Overview
Two iconic Hoi An boat experiences you can do at your own pace. First, make your way to Cam Thanh Village and board a traditional circular bamboo basket boat (thuyền thúng). Your boatman paddles through the water coconut palm forest — a serene, otherworldly landscape — and performs the famous spinning dance. Sit back, enjoy the spectacle, and soak it all in. (Want to try spinning yourself? Pay 100,000 ₫/person directly to the expert boatman on the day.) Then, whenever you're ready, head to Bach Dang Jetty in the Ancient Town and step onto a decorated lantern boat for a gentle cruise along the Thu Bon River. Release flower lanterns and soak in the reflected glow of the old town.
Tour Highlights
- Bamboo basket boat through the water coconut palm forest
- Watch the legendary spinning boat dance performed by expert boatmen
- Want to spin yourself? Pay 100,000 ₫/person directly to the expert
- Private lantern boat cruise at sunset / dusk
- Release flower lanterns on the Thu Bon River
- Traditional fishing village visit
What's Included & Excluded
Bamboo basket boat experience (60 mins)
Lantern boat cruise (30 mins)
3 flower lanterns to release
Life vests for all passengers
Transportation (guests arrange own travel)
Food and drinks
Travel insurance
Tour Itinerary
Step 1
Make your own way to Cam Thanh Village (approx. 5 km from the Ancient Town — taxi, Grab, or motorbike). Contact us after booking for the exact basket boat meeting point.
Step 2
Board the bamboo basket boat (thuyền thúng) and enter the magical water coconut palm forest. Your boatman paddles through the narrow green waterways and performs the famous spinning dance — sit back and enjoy the show! (~60 min). Guests who'd like to try spinning with an expert boatman can do so for an optional 100,000 ₫/person paid directly on the spot.
Step 3
Make your own way back to the Ancient Town. Head to the lantern boat jetty on Bach Dang Street at your leisure — we recommend timing this for dusk.
Step 4
Board the decorated lantern boat as dusk settles over the Thu Bon River. Cruise past the illuminated ancient town facades, release flower lanterns onto the water, and enjoy the golden-hour glow (~30 min).
Step 5
Tour ends at Bach Dang Jetty in the heart of the Ancient Town.
Important Information
- Guests arrange their own transport to Cam Thanh Village (~5 km from Ancient Town) — taxi, Grab, or motorbike recommended
- You choose your own start time — contact us to confirm availability and get the exact meeting locations
- The basket boat ride is wet-friendly — wear clothes you don't mind splashing
- The spinning dance is a show performed by expert boatmen — optional hands-on spinning is 100,000 ₫/person paid directly on site
- Lantern boat departs from Bach Dang Jetty in the Ancient Town — best enjoyed at dusk
- Life vests provided for both experiences
- Operates daily in all weather conditions
Common Questions
What exactly is a bamboo basket boat?
A thuyền thúng (basket boat) is a traditional circular Vietnamese boat woven from bamboo and coated in tar to make it waterproof. They've been used by Vietnamese fishermen for centuries. Our expert boatmen perform the famous spinning dance — it's a mesmerising show to watch. If you'd like to have a go yourself, you can pay 100,000 ₫/person directly to the boatman on site. It's a uniquely Vietnamese experience you won't find anywhere else.
Will I get wet on the basket boat?
There's a chance of some light splashing, especially during the spinning dance. We recommend wearing clothes you're comfortable getting a little damp, and keeping phones and cameras in a pocket or dry bag during the spins. Sandals or shoes that can get wet are ideal.
Is the basket boat safe for children and elderly passengers?
Yes — the basket boat sits very low and stable in the calm, shallow water of the coconut forest. Life vests are always worn. Children love it. Elderly guests and those with limited mobility can participate; just let us know in advance and our boatman will take extra care.
