Da Nang : Basket Boat Ride – Hoi An City – Release Lantern

Experience the Heart of Central Vietnam with a Day Tour from Da Nang or Hoi An

If you’re looking for a well-rounded glimpse into Vietnam’s vibrant culture and natural beauty, this basket boat ride, old town exploration, and lantern release experience delivers. For just $41 per person, you’ll visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village, paddle through water coconut waterways in a traditional bamboo basket boat, stroll the UNESCO-listed streets of Hoi An Old Town, and end your evening releasing a flower lantern on the river. The tour typically starts in the early afternoon, with pickup from your hotel in Da Nang or Hoi An, making it an ideal half-day escape.

What we love about this experience is the chance to see local life firsthand, especially in Cam Thanh, where traditional water-based activities like fishing and basket boating provide an authentic taste of Vietnam’s countryside. Plus, the evening lantern release is a visually stunning and meaningful way to end your day, while the included local dinner offers a delicious insight into regional cuisine.

A potential consideration is the timing—the tour begins around mid-afternoon, so if you prefer morning explorations or want more time in each location, you might need to customize your plans. Also, while most travelers find this tour suitable, it’s not designed for pregnant women or wheelchair users, so keep that in mind if those apply to you.

This tour is perfect for curious travelers who appreciate cultural insights, love authentic local experiences, and want a balanced mix of nature, history, and lively markets. Whether you’re traveling solo, with friends, or family, you’ll find plenty of value in the mix of adventure and leisurely sightseeing.

Key Points

• Authentic Activities: Ride in a bamboo basket boat and participate in traditional fishing in Cam Thanh.
• Cultural Richness: Explore UNESCO-listed Hoi An Old Town with its historic houses, Chinese assembly halls, and the Japanese Bridge.
• Evening Charm: End your day with a peaceful boat ride and lantern release on the river.
• Local Flavor: Enjoy a dinner featuring regional dishes like Chicken Rice, Cau Lau, or My Quang.
• Comprehensive Experience: The tour combines countryside, city, and river activities, offering well-rounded value.
• Guided Insight: Knowledgeable guides, like Lucy and Kevin, enhance your understanding and enjoyment.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting with the Countryside in Cam Thanh
The adventure kicks off with a hotel pickup in the early afternoon, either from your Hoi An or Da Nang accommodation. Once aboard the comfortable vehicle, you’ll head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Here, you’ll be immersed in the fascinating water world of coconut waterways. Riding a traditional bamboo basket boat, you’ll glide quietly among water coconut trees—a scene that feels like stepping into a postcard. Many travelers love the hands-on fishing activity, which gives a real feel for local livelihoods. As one reviewer noted, guides like Lucy are very helpful explaining the history and customs of these water-based lifestyles, making it more than just a boat ride—it’s an authentic glimpse into rural Vietnam.

Exploring Hoi An Old Town
After your countryside adventure, you’ll head to Hoi An’s UNESCO World Heritage Site, a place that seems frozen in time. The Phuc Kien Chinese Assembly Hall is a highlight, with its vibrant gates, dragon statues, and intricate rooftops. Visitors often find the culture of ancestor worship fascinating, especially as they observe locals making offerings. We loved the quaint charm of the ancient houses like Tan Ky, which have survived over 200 years of weather, war, and commerce. The Museum of Folklore offers a deeper dive into everyday life in old Hoi An, with live demonstrations and artifacts that make history tangible.

Walking the Streets and Markets
As you stroll through narrow alleys, you’ll discover local handicraft shops, art galleries, and small neighborhoods that reveal Hoi An’s creative spirit. Visiting the Japanese Bridge, built over 400 years ago, offers a glimpse into the city’s multicultural past. The carvings and paintings inside tell stories of cultural exchange and religious symbolism. Many reviews praise guides for their friendly demeanor and informative commentary, helping you appreciate the significance of each site.

Dining and Evening Activities
A highlight of this tour is the included regional dinner, where you can try local dishes like Cau Lau or My Quang, dishes that showcase the flavors of central Vietnam. After sunset, the city lights up with lanterns, creating a dreamy atmosphere. You’ll take a peaceful boat ride on the Hoai River, where the main event is the flower lantern release. This simple, heartfelt act is believed to bring good luck—a moment that many travelers find emotionally moving. As one review put it, “The lantern release was a beautiful way to end the day.”

Night Market and Final Stroll
Finally, the tour winds down at Hoi An’s lively night market, with its colorful stalls, tempting smells, and lively buzz. It’s a great place to pick up souvenirs or just soak in the ambiance before returning to your hotel.

The Practical Side: What You Need to Know

Transportation & Timing
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, making logistics straightforward. Starting in the early afternoon (around 1:30 pm in Da Nang or 2:15 pm in Hoi An), it lasts roughly 4-5 hours, wrapping up in the evening. This timing allows you to enjoy the daylight activities and experience the city’s beautiful nightly ambiance.

Group Size & Guides
Most reviews mention friendly, knowledgeable guides like Lucy and Kevin, who make the experience engaging without overwhelming. Group sizes are generally manageable, fostering a more personal experience.

Cost & Value
At $41 per person, this tour offers excellent value. It bundles transportation, entrance fees, activities, dinner, boat ride, and lantern release—a package that would cost significantly more if booked separately. The inclusion of a local dinner adds to the overall value, especially considering the opportunity to sample regional specialties.

What to Bring
Comfortable shoes are a must, given the walking involved. Sunglasses and a sun hat will make the daytime activities more pleasant, especially if the weather is sunny.

Accessibility & Considerations
The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users, mainly due to the physical nature of some activities and access considerations. Also, there’s no mention of the tour being canceled for rain, but reviews suggest activities can proceed in light rain.

Authenticity and Overall Experience

Based on real traveler reviews, this experience garners an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars from seven reviews, with many praising guides and the overall charm of the activities. Comments like “The tour was very beautiful and the guide Lucy very helpful” and “A great little tour to see the best of Hoi An” reflect satisfaction with the balance of education, adventure, and relaxation.

Travelers appreciate the combination of countryside, city, and river activities, which provide a broad yet intimate view of Hoi An and its surroundings. The basket boat ride is often highlighted as a highlight for its hands-on nature and cultural insight. Meanwhile, the lantern release remains a favorite, with many describing it as a magical and meaningful moment.

The tour’s flexibility, including the option to reserve and pay later, appeals to travelers wanting to keep plans open. The full refund policy if canceled more than 24 hours in advance adds peace of mind.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers seeking an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese life beyond the usual tourist spots. It’s perfect for those who enjoy cultural encounters, local cuisine, and scenic beauty. The mix of adventure and leisurely sightseeing suits families, couples, and solo explorers alike.

If you’re interested in learning about traditional water-based livelihoods, seeing historic sites, and participating in meaningful rituals like lantern releasing, this tour hits all those marks. It’s a well-priced, thoughtfully curated experience that offers a genuine taste of central Vietnam.

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The Sum Up

For just over $40, this tour delivers a rich, diverse experience blending rural traditions, historic architecture, delicious food, and enchanting night-time rituals. The guides’ local knowledge and friendly approach elevate what might otherwise be a standard sightseeing trip, turning it into a memorable journey.

Whether you’re a culture buff, a lover of scenic boat rides, or simply after a relaxed, authentic way to spend an afternoon and evening in Vietnam, this tour offers solid value and genuine charm. Its balance of adventure, culture, and leisure makes it a worthwhile addition to your Vietnam itinerary.

If you’re looking to see the real Hoi An and experience its magic firsthand, this tour checks all the boxes—authentic, affordable, and beautifully paced.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 4 to 5 hours, starting in the early afternoon and concluding in the evening.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers transportation, a guided tour, entrance fees, a bamboo basket boat ride, dinner featuring local dishes, an evening boat ride on the Hoai River, the lantern release, and 500ml of bottled water per person.

Can I customize the itinerary?
The tour is set, but you can choose to reserve and pay later, allowing some flexibility in your plans.

Is the tour suitable for children?
While most aspects are family-friendly, the activities involve walking and some physical activity, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women or wheelchair users.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat are recommended to stay comfortable during outdoor activities.

Is there any chance of cancellation?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering peace of mind if your plans change.

What language are guides available in?
Guides speak English, ensuring clear explanations and engaging storytelling throughout the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here: