The round bamboo basket boat, or thung chai, is a symbol of central Vietnam’s fishing culture, and riding one through the water coconut palms of Bay Mau is one of Hoi An’s most popular activities. With so many boat operators on site, it can be hard to know who to trust. This basket boat in Hoi An trip connects you with a reliable local supplier, includes your entrance ticket, and can even include a taxi from your hotel.
| Activity | Basket boat ride in the coconut forest |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 40 minutes to 1 hour |
| Where | Rung Dua Bay Mau (Bay Mau coconut forest), Cam Thanh, Hoi An |
| Price | $6.3 without pick-up · $12 with taxi pick-up |
| Included | Entrance ticket, boat ride, 1 bottle of water |
| Not included | Tip for the boat driver, boat-spinning ride |
What to Expect on a Basket Boat in Hoi An
- Ride a basket boat through the coconut forest, one of Vietnam’s most unique landscapes.
- Take great photos among the green palms.
- Watch the fishermen throw their nets and try crab fishing yourself.
- Join a lively little “river party” with music and dancing midway through the trip. Honestly, some people love it and some don’t!
About the Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Rung Dua Bay Mau is a 7-hectare forest of water coconut palms a short drive from Hoi An’s Old Town. For centuries the palms have supported the local economy, and during the war the dense foliage served as a hiding place. Today it is a peaceful maze of narrow channels where boatmen guide visitors under the canopy of palms.
Basket boats are made of woven bamboo, waterproofed with a tar-like coating. Light but surprisingly sturdy, they have been used by local fishermen for generations.
Activities on a Basket Boat in Hoi An
- Boat spinning: the highlight. Watch the boatmen spin their boats at full speed and film it for your album. If you want to be on the spinning boat yourself, an extra tip is paid to the spinner.
- Net throwing: watch or try the traditional way of casting a fishing net (extra tip).
- Crab fishing: try to catch crabs hiding among the palms, a favourite with families.
The ride takes about 40 minutes if you skip the extras, and up to an hour if you join everything. Because it is short, it combines perfectly with another activity such as our cooking class with basket boat ride or a kayak tour to the coconut forest.
Basket Boat in Hoi An: Packages and Prices
| Package | Duration | Adult | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Basket boat ride with taxi pick-up Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel | 40 min – 1 hour | $12 / person | About 300,000 VND |
| Basket boat ride without pick-up Directions sent after booking | 40 min – 1 hour | $6.3 / person | About 150,000 VND, minimum 2 people |
How the Basket Boat in Hoi An Works
After you book, we contact you on WhatsApp (or your chosen app) to guide you to the right place, where your boat guide will be waiting. If you choose the pick-up package, a taxi collects you from your hotel and brings you back afterwards.
Tips for Your Basket Boat in Hoi An
- Go in the morning or late afternoon. The light through the palms is softer and it is cooler on the water.
- Bring small cash for tips. Tips for the boat driver and for the spinning ride are not included.
- Protect your phone. Spinning is fun but splashy; a waterproof pouch is useful.
- Wear a hat and sunscreen. There is little shade in the open channels.
Why Book a Basket Boat in Hoi An with Us?
The Bay Mau coconut forest is very popular, and with dozens of boats waiting at the entrance, prices and quality vary a lot. When you book a basket boat in Hoi An through us, the entrance ticket and a bottle of water are included, the price is fixed in advance, and we connect you with a supplier we trust. With the pick-up package, a taxi collects you from your hotel, so the whole trip takes care of itself.
The round basket boat is still used by fishermen along the central coast, so a basket boat in Hoi An is more than a tourist ride: it is a small window into the region’s fishing culture.
Make it a half day: a basket boat in Hoi An takes about an hour, so combine it with our cooking class or a kayak tour to the coconut forest.
How to Book the Basket Boat Ride
To book your basket boat in Hoi An, tell us your date, time, number of guests and whether you need pick-up using one of the options below. Your confirmation is issued within 15 minutes.
Contact the organizer directly
Leave your name and how to reach you. The organizer's contact and QR code will appear right away, so you can message them about the basket boat ride.
Contact person
Phone / WhatsApp / Line / Zalo
Let Hoi An Fairy Tour contact you
Not sure yet? Tell us your plan and our local team will reach out with free advice, prices and availability.
Thank you! We've got your request.
Our team usually replies within 15 minutes (8am – 10pm Vietnam time) via the app you chose.
Payment options: pay directly, by domestic bank transfer, or by PayPal (3% transaction fee).
More Quick Activities in Hoi An
- An evening on the river: boat ride with lantern in Hoi An.
- Make a souvenir at a lantern making class.
- More ideas: 7 quick activities in Hoi An.
- Avoid common traps with 11 tips I tell my friends in Hoi An.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a basket boat ride in Hoi An?
$6.3 (about 150,000 VND) per person without pick-up, minimum 2 people, or $12 (about 300,000 VND) with taxi pick-up and drop-off. The entrance ticket and water are included.
How long does the basket boat ride take?
About 40 minutes if you skip the extra activities, and up to 1 hour if you join crab fishing, net throwing and the boat spinning.
Is the boat spinning included?
You can watch and film the spinning for free. Riding in the spinning boat yourself, and trying net throwing, require an extra tip paid directly to the boatman.
Where is the coconut forest?
Rung Dua Bay Mau is in Cam Thanh, a short drive from Hoi An’s Old Town. After booking we send you directions, or you can choose the package with taxi pick-up.
From Vincent – the Author
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