Countryside Tour of Hoi An, Basket Boat, Buffalo ride, Farming with local Farmer

A detailed look at a countryside adventure near Hoi An that combines farming, traditional boat rides, and local craftsmanship.

This Countryside Tour of Hoi An offers a genuine peek into rural Vietnamese life, blending hands-on farming experiences with scenic boat rides and engaging local traditions. With only around 3 hours and 20 minutes, it’s a compact but immersive way to see the real Vietnam beyond the bustling city streets.

One of the highlights we love is the chance to work alongside local farmers at Tra Que Vegetable Village—getting your hands dirty with soil, seaweed fertilizing, and watering plants. It’s an authentic, educational activity that appeals to travelers craving cultural connection and a bit of fun.

A potential consideration is the weather; since the tour is mostly outdoors, rain can affect the experience. Fortunately, reviews show that guides like Hoa can make even rainy days memorable, though it’s worth checking the forecast.

This tour suits those who enjoy interactive experiences, authentic encounters with local life, and scenic river activities. It’s perfect for families, curious travelers, or anyone wanting a taste of Vietnam’s countryside that’s both educational and entertaining.

Key Points

• Authentic rural experience: Work with local farmers and learn traditional vegetable gardening techniques.
• Scenic boat rides: Enjoy bamboo basket boat trips in Coconut Forest, including crab fishing and leaf crafts.
• Knowledgeable guides: Guides like Hoa add a personal touch, making the day memorable—even in rain.
• Value for price: At around $57, including all activities and entrance fees, offers good value for immersive cultural experiences.
• Small group/Private feel: Only your group is involved, ensuring personalized attention.
• Weather considerations: Tours are outdoors; rainy days might impact the experience but can also add to the adventure.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: 8 a.m. Pickup from Your Hotel

The tour kicks off early in the morning with a friendly pickup from your hotel in Hoi An or Da Nang, using a private car or minivan. This private setup makes for a comfortable, hassle-free start, with the added bonus of flexibility for early risers or those wanting a relaxed morning. Your guide, like the highly praised Hoa, will set the tone, sharing insights about the day ahead.

Stop 1: Tra Que Vegetable Village

The first stop is at Tra Que Vegetable Village, a vibrant patchwork of lush greens where local farmers demonstrate their daily routines. Here, you get to meet a local family, sip on traditional drinks, and hear their stories about rural life. This part of the experience is particularly appreciated by reviewers, with one saying, “Hoa made this day special for me,” emphasizing how guides personalize the journey.

What makes this stop standout is the interactive farming activity. You’ll work the soil, fertilize with seaweed (stomping included—a surprisingly fun activity), plant seedlings, and water the crops with traditional watering cans. It’s a hands-on experience that makes you appreciate the effort behind your vegetables, and it’s especially engaging for kids or those who love a bit of farmyard fun.

The entire farming segment lasts about 30 minutes, with all entrance tickets and water provided, making it straightforward and stress-free. While you’re working the land, your guides will share insights into local agricultural practices, giving you a window into rural Vietnamese life that’s both practical and memorable.

Stop 2: Coconut Forest and Basket Boat Experience

Next, you’ll head to Bay Mau Coconut Forest, where the scenery shifts to a lush, watery landscape. Here, the highlight is the bamboo basket boat ride—a quintessential Vietnamese activity. You’ll board a small, circular boat made of bamboo, propelled by local guides who demonstrate their skills at navigating the waterways.

This part of the tour is highly praised, with reviewers mentioning the “beautiful old landscape” and the fun of crabbing or fishing for crabs from the boat. Visitors will also be introduced to traditional fishing techniques, like casting large fishing nets, which they get the chance to try themselves.

Adding a creative twist, local artisans will craft watches, fish, and grasshoppers from coconut leaves, which they give to guests as souvenirs. The guides’ craftsmanship and storytelling make this stop both educational and interactive, showcasing the local skills that often go unnoticed.

This segment lasts about an hour, with all necessary tickets included. The scenery in Coconut Forest provides a peaceful, rustic backdrop for the activities—perfect for those who enjoy nature and water-based adventures.

What’s Included and What to Consider

The tour includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, all activity fees, and entrance tickets. Water is provided throughout, and the small-group or private setting ensures you won’t be just another face in the crowd.

However, it’s important to note that meals, drinks, and personal expenses are not included, so you might want to bring some snacks or extra water, especially if the weather is warm.

While the tour is generally suitable for most travelers, those with mobility issues should be aware that activities like working the soil and boat rides require a basic level of agility and comfort with outdoor environments.

The flexible cancellation policy allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, which offers some peace of mind should weather or other circumstances change.

Authenticity and Value

The true value of this tour lies in its interactive nature. Instead of just observing, you become part of the local routines—planting, watering, fishing, and crafting. Such experiences tend to leave lasting impressions, making the cost of around $57 per person very reasonable considering all included activities and the personalized attention.

Reviewers repeatedly mention how guides like Hoa and Mr. Binh make the day special, sharing stories and skills that elevate the experience beyond just sightseeing. Their knowledge and enthusiasm add layers of authenticity that many walking or bus tours lack.

The tour’s short duration makes it perfect for travelers who want to explore the countryside without sacrificing too much time from other activities in Hoi An or Da Nang. It offers an excellent balance of activity, scenery, and cultural insight.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and want to see local rural life firsthand. Families with kids will likely enjoy stomping in seaweed and trying to fish in the bamboo basket boats. Couples or solo travelers seeking an authentic, less touristy activity will find it equally appealing.

Those interested in local crafts and traditional practices will appreciate the coconut leaf demonstrations. Meanwhile, nature lovers will find the boat rides and lush scenery relaxing and photogenic.

If you’re after a balanced mix of culture, scenic beauty, and interactive fun, this tour ticks all the boxes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children will enjoy the hands-on farming activities and the fun boat rides. Just check if they are comfortable with outdoor activities and watercraft.

What should I wear for this tour?
Comfortable clothing suitable for outdoor activities and walking is recommended. Don’t forget sun protection like hats and sunscreen, especially if visiting during the warmer months.

Can I participate if I don’t have farming experience?
Absolutely. The activities are designed to be accessible and fun, regardless of prior experience. Guides will demonstrate each task, and you can participate at your own pace.

Is there a possibility of rain?
Yes, since the tour is outdoors, weather conditions like rain could impact the experience. However, guides are prepared, and even rainy days can be enjoyable, as one reviewer noted how Hoa made the day special despite the weather.

How long does each stop last?
The farming segment lasts around 30 minutes, while the basket boat ride and craft demonstrations take about 1 hour. The total duration is approximately 3 hours 20 minutes.

Are meals or drinks included?
No, meals and drinks are not included. You may want to bring some snacks or extra water, especially if the weather is hot.

Final Thoughts

This Countryside Tour of Hoi An offers a compelling mix of authentic agricultural experiences, scenic waterway adventures, and traditional crafts—all wrapped into a manageable morning or early afternoon activity. It’s well-suited for travelers who crave genuine cultural interactions and hands-on activities that bring them closer to local life.

The guide’s enthusiasm, especially Hoa’s, and the stunning scenery make this a memorable outing. The inclusion of all activity fees and entrance tickets means you can relax and focus on the fun parts. While weather can be a factor, the flexible cancellation policy and the tour’s intimate setting help keep the experience stress-free.

Whether you’re traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, this tour provides a unique opportunity to see the Vietnamese countryside from the ground up—planted, harvested, fished, and crafted with care.

In short, if you’re after an authentic, interactive, and scenic day outside Hoi An, this tour delivers a genuine taste of rural Vietnam that will leave you with stories, souvenirs, and a deeper appreciation for local life.