Hoi An Coconut Forest: Basket-Boat Fishing, Coffee & Lantern-Making
Paddle among leaning coconut palms with local fishermen, try hand-net fishing and crabbing, then learn Vietnamese coffee and lantern-making in Cam Thanh. This private half-day tour blends hands-on culture with gentle river navigation.
The Experience
Before You Go
Balance for Basket Boats
Basket boats are small and tippy—keep low, sit centered, and follow your guide’s instructions when boarding and disembarking.
Sun and Mosquito Protection
Bring sunscreen, a brimmed hat and light long sleeves; dusk can bring mosquitoes in the mangroves.
Waterproof Your Gear
Use a dry bag or waterproof phone case—splash and muddy banks are common during crabbing and boarding.
Eat Local, Ask Questions
Try the Cao Lầu and ask about ingredients—many hosts explain local coffee-roasting and silk selection during the class.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •Early morning paddle when light catches remnant fishing nets
- •A short walk from the pier to small family workshops showing traditional silk dyeing
Wildlife
- •Mudskipper
- •Kingfisher
Conservation Note
Mangrove and coconut forest health is vital for local fisheries; tours that respect low-impact boarding and avoid litter help protect breeding grounds for crabs and birds.
Cam Thanh’s waterways fed Hoi An’s markets for centuries; the village’s basket-boat technique evolved to navigate shallow, braided channels created by Thu Bon River siltation.
What to Bring
Quick-dry clothingEssential
Dries fast after splashes and keeps you comfortable in humid conditions.
Waterproof phone case or dry bagEssential
Protects electronics and documents from splashes and muddy hands during crabbing.
Wide-brim hat and sunscreenEssential
Shields you from strong tropical sun while on the open water.
Closed-toe water shoes
Helps when walking on slippery, muddy banks and boarding boats.
Common Questions
Is this tour suitable for children and seniors?
Yes—it's marketed as suitable for all ages; activities are low-impact and guides adapt tasks like net-throwing or crabbing to participants’ abilities.
Do I need prior experience fishing or boating?
No experience is required—local fishermen provide hands-on instruction and supervise every activity in the basket boats.
What language are the classes taught in?
Guides typically speak basic English; practical demonstrations (fishing, coffee, lantern-making) are largely visual and hands-on.
Will I get to keep what I make?
Yes—you usually keep the lantern you help construct, and photos or small catches like crabs are part of the hands-on experience when appropriate.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
3–4 hours
Location
Hoi An, Quang Nam
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires basic balance for sitting in small basket boats and short walks on muddy banks.
Topics
Ready to Explore Hoi An?
Book your guided walking tour and discover the hidden stories of this historic mountain city.
Check Availability & Book Now