Boat Ride in Hoi An: 4 Secrets for First-Timers

A boat ride in Hoi An is one of the experiences you simply shouldn’t miss when visiting the ancient town. Whether you’re drifting along the shimmering Hoai River at night or enjoying the thrill of spinning around on a traditional basket boat in Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, these are experiences worth trying at least once. Let Little Hoi An Group guide you through the different activities, prices, and best times to enjoy a boat ride in Hoi An.

Best Options for a Boat Ride in Hoi An

Hoi An has long been known for its UNESCO World Heritage Site and fascinating cultural attractions. Beyond its historic landmarks, the town also offers unique experiences that you won’t easily find elsewhere. But what is the difference between a boat ride along the Hoai River and a basket boat experience in Cam Thanh Coconut Forest? Let’s take a closer look at what each experience has to offer.

Hoi An Ancient Town Boat Ride on the Hoai River

A traditional boat ride on the Hoai River has long been one of the must-try experiences for visitors to Hoi An. Flowing alongside the ancient town, the river carries a quiet beauty filled with memories of old Hoi An.

As the sun begins to set, it becomes one of the most beautiful times to admire the ancient town as its lights gradually come alive. Traditional wooden boats gently glide across the water, their oars moving quietly through the calm river. The cheerful conversations of the local boat rowers blend with the lively sounds of people along the streets, bringing the riverside to life.

Hoi An ancient town boat rides are available from approximately 4:30 PM to 10:00 PM. With its romantic and enchanting atmosphere, this is an experience that couples should not miss.

Cam Thanh Coconut Forest Basket Boat Ride

Located approximately 5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Thanh Coconut Forest offers a completely different kind of boat experience. It is a wonderful way to get closer to nature and discover the peaceful beauty of the countryside.

Visitors can sit aboard traditional basket boats and travel through the cool, green waterways surrounded by coconut palms. As you immerse yourself in this tranquil natural setting, you’ll be accompanied by local boat rowers who may share stories from the past and entertain you with skillful basket-boat spinning, traditional fishing-net demonstrations, and folk songs.

The coconut forest is open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, making it a more lively and interactive experience for young groups of friends, adventurous travelers, and larger families.

A basket boat for 2–3 people costs approximately VND 150,000, including the entrance fee.

Hoi An Night Boat Ride: What to Expect & Best Time

A boat ride in Hoi An along the Hoai River is always a memorable highlight of a trip to Hoi An. Sitting on a boat and watching the ancient town come alive as night falls offers a completely different perspective from the daytime.

The river transforms into a magical scene as colorful lanterns reflect beautifully on the water. One of the most memorable parts of the journey is the traditional lantern-floating experience. Visitors can light a small paper lantern, make a wish for good luck and a brighter future, and gently release it onto the river.

The soft sound of the oars cutting through the water, combined with the warm glow of the lanterns, creates an incredibly romantic atmosphere.

The ideal time to enjoy the ancient town as it lights up is between 5:30 PM and 7:30 PM. During these hours, you can capture the most beautiful moments as the historic streets glow with colorful lanterns and the riverside becomes increasingly lively.

For an even more magical experience beneath the night sky, consider visiting Hoi An during the full moon, when the moonlight adds another layer of beauty to the river and ancient town.

Essential Tips for Your Hoi An Boat Ride

To make your Hoi An boat ride safe, enjoyable, and memorable, keep these essential tips in mind:

Buy your ticket at the Hoi An boat ticket cost. Avoid booking through intermediaries or accepting offers from people approaching you on the street. Instead, visit the official ticket counters at the Hoai River pier. Prices are approximately 150,000–220,000 VND/ per boat, depending on the number of passengers.

Bring small-denomination cash. This will make it easier to purchase floating lanterns from local vendors along the riverbank, which typically cost around 5,000–10,000/ VND per lantern.

Put safety first. Always follow the boat operator’s instructions and wear a life jacket when required. Avoid moving around or suddenly standing up while the boat is in motion, as this can affect the boat’s balance and increase the risk of tipping over.

Where to Stay

To make your Hoi An journey even more complete, consider staying at Little Oasis. An Eco-Friendly Hotel & Spa, part of Little Hoi An Group. The hotel is approximately 5 minutes from Cam Thanh Coconut Forest and just 10 minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town.

Surrounded by a peaceful natural setting and located beside the gentle Do River, Little Oasis feels like a small oasis of calm where you can slow down and reconnect with nature after a day of exploring.

Plan your itinerary wisely so you don’t miss Hoi An’s most fascinating destinations and experiences. A boat ride is a wonderful way to appreciate the beauty of this heritage town from a different perspective.

Whether you’re immersed in the timeless charm of the Hoai River or surrounded by the peaceful greenery of Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, every moment on the water can become a lasting memory.

Save this guide for the latest prices, locations, and useful tips to enjoy a memorable and budget-friendly boat ride in Hoi An.