green rice paddies, grazing water buffaloes, and traditional houses. It is a safe and relaxing way to see the real Vietnamese countryside before your boat ride.
Taking a Grab or taxi
If you travel with young children or want to save time, taking a Grab car or a local taxi is the best choice. The drive takes only 10 to 15 minutes from the ancient town center. The one-way fare costs exactly 70,000 to 100,000 VND (Vietnamese Dong). When you book your ride on the Grab app, just set your destination directly to Lang Dua Xanh. This helps you arrive safely and avoid the street touts completely.
Best time to visit Cam Thanh coconut village
The weather in central Vietnam gets very hot during the day. Choosing the right time for your trip makes a huge difference.
Morning golden hours to escape the crowds
I always tell my friends to visit between 7:30 AM and 9:00 AM. The morning air is cool and fresh. During these golden hours, the Bay Mau coconut forest remains very quiet. You can easily escape the crowds of large tour groups. The soft morning light also helps you take stunning photos of the green nipa palm trees.
Late afternoon for sunset views
Another great option is visiting between 3:30 PM and 5:00 PM. The harsh midday sun fades away during this time. You can enjoy a relaxing ride and watch a beautiful sunset over the Thu Bon River. You must avoid the hours from 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM. The sun is extremely hot, and the boats do not have roofs. Choosing these cooler hours guarantees you get the best basket boat tour Hoi An has to offer.
Safety and what to prepare for your bamboo boat ride
Safety is the most important part of any trip. I want you to feel completely relaxed before you step onto the boat.
Are basket boats safe for kids and seniors?
Many parents ask me if the Vietnamese coracle is safe for their young children. Yes, it is completely safe. The round design gives the boat a very low center of gravity. It is almost impossible to flip over. The water in the forest is also very shallow, usually less than 1.5 meters deep. The river current remains calm all year round. This makes the ride one of the top family-friendly activities Hoi An provides for both kids and seniors.
Essential items to bring (life jacket provided)
When you ride with Lang Dua Xanh, we provide a standard life jacket and a traditional conical hat for every passenger. Local law requires everyone to wear a life jacket during the trip. You should wear sandals or flip-flops because the bamboo floor often gets wet. Bring a bottle of water, sunglasses, and apply sunscreen before you arrive. Once you pack these 4 simple items and book coconut boat Hoi An online, you are fully ready for a safe and comfortable adventure.
Tour Information: Inclusions & Exclusions
To ensure you have a seamless and transparent experience at Green Coconut Village, please find the details of what is covered in your Hoi An basket boat adventure below:
What’s Included
Entrance Fees: All sightseeing tickets for the Bay Mau forest, the home of the famous coconut boat.
Basket Boat Experience: A 45 to 60-minute journey on a traditional Hoi An basket boat with our skillful local rowers.
Authentic Activities: Enjoy exciting performances, traditional net fishing, and crab fishing right from your coconut boat.
Safety & Comfort: Life jackets and traditional Vietnamese conical hats (Nón Lá) provided for your safety and photos.
Refreshments: Complimentary bottled water to keep you hydrated during the tour.
What’s Excluded
Transportation: Pick-up and drop-off services to our basket boat Hoi An location (available upon request for an extra fee).
Gratuities (Tips): Tips for your coconut boat rower (not mandatory, but greatly appreciated for excellent service).
Personal Expenses: Souvenirs or any additional activities outside the standard itinerary.
Participate basket boat spinning
Our Commitment: At Làng Dừa Xanh, we provide a high-quality coconut boat experience with total price transparency. No hidden costs—just the best basket boat Hoi An memories to take home!
Upgrade Your Experience: Hoi An Basket Boat and Lantern Making Class Combo
River Adventure:
Handicraft Workshop:
Is the basket boat in Hoi An worth it?
Yes, it is absolutely worth it. If you know how to avoid scams at Hoi An basket boat and choose a quiet route, it becomes a magical experience. Riding a Vietnamese coracle through the Bay Mau coconut forest offers a unique local fishermen experience that you cannot find in Da Nang or other modern cities. It remains a must-do activity for eco-tourism in Vietnam.
How long does the basket boat ride take?
The standard boat ride takes exactly 45 to 60 minutes. This gives you plenty of time to explore the water coconut forest, watch the spinning boat performance, and take beautiful photos on the Thu Bon River.
Can I cancel my booking if it rains?
Yes, you can. At Lang Dua Xanh, we understand that tropical weather changes quickly. If heavy rain stops your trip, you can cancel your booking up to 1 hour before your scheduled time. We will give you a 100% full refund with no hidden fees. You can confidently book coconut boat Hoi An online knowing your money is completely safe.
Can I arrive earlier or later than the time I've chosen ?
Yes, you can please. You can come here ealier or later the time you’re choosen. But if you book the Tour with pick up + drop off, please be ontime, because it’s related with driver car.
And in any situation, if you feel you are running late, please contact us as soon as possible.
Our WhatsApp is : + 84 905936985
Thank you !