Glide through Bay Mau’s coconut waterways in a bamboo basket boat before stepping into Hoi An’s lantern-lit Old Town. This five-hour evening tour pairs hands-on local craft with riverside history and a taste of central Vietnam’s night markets.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
Night settles early over the Hoai River and the lanterns appear like careful breathing—soft, deliberate, inviting. The tour begins in Bay Mau’s coconut forest, where narrow waterways thread under a canopy of stilted palms and the water itself seems to pull you forward. Local rowers guide traditional bamboo basket boats through shaded channels; the craft rocks and hums as you learn the slow, pelvic-rowing motion that keeps these boats moving.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
5 hours
Fitness Level
Light physical ability required—comfortable walking and brief seated paddling; suitable for most fitness levels
Wildlife
History
Hoi An flourished as a regional trading port from the 15th to 19th centuries; the Japanese Covered Bridge is a surviving marker of those multicultural connections.
Conservation
Bay Mau’s mangroves buffer coastal erosion and support fisheries—avoid litter, choose operators that support local rowers, and limit single-use plastics.
Reserve your spot on the Hoi an Coconut Boat & Hoi an Ancient Town From Da nang or Hoi an today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Wear water-friendly shoes
Stability on slippery boat decks and muddy riverbanks is key—closed-toe water shoes or sandals with straps work best.
Bring insect repellent
Mangrove channels and evening walks can have mosquitoes—apply repellent and consider long sleeves after sunset.
Carry small local currency
Street food, small crafts, and boat performers typically accept cash—keep small-denomination notes handy.
Book for a clear evening
Lantern lights and reflections are best with calm weather; tours may cancel in heavy rain or rough tides—confirm the night before.
Quick-dry shirt and shorts
Dries fast after splashes during the basket-boat segment and keeps you comfortable in humid weather.
Closed-toe water shoes
Protects feet on slippery docks and during short landings in the mangroves.
summer
Lightweight rain jacket
Useful during sudden tropical showers common in the wet season.
summer
Small dry bag or phone pouch
Keeps valuables and your phone safe from splashes while on the boat.