Hoi An Wet Rice Farming Tour-Basket Boat Tour Fishing-Lunch

If you’re looking to step away from the bustling streets of Hoi An and get a real taste of rural Vietnam, this Wet Rice Farming Tour offers an authentic glimpse into local life. For around $22 per person, you’ll spend between 2 and 4 hours exploring rice paddies, riding buffaloes, and fishing from bamboo baskets—an adventure that combines hands-on farming, traditional boat rides, and a delicious Vietnamese lunch.

What we really love about this tour is how it makes you feel like part of the community — planting rice with traditional tools and catching live fish under the water’s surface. Plus, the boat rides through coconut forests and catching crabs by bamboo poles add an element of thrill. That said, one thing to consider is that some parts of the tour can be quite short, and the explanation of the rice cycle doesn’t go beyond planting and harvesting, which might leave those wanting a deeper understanding a little disappointed. The tour suits travelers eager for an engaging rural experience and those curious about Vietnamese agriculture and fishing traditions.

If you’re interested in local food, rural scenery, and hands-on activities, this tour offers a genuine peek into Vietnam’s farming life. It’s perfect for small groups, families, or anyone wanting to see a different side of Vietnam beyond the temples and markets.

Key Points

• Authentic farming experience using traditional tools like hoes, ploughs, and harrows.
• Involvement in rice seeding and planting, offering a true hands-on activity.
• Coracle boat rides for fishing and crabbing, giving an exciting rural adventure.
• Delicious homemade Vietnamese noodles and local coffee included in the lunch.
• Limited explanation of rice processing beyond planting and harvesting, which may disappoint some.
• Short duration, so it’s best suited for those with a few hours to spare and a sense of curiosity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Closer Look at the Experience

This tour begins with a pickup from your hotel, or you might coordinate via WhatsApp if you’re already in Hoi An. The first stop is at a lush green rice field, where your guide will introduce you to the cycle of rice, from seeding to harvesting. Here, you’ll get to use traditional farming tools such as hoes, ploughs, and harrows — an activity that is surprisingly engaging and often highlights how physical and precise traditional farming can be. You’re encouraged to join in planting the tiny rice seedlings or seeding the rice, giving you a sense of connection with local farmers’ work.

One of the most praised aspects of this tour, according to reviews, is how knowledgeable the guides are. One traveler mentioned that they did a buffalo ride and visited rice fields, describing it as a “good activity, quite short,” and felt it was a bit pricey given the length. Some reviews, however, express disappointment about the explanation of rice processing, noting that the tour mainly covers planting and harvesting without much detail on how rice is cleaned, separated, or processed afterward.

After the planting, you’ll likely join in a fun and slightly muddy activity — catching live fish under the shallow waters of the rice paddies. This is where the tour really shines for those wanting a hands-on, rural adventure. The guide may help you lift a net or scoop fish from the water, offering a genuine look at how farmers catch their aquatic food. One traveler summed it up: “We did the buffalo tour and visited the rice fields. Good activity, quite short, about 1 hour. Too expensive for the service.” Still, the fun of catching fish and crabs can make up for the brevity.

Next, you’ll hop onto bamboo basket boats—a traditional Vietnamese craft—to explore coconut forests. These tiny boats glide quietly through the water, giving you a peaceful way to view the lush greenery and perhaps spot some local wildlife. You’ll also get a chance to fish by hand net or lift net, and catch live crabs using bamboo poles. The experience is topped off with a heartfelt wish: returning all the fish and crabs to nature, symbolizing respect for the environment.

The tour concludes with a well-earned lunch featuring local noodles, prepared in a simple but flavorful style. You’ll also enjoy Vietnamese iced coffee, a refreshing pick-me-up after your busy morning. The food is described as delicious, and many travelers appreciate the home-cooked feel of the meal. It’s a fitting end that ties together the day’s rural theme.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a return to your hotel or the original meeting point. The entire experience is designed to be flexible, with options to customize or add activities like lantern making or buffalo riding, depending on availability.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out

The real charm of this tour lies in its hands-on approach. You’re not just observing — you’re actively participating in rice planting, fish catching, and boat riding. This makes it a memorable experience for those who want to understand traditional Vietnamese rural life beyond just sightseeing.

The local food and coffee, prepared by your hosts, add genuine flavor (literally and figuratively) to the day. Sharing a meal with local ingredients provides a taste of everyday life in the countryside.

Another highlight is the small-group or private setting, which allows for more personalized interaction and a relaxed pace. The guides’ knowledge and enthusiasm help make the experience accessible and engaging, especially considering some of the simpler explanations given about rice processing.

Considerations and Limitations

While this tour offers authentic activities, some guests comment that it’s quite short and lacks depth beyond the planting and harvesting phases. If you’re hoping to see the entire rice processing cycle or learn about rice separation and milling, you might leave wanting more detail.

The price, at $22, could seem high for the limited duration and scope, especially for travelers who don’t participate in all activities like boat riding or fishing. It’s worth considering whether the value aligns with your expectations; many find the experience fun and worthwhile, but some feel it is overpriced for what’s included.

Lastly, the tour has size and weight restrictions, so if you’re over certain weight limits, check in advance. It’s also best suited for active travelers who don’t mind getting a little muddy or wet.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers eager to see Vietnamese rural life firsthand. It’s especially suited to those who enjoy interactive activities and want to avoid overly commercialized tours. Families with older children, small groups, or couples looking for a unique local immersion will find it rewarding.

If you’re interested in local food, farming traditions, and traditional fishing methods, this tour provides a well-rounded introduction. However, if you’re after a comprehensive understanding of rice processing or a longer, more detailed experience, you might want to look elsewhere.

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FAQs

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off by private car, but this doesn’t apply if you choose certain options like Wet Rice Farming & Buffalo Riding.

How long does the tour last?
The duration varies from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the activities you select and the pace.

What’s included in the price?
You get activities like wet rice farming, buffalo riding, coracle boat fishing, and crabbing, plus a local lunch and Vietnamese coffee. Entrance tickets and mineral water are also included.

Can I participate if I don’t know how to fish or ride a buffalo?
Yes, participation is generally straightforward, but guides will help you with activities. Some reviews mention the activities are quite brief, so participation is more about fun than skill.

Are there any restrictions or physical requirements?
Yes, the tour isn’t suitable for people over certain weight limits, and physical activity might involve some mud or water.

Is the explanation of rice farming detailed?
The tour covers planting and harvesting, but some travelers note it doesn’t go into detail about rice processing afterward, which could be a drawback if you’re interested in the full cycle.

How is the food?
The included lunch is homemade local noodles, described as delicious, and is a highlight for many travelers.

Final Thoughts

This Hoi An Wet Rice Farming Tour hits the sweet spot for travelers seeking an authentic, hands-on experience of rural Vietnamese life. It offers a blend of farming, fishing, and culture, topped with some tasty local food. While some might find it shorter or less detailed than hoped, it compensates with genuine interactions and memorable activities.

If you want to learn about traditional rice farming, enjoy a peaceful bamboo boat ride, or just experience Vietnamese countryside life firsthand, this tour is worth considering. It’s ideal for those who enjoy active, participatory travel and are looking for a glimpse into everyday life beyond the tourist trail.

For travelers who value storytelling, local interaction, and authentic food, this experience delivers. However, if you’re after a comprehensive guide to rice processing or a longer, more in-depth farm tour, you might prefer other options or extend your time in the area to explore further.

You can check availability for your dates here: