Hoi An: Basket Boat Ride in the Coconut Forest

If you’re heading to Central Vietnam and looking for a peaceful, authentic experience, a basket boat ride in the coconut forest is a must. For about $4.41 per person, you’ll spend between 50 minutes to 2 hours floating through lush greenery, learning local fishing techniques, and getting a glimpse of rural Vietnamese life. The tour is hosted by Green Coconut Village, with options for hotel pickup or self-arrival, making it flexible for different travel plans.

What we really love about this experience is how friendly and fluent guides make you feel welcomed. Their stories, enthusiasm, and patience—especially when teaching you how to paddle or fish—add a genuine touch. Plus, the chance to see the beautiful coconut forest from a basket boat is surprisingly scenic, a calm contrast to busier tourist spots.

That said, a consideration is that timing matters if you want a quieter experience. The early morning options (before 9AM) tend to be less crowded, allowing you to soak in the tranquility. Also, the activity watching cast net fishing concludes after 3:45PM, so plan accordingly if you want to see that part.

This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic local activities, enjoy nature, and are happy with straightforward, budget-friendly experiences. If you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo seeking a meaningful connection to Vietnamese village life, this will suit you well.

Key Points

• Affordable experience at just over four dollars per person.
• Friendly guides fluent in English make the experience welcoming and informative.
• Peaceful scenery in coconut forests, ideal for photography and relaxation.
• Interactive activities such as crab fishing, spinning the basket boat, and fishing net casting.
• Flexible timing options allow avoiding crowds by choosing early morning tours.
• Includes essentials like water, hat, umbrella, and life jackets, with hotel pickup available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Basket Boat Tour

What Is the Experience Really Like?

When you arrive at the Làng Da Xanh location—your starting point—you’ll be greeted warmly, often by guides who speak fluent English. The tour’s highlight is undoubtedly spending a peaceful 50 minutes gliding through the coconut forest in a traditional basket boat. These small, round boats are crafted from bamboo and are remarkably agile, perfect for navigating narrow waterways.

Many reviews mention how friendly and lively the guides are. Sophia, for example, praised the “warm welcome” and the “great organisation,” making her feel comfortable from the start. Rolf appreciated the “nice people from the restaurant to the boat,” emphasizing how well everything was explained and how friendly the crew was.

The Scenic Journey and Local Activities

As you float along, you’ll enjoy the scenery of tall coconut palms, bright green leaves, and the occasional birdcall. It’s a surprisingly calming experience—a slow-moving journey that allows you to truly soak in the environment.

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the chance to watch basket boat spinning — a skillful and entertaining display of boat handling. Guides often encourage you to try paddling or crab fishing, which many reviews describe as a fun and energetic activity. Lynn called it her “highlight”, mentioning that the guides were so friendly she felt like a part of the local scene.

Casting fishing nets is another popular activity, and if you visit before 3:45PM, you’ll see guides demonstrate this traditional Vietnamese fishing method. Several reviewers, such as Libbie, enjoyed watching the crab-catching and noted how enthusiastic and fun their guides were.

The Authentic Feel and Local Warmth

You’ll notice that the guides make an effort to share stories and teach you a few Vietnamese phrases, enriching the experience beyond just sightseeing. Many reviews mention how friendly and engaging the guides are, turning a simple boat ride into a memorable cultural exchange.

Along With the visual delights, the tour staff offer welcome drinks, water, and provide essentials like hats, umbrellas, and life jackets. The entire setup emphasizes safety and comfort, allowing you to relax and enjoy.

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Consider Timing and Crowd Levels

If avoiding crowds is important, early morning tours (before 9AM) tend to be quieter and more peaceful. This is especially true for the crab fishing activity, which ends after 3:45PM. Booking earlier in the day not only grants serenity but also a more intimate experience, as several reviewers have noted how less crowded mornings can be.

Transportation and Logistics

The tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off within a 7-kilometer radius, making it convenient if you’re staying near Hoi An. If you opt to meet at the location, it’s straightforward—just look for “Làng Da Xanh” or tell your driver to take you there, especially if you’re using Grab or a similar service.

Remember, the price includes entrance tickets, water, and basic safety gear. Extras like tips or alcoholic drinks are not included, but these are minor considerations given the budget-friendly cost.

Authenticity and Value

The glowing reviews—many rating it 5/5—highlight the value for money and authenticity. Travelers frequently mention how friendly the guides are and how much fun they had with activities like spinning the boat, fishing, and crab catching. The professional photos offered after the tour help preserve memories and add extra value.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for adventurers who want a taste of local life without a hefty price tag. It’s ideal for families, solo travelers, or couples seeking a relaxing, scenic, and interactive activity. If you enjoy meeting friendly people and want to take home some memorable photos, this tour ticks all those boxes.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For just $4.41, you get far more than just a boat ride. You gain access to beautiful scenery, hands-on activities, and warm local hospitality. The guides’ fluency in English makes it easy to ask questions or learn about local fishing techniques, making it a genuinely educational experience.

While it’s not a long or luxurious trip, it delivers genuine charm and authenticity that’s hard to match in more commercialized tours. The peaceful setting, coupled with friendly guides and scenic views, makes it a wonderful addition to any trip to Hoi An.

If you’re after a budget-friendly activity that offers a window into local Vietnamese life — and a chance to relax in nature — this basket boat tour in the coconut forest is an excellent choice.

FAQs

How long does the tour last?
The activity lasts from 50 minutes up to 2 hours, depending on your chosen schedule and options.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, if you select the “Tour with Hotel Pickup and Drop-Off” option, pickup is available within a 7-kilometer radius of the tour office.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen and comfortable clothing. The tour provides hats, umbrellas, and life jackets for safety and comfort.

Can I choose a specific time for the tour?
Availability varies; check the schedule for the most suitable starting times. To avoid crowds, consider the early morning (before 9AM) slots.

Is it suitable for kids or larger groups?
Yes, but note that people over 309 lbs (140 kg) are not recommended due to safety concerns. Kids generally love the activities, especially crab fishing.

What activities are included?
Expect to see basket boat spinning, fishing net casting, and crab fishing. You can also take photos and enjoy the scenery.

Do I need to pay tips or extra fees?
Tips are not included, and there are no mandatory extra fees. However, tipping guides is common if you’re pleased with their service.

This basket boat adventure in the coconut forest offers a genuine, affordable taste of Vietnamese rural life. It’s a perfect choice for anyone eager to enjoy scenic views, learn local fishing traditions, and connect with friendly guides—all without breaking the bank. Whether you’re traveling solo, as a family, or with friends, you’ll leave with memories and photos worth cherishing.

You can check availability for your dates here: