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The Coconut Boat Ride is Hoi An’s signature eco-tour: round bamboo boats drifting through lush nipa palm canals, guided by local rowers. Visitors can take 60-minute coconut boat rides with lantern releases, cooking classes, or village walks. Planning helps you pick the best time, avoid crowds, and combine it with nearby attractions like the Ancient Town.

Travel logistics 

Most rides depart from Cam Thanh’s riverside piers, about 10–15 minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town. Reach the boarding points by taxi, rideshare, e-bike, or as part of a guided transfer—many tours include hotel pick-up/drop-off. Crowds peak late morning and on weekends, so aim for before 9 am or after 3 pm. Sunset slots often pair with lantern-release tours.

Plan your day

  • Quick visit (2–3 hrs): Take a basket boat ride, snap photos in the coconut groves, then head back to Ancient Town for coffee or shopping.
  • Half day (4–5 hrs): Enjoy the boat ride, watch or join a crab-fishing demo, take a short village walk, and sample local snacks.
  • Full day (6–8 hrs): Extend your boat ride, release lanterns at sunset, join a Vietnamese cooking class, and opt for a scenic bike ride through the rice paddies.

Handy tips

  • Tickets: Pre-book your slot online in peak months (Oct–Apr).
  • Best times: Early morning (7am-9am) or late afternoon (3am–5pm) for cooler weather and softer light.
  • Rules: Wear a life jacket during your coconut boat ride, water-friendly shoes, and supervise children under 5.
  • Pro tip: Combine your ride with a Hoi An city tour (old Hoi An city), lantern release, dining experience, or a farmer’s market visit.
  • Respect: Keep noise low and don’t litter—this is a protected mangrove area.

Must-see highlights during your coconut boat ride in Hoi An

Tourists navigating a river in bamboo basket boats, Hoi An, Vietnam.

Basket boat ride

Glide through narrow canals lined with lush coconut palms in the iconic round boats rowed by locals.

Person paddling a traditional blue bamboo basket boat in Vietnam.

Spinning boat tricks

Watch rowers skillfully spin, balance, and “dance” their basket boats, a crowd-pleasing show.

Aerial view of Hoi An fishing net activity with round boats on green water.

Crab & net fishing demo

Try traditional crab fishing or learn to cast a Vietnamese fishing net alongside villagers.

Tourists in a boat releasing lanterns on Hoi An River at night.

Lantern release at sunset

Float lanterns on the water during evening rides for a magical glow and photo-perfect moment.

Hands weaving coconut leaves at a workshop in Hoi An.

Coconut-leaf craft workshop

Make small toys, hats, or rings from coconut leaves as a hands-on souvenir.

Street scene in Hoi An Ancient Town, Vietnam, with a woman in traditional dress and colorful shops.

Village walk & local life

Stroll riverside paths, meet locals, and see how fishing families live along the mangroves.

Child observing colorful parrots at Vinwonders Nam Hoi An Theme Park.

Nature & wildlife spotting

Look out for crabs, small fish, and river birds in the calm mangrove ecosystem.

Singers performing at Tyrolean Evening Folk Show in traditional attire.

Folk songs & live drumming

Some tours include traditional songs or drumming on board for a festive touch.

Getting to the Coconut Boat Ride

Most Coconut Boat rides depart from Cam Thanh (Bay Mau) Coconut Village, about 5–7 km southeast of Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Here are the easiest ways to reach the pier:

Tourist family boarding a bus for a city tour.

Direct hotel pick-up and drop-off to Cam Thanh.

  • Hassle-free round trip in a minivan.
  • Time: ~10–15 min from Ancient Town
  • Cost: Moderate (per person)
  • Best for: Visitors wanting a no-fuss option
  • Cons: Fixed schedule, less flexibility
Tourists enjoying van transfer from Tirana to Bovilla Lake.

An exclusive vehicle for your group with hotel pick-up and drop-off.

  • Time: ~10–15 min from Ancient Town
  • Cost: Higher than shared transfer
  • Best for: Families or groups needing privacy and flexible timing
  • Cons: Higher price
Smiling taxi driver with passenger in the back seat.

Arrange your own pick-up for a fast, direct ride to the pier.

  • Time: ~10–15 min
  • Cost: Metered fare
  • Best for: Flexible travelers
  • Cons: You still need to book your boat separately
Public e-bike sharing station with parked bikes in Madrid, Spain.

Take the scenic route through rice fields via Trần Nhân Tông or Võ Chí Công Road.

  • Time: 15–20 min from Ancient Town
  • Cost: Low (rental)
  • Best for: Active travelers
  • Cons: Hot midday sun or rain can make it uncomfortable
Boats docked at Bach Dang Wharf, Hoi An Ancient Town, with yellow buildings and palm trees.
  • Some tours let you board at Hoi An’s Bạch Đằng Wharf for a scenic river transfer straight into the coconut forest — a relaxed way to start the experience.

Things to do nearby

Vietnamese rice noodles with shrimp, herbs, and sesame crackers in a bowl.
Traveler with a backpack exploring a colorful market in Doi Pui village, Thailand.
Girl holding paper lantern by Hoi An river at night.
Hoi An Night Market with lantern-lit boats on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An Ancient Town.
Grilled meat skewers with vegetables and lemon slices on a plate.
Farmer’s market
Bai Choi folk game performance in Hoi An with participants and musicians.
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Cooking class in Coconut Village

Hands-on class where you learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes after your boat ride.

Cam Thanh Village walk

Stroll past palm-roof houses and small markets to see everyday life up close.

Sunset lantern release

Stay into the evening to float lanterns on the water for dreamy photos.

Hoi An Old Town tour

Wander lantern-lit streets, assembly halls, and riverside cafés in the UNESCO-listed historic center.

Dinner experience

Combine your visit with a riverside Vietnamese dinner or seafood feast nearby.

Farmer’s market visit

Join locals at the morning market to see fresh produce, herbs, and spices used in village cooking.

Vietnamese folk games

Try traditional games hosted by locals—fun for families and a peek into community culture.

Where to eat

Hoi An's old yellow houses with colorful lanterns and street cafes.

Riverside snack stalls

Grab fresh coconut water, crispy Vietnamese pancakes, or bánh mì at informal stands near the pier.

Cappuccino with pastries and orange juice at a cafe table.

Hoi An Ancient Town cafés

Cool off post-ride with coffee, smoothies, and heritage desserts in lantern-lit cafés.

Group enjoying lunch at a riverside restaurant in Hoi An, Vietnam.

Cooking class meals

Many classes serve the dishes you prepare—turning the lesson into lunch or dinner.

Seafood platter with grilled shrimp and vegetables on a cruise.

Riverside dining experience

Sit-down restaurants and homestays along the water offer set menus of seafood, clay-pot dishes, and vegetarian options.

Where to shop

Man crafting traditional Vietnamese lanterns in Hoi An.

Coconut Village craft stalls

Pick up handmade souvenirs woven from palm leaves, bamboo, and coconut shells—made by local families right near the pier.

Hoi An Night Market with colorful lanterns and bustling crowd.

Hoi An night market

Stroll through lantern-lit stalls for textiles, paper lanterns, and street snacks after your ride.

Traditional Balinese spices with turmeric, ginger, and lime on a wooden surface.

Cam Thanh Village Co-ops

Small cooperatives sell eco-friendly crafts, spices, and teas sourced from the surrounding countryside.

Leather bags displayed in a shop.

Hoi An Old Town Boutiques

Heritage houses double as artisan shops offering tailor-made clothes, leather goods, and jewelry.

Tips from locals 

  • Time it right: Start before 9 am or after 3 pm to avoid the worst heat and crowds.
  • Book ahead: Sunset and lantern-release rides sell out quickly—reserve at least a day in advance.
  • Go light & secure: Ask your rower for the “spin trick,” but keep phones and valuables in a waterproof pouch.
  • Bring cash: Small notes are best for snacks, crafts, and tips; ATMs are limited near the piers.
  • Dress for the elements: A hat, sunscreen, and quick-dry shoes make the ride more comfortable.
  • Combine activities: Pair the boat trip with a short village walk or market visit for a richer experience.