Experience the Hoi An Basket Boat, Rich in Vietnamese Culture

Hoi An Ancient Town is famous for its ancient architecture, multi-layered culture, and vibrant heritage values, but there is a distinct local experience that almost every visitor seeks: the Hoi An basket boat. This is not just a river sightseeing activity but also a way for visitors to connect directly with the fishermen's lives, understand more about Central Vietnamese culture, and feel the simple rhythm of life beside the lush coconut groves.

According to many records, especially in 2024, the Hoi An basket boat was voted one of the most interesting boat experiences in the world by Tripadvisor, becoming a unique tourism symbol of Cam Thanh Coconut Forest.

1. Hoi An Basket Boat – A Unique Feature of Fishermen's Culture

The basket boat is not only used in fishing but is also a symbol of adaptation, creativity, and the cultural identity of Central Vietnam. Anyone seeing it for the first time will be impressed by its characteristic round shape, flexible operation, and the stories behind this seemingly rustic vessel.

1.1. Origin and Significance of the Basket Boat in Central Vietnamese Life

The basket boat originated from the need for survival and the creativity of Central Vietnamese fishermen. According to many folk documents and stories recounted by the people of Cam Thanh, the basket boat appeared during the French colonial period when heavy taxes were imposed on boats, leading fishermen to devise a means of transport not considered a "boat" to avoid the tax.

Over time, the basket boat became:

• An important tool for accessing shallow waters or areas with many small creeks.
• A means for short-distance fishing, transporting necessities, and agricultural/aquatic products.
• A distinctive cultural feature, closely associated with the daily life and customs of the coastal people.

For Hoi An in particular, the basket boat is linked to the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, which was once a military base during the war and is now a prominent ecological tourist destination. 

1.2. Shape, Material, and Distinctive Rowing Technique

Key characteristics of the basket boat include:

• Shape: Round, wide, creating stability on the water.
• Material: Woven from bamboo, coated with tree resin or tung oil for waterproofing.
• Rowing Technique: Using a short paddle, rotating in an arc; the operator usually sits in the center to maintain balance.

The skillful "basket boat spinning" technique – which was originally used by fishermen for quick maneuvering in wave zones – has now become a unique performance that tourists particularly enjoy. Many images in the reference files show that this dexterity has become an important part of the experience. 

1.3. The Role of the Basket Boat in Traditional Fishing

The basket boat is the fisherman's "assistant" in:

• Net casting and hauling activities near the shore.
• Moving into small creeks where larger boats cannot enter.
• Collecting the catch and transporting it back to shore.

Today, although the fishing industry has developed with many large vessels, the basket boat is still present in daily life, both for its utility and its local cultural value.

You might be interested in A guide to the best areas to stay in Hoi An for easy trip planning

2. Exciting Experiences When Taking a Basket Boat in Hoi An

Taking a basket boat in Hoi An is a journey that allows visitors to touch the daily life of the river residents while immersing themselves in the unique ecological space of the Central Vietnamese coconut forest. More than just a simple sightseeing activity, this experience offers a combination of local culture, nature, and engaging interactive activities.

2.1. Exploring Bay Mau Cam Thanh Coconut Forest

Bay Mau Coconut Forest is considered the "heart" of all basket boat tours. As the boat glides through the small creeks, visitors will feel the cool green space surrounding them, the sunlight filtering through the leaves, and the gentle rhythm of the water leading the boat deeper into the ecological area.

What creates the attraction:

• A dense Nipa Palm ecosystem, giving the feeling of being lost in the "Mekong Delta in the heart of Hoi An."
• A cool, quiet space, very suitable for relaxation.
• An opportunity to observe local life, small houses, and the rustic scenery along the creeks.

This is a gentle opening moment, helping visitors "get acquainted" with the rhythm of life on the river before stepping into more lively activities. 

2.2. The Fishermen's Vibrant Basket Boat Spinning Performance

After the boat moves into a wider area, visitors will be treated to the "basket boat spinning" performance – a signature activity that has become an indispensable part of the tour.

Highlights of this performance:

• The rower controls the basket boat to spin at high speed while maintaining absolute balance.
• Cheerful cheers and the rhythmic use of the paddle make the atmosphere lively.
• The swirling water and fast movements create a feeling that is both exciting and thrilling.

This is the moment when visitors often cheer, record videos, and appreciate the dexterity of the riverine fishermen. 

2.3. Net Casting, Fishing, and Learning about Fishing Village Life

To increase interaction, many tours allow visitors to try traditional activities such as casting nets, fishing, trying to row a paddle, or learning to tie ropes.

This activity helps visitors:

• Understand the hardships of the fishing profession.
• Experience hands-on actions under the guidance of the locals.
• Connect emotionally with the fishermen's lives through honest, approachable stories.

Many people are also gifted small items made from coconut leaves – a simple but authentic fishing village souvenir. 

2.4. Check-in Amidst the Peaceful River Scenery

The setting of the coconut forest and the colorful, round basket boats create countless beautiful photo opportunities.

Some moments often chosen by visitors for check-in:

• When the boat turns into the green coconut grove, with light reflecting on the water.
• When the boat stands still in the middle of the creek, it creates a beautiful symmetrical background.
• A panoramic view from above of the wooden bridge or from the boat dock.

For those who love photography, this is an experience that easily yields characteristic "Hoi An style" pictures.

3. Popular Hoi An Basket Boat Tours

The basket boat tour system in Hoi An is currently organized in diverse ways, meeting various experiential needs of visitors. Each tour has its own atmosphere, from the relaxed morning to the romantic late afternoon or the sacred feeling when releasing lanterns. 

3.1. Bay Mau Coconut Forest Basket Boat Tour

This is the most basic and popular tour, taking visitors deep into the Nipa Palm forest, where the basket boat glides through small creeks and opens up a green, ecological landscape. The tour usually includes signature experiences like watching the basket boat spinning performance, trying net casting or fishing with the locals, and receiving small gifts made from coconut leaves. With a moderate duration and diverse activities, this tour is suitable for families, groups of friends, and international guests who want to fully experience the river culture of Hoi An. 

3.2. Morning Basket Boat Tour – Catching the Sunrise on the River

The morning tour offers a fresh atmosphere and gentle sunlight, ideal for those who want to start the day in a relaxed way. As the boat turns into the coconut grove, the early morning light reflects on the water, creating a peaceful and pure scene. Many visitors choose this tour to enjoy the cool weather, fewer crowds, and have more time to visit other spots during the day. This is also a wonderful time for photography with soft light and harmonious colors.

3.3. Afternoon Basket Boat Tour – Watching the Romantic Sunset

The afternoon is the most beautiful time to feel the romance of Hoi An's river scenery. As the sun slowly sets behind the coconut grove, the sky changes to warm yellow-orange hues, creating a very poetic scene. Sitting on the basket boat, slowly drifting amidst the sunset, visitors can enjoy the gentle cool air and the peace of the water at the end of the day. This is an ideal choice for couples, photography enthusiasts, or anyone seeking an emotionally relaxing moment. 

3.4. Basket Boat Experience Combined with Lantern Releasing

For visitors who want a more special experience, the tour combined with lantern releasing is an unmissable choice. As darkness falls, the small lanterns released onto the water create a shimmering, magical space. The combination of the basket boat, the gentle sound of the water, and the warm light of the lanterns offers a profound feeling, with a spiritual touch, closely tied to the cultural beauty of Hoi An. This journey is very suitable for groups of friends, families, or for creating memorable moments.

4. Ticket Prices and Notes When Taking the Hoi An Basket Boat

4.1. Reference Ticket Prices for Vietnamese and International Visitors

Reference prices in Hoi An are generally as follows: Basket boat for 1–2 adults is about 150,000 VNĐ per trip; the Bay Mau Coconut Forest entrance ticket is typically 30,000 VNĐ per adult, 15,000 VNĐ per child (5–9 years old), and free for children under 5; and the evening lantern boat on the Hoai River usually costs 150,000 VNĐ per boat (1–3 people) or 200,000 VNĐ per boat (4–5 people).

These prices are fairly consistent across local households and service providers, but in practice they may fluctuate slightly depending on timing, season, supplier, or group size. The basket boat price normally includes a rower and a safety life jacket, with an experience lasting around 45–60 minutes—enough time to explore the coconut forest, watch the spinning performance, and join small activities such as fishing or net casting. Lantern boat services are also offered by different organizing units, so minor differences in actual charges can occur. 

4.2. Safety Notes When Riding a Basket Boat

The basket boat has a round and quite light design, so visitors should adhere to a few notes to ensure safety throughout the journey. Wearing a life jacket is mandatory, and you need to sit in the correct position as instructed by the rower to maintain the boat's balance. Limit standing up or moving suddenly when the boat is drifting; for children, they should sit in the middle and be held by an adult. When going into narrow creek sections, visitors should keep their hands inside the boat to avoid collision with coconut trunks or other boats. Additionally, you should keep electronic devices carefully protected as light water splashing during spinning or when the boat changes direction is quite common. 

4.3. Necessary Preparation: Hat, Sunscreen, Camera, etc.

The coconut forest area is often sunny around noon and early afternoon, so preparing a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and a light jacket will help you feel more comfortable while on the boat. Bring drinking water to avoid dehydration on hot days. If you enjoy taking photos, you should bring a camera or a phone with a protective case because the basket boat can wobble when moving. A small waterproof bag is also very useful for protecting personal belongings. For visitors who plan to experience the evening or release lanterns, preparing an extra light jacket will make you more comfortable when the river wind is strong. 

5. Tips to Make Your Basket Boat Trip More Complete

To make the trip truly memorable, choosing the right time is a crucial factor. The morning offers cool air and soft light, while the afternoon is the ideal time to watch the stunning sunset amidst the coconut groves. The dry season from February to August is usually the most favorable time because the weather is nice, the water is calm, and the sky is clear. However, if you go during the rainy season, you can still have the experience, but you should check the weather conditions beforehand.

Besides the basket boat activity, you can combine it with visiting the ancient town, enjoying Cao Lầu (noodles), Mì Quảng (noodle dish), or experiencing craft village tours like making lanterns or pottery. This combination makes the journey more diverse and richer in experiences, especially for visitors who want to explore Hoi An fully, combining nature, culture, and cuisine.

>>> See more: More than 20 local dishes you must try in Hoi An Old Town

More than just entertainment, taking a basket boat is also a way to contribute to preserving the local culture. When visitors join a tour from local households, this income directly supports the community, helping them maintain their traditional craft, conserve the coconut forest ecosystem, and develop sustainable tourism. This is a value that many visitors appreciate when they realize that each trip not only brings memories but also contributes to the preservation of a living heritage.

>>> See more: 10 must-do experiences for first-time visitors to Hoi An

Conclusion

The Hoi An basket boat is one of the rare experiences that is both gentle and intimate yet rich in culture. From the moment the boat drifts amidst the lush green coconut groves to the vibrant basket spinning performances or the everyday stories of the fishermen, everything creates a journey full of emotions. This is not just a simple sightseeing activity but an opportunity for visitors to connect more deeply with the beauty of Hoi An – a land where nature, culture, and people harmonize as one.

You might be interested in: 30+ truly unique experiences in Hoi An worth adding to your checklist