When researching things to do in Hoi An, you most likely have seen the rolling round boats. It’s all over Instagram. Appartently, a basket boat tour in Hoi An is one of the most fun and unique experiences you can have. These round, bamboo boats (or “thúng chai” as the locals call them) are surprisingly wobbly, a little tricky to steer, and absolutely unforgettable once you get the hang of it.

I tried them twice on my trip: first during a cycling tour on a tiny riverside island outside Hoi An, and then at the famous rolling spot where both tourists and locals show off their spinning skills. Each ride was completely different, but both left me laughing, soaking wet, and wanting more.

Basket Boat tour in hoi an: What You Need to Know Before You Go

I only planned to try a ride on the basket boat once, but the second ride was a surprise. Boat tours were fun and different, but I want to write about them, so you can make your decision if they are worth it and which one you’d prefer, because to be honest worth you, the Instagram viral ride is very different from what I though.

What Are Basket Boats?

Basket boats are small, round boats traditionally made from woven bamboo and coated with a waterproof resin. Their circular shape isn’t just for fun, it makes them extremely stable in choppy rivers or near the coast, and allows skilled riders to spin and maneuver in ways that regular boats can’t. Locals have been using them for decades for fishing and transporting goods, and now tourists get to enjoy them as a playful, hands-on way to experience Hoi An’s waterways.

Why you should try the basket tour in hoi an

Honestly, there’s nothing else quite like a basket boat tour in Hoi An. It’s interactive, a little wobbly, full of laughter, and gives you a real glimpse into local life. I’s one of those experiences that mixes adventure, culture, and pure fun. After my two rides, I was a bit wet, smiling from ear to ear, and completely in love with this quirky Vietnamese tradition.

Where to Ride Basket Boats in Hoi An

1. Riverside Island Tours

One of my rides was during a cycling tour outside of Hoi An, which led to a quiet riverside island. This was a more peaceful (0r not, but keep on reading) experience, the kind where you can paddle around slowly, enjoy the scenery of rice paddies and waterbirds, and get a feel for how locals use these boats daily.

My guide first took me to a spot where I could see how the basket boats are made. I love learning about local crafts and traditions, so this was a great start. Then she asked if I wanted to try riding one myself. Of course, I said yes, and she led me to the riverside to meet an elderly lady known in the village by the nickname Miss Seksi. The story behind her name is hilarious: years ago, a group of American tourists visited the village, and one of them asked her what her name was. She didn’t speak English and meant to say how old she was — sixty — but instead accidentally introduced herself as “Seksi.” And the rest, as they say, is history!

Si, Miss Seksi took me on the ride. I must tell you, she one of the most confident people I’ve met. She had so much fun watching me be terrified during the ride. It’s not as pleasant as it might seem. She also taught me how to steer the boat- it’s a real skill. Really, it is quite difficult.

I loved this part of the tour, as it allowed me to spend some time with the locals. While the other tour that I am about to talk about, is very much commercial.

2. The Famous “Rolling” Spot

The second time I tried basket boat tour was at the well-known rolling location (coconut forest), where you’ll see tourists and locals expertly spinning the boats in shallow water. This spot is more energetic and playful, perfect for those looking for a bit of adrenaline and a chance to test your balance. Expect laughter, splashes, and plenty of photo opportunities – it’s the type of experience you won’t forget, even if you fall in (which most people do at least once, but I don’t wish you that!).

What a Basket Boat Tour Looks Like (What to Expect)

Most basket boat tours in Cam Thanh Coconut Village start with a short transfer from the center of Hoi An, usually about 10–15 minutes away. When you arrive, you’ll be assigned a traditional round bamboo basket boat, typically shared by two to three passengers plus a local fisherman who steers the boat. Life jackets are usually provided before you set off into the Bay Mau coconut forest, a network of calm waterways surrounded by dense water coconut palms. It’s a really beautiful place. Enjoy the ride, because when you can to the open water, it really gets crazy.

Once on the water, the experience is a mix of sightseeing and interactive demonstrations. The local boat rower paddles through narrow canals while explaining how these round boats are used for fishing and transport.

Many tours include short activities such as learning to paddle the basket boat yourself, watching fishermen cast traditional fishing nets, trying crab fishing in the mangrove roots, and seeing impressive spinning tricks where the boat rotates rapidly on the water. Some operators also add small cultural moments like making simple souvenirs from coconut leaves or singing folk songs on the river, depending on the tour style.

The boat ride itself usually lasts around 45–60 minutes, though some packages extend the experience to about 90 minutes.

When we arrived to the place where all the boats join, it was like a crazy party with music really loud. I never expected something like this. On one hand, it was really fun, on the other, I could see that this is such a commercial activity. If I didn’t have the comparison with the previous ride, it might be more disappointing.

Which basket bout tour is better?

Both basket boat experiences were incredible, but in very different ways. The riverside island tour felt peaceful and authentic, a chance to connect with locals, see how they live, and take your time learning to paddle. The famous rolling spot, on the other hand, was energetic, playful, and full of laughs, perfect if you want a bit of adrenaline and don’t mind getting soaked. Honestly, if you can, try both, one gives you the calm, cultural side of Hoi An, and the other delivers pure, splash-filled fun.

Which one was better in my opinion? I really cannot decide. I hope my description helps you choose the one you think you’d enjoy best, but if you have an opportunity, try both.

See also:

• Renting a Car and Driving in Palawan, Philippines. All I Wish I Knew Before My Trip.
• 7-Day Palawan Itinerary: The Best Route for a Self-Drive Road Trip
• Where to Stay in Seoul for First Time: Best Neighborhoods and Hotels for Every Style
• 4 days in Seoul for first timers: all you need to know to plan a perfect trip
• 15 Best Hotels in Hong Kong: Where to Stay for Every Style and Budget
• The Ultimate Guide on What to Do in Hoi An, an Ancient City in Vietnam
• Best Areas to Stay in Hoi An (2026): First-Timer’s Guide to Areas & Top-Rated Hotels

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Use my favourite travel resources to plan your dream trips

• Booking.com for searching best prices on accommodation.
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• Trip Advisor– amazing for good quality recommendations.
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