Hoi An Full Lantern Making Class , Basket Boat , Crab Fishing And Food

A delightful journey into Hoi An’s authentic traditions, all packed into just five hours. This tour offers an intimate look at local crafts, cuisine, and coastal life, with the added bonus of being limited to just nine travelers for a personalized touch. From making your own lanterns to paddling traditional basket boats, the experience is designed to be both fun and meaningful.

What truly stands out is the combination of hands-on activities, scenic countryside, and authentic Vietnamese meals prepared at a local home—giving you a genuine taste of life beyond the tourist spots. However, some travelers might want to plan their day carefully, as the tour is quite packed and involves some travel time.

This experience is ideal for those who love cultural activities, scenic outdoor adventures, and delicious food, especially if you’re after a small-group vibe with plenty of local interaction. It’s perfect for anyone wanting to see the countryside, learn new skills, and enjoy a taste of authentic Vietnamese hospitality.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: Limited to 9 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging time.
• Authentic Activities: Lantern making, basket boat riding, crab fishing, and local culinary experiences.
• Beautiful Scenery: Stunning views in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest and the Canal of Cam Thanh.
• Cultural Immersion: Dress in traditional Ao Dai, connect with local fishermen, and learn about Vietnamese crafts.
• Value for Money: At around $32, you get a diverse, full-day experience that includes food, activities, and transportation.
• Flexible Timings: Choices between morning or afternoon tours, plus pickup options from Da Nang for an extra fee.

A Complete Review of the Hoi An Full Lantern Making Class, Basket Boat, Crab Fishing, and Food Tour

This Hoi An experience promises a peek into the real Vietnamese countryside, woven with activities that are as culturally enriching as they are fun. The tour is organized by Hoi An Family Eco Cooking Tour, and it’s clear they put thought into crafting an experience that balances hands-on activities, scenic highlights, and genuine local interactions.

Starting with pickup from your hotel, the tour offers a comfortable, hassle-free introduction to the day. Whether you’re staying in Hoi An or Da Nang (for an extra fee), the logistics are simplified, leaving you free to focus on the activities ahead.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Bay Mau Coconut Forest & Lantern Making

The day begins with a visit to the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, a lush setting that’s perfect for photos and a serene backdrop for the activities. Here, you’ll participate in a traditional lantern making class led by knowledgeable guides, including a lantern maker who patiently walks you through every step—from selecting fabrics to assembling your own unique lantern. Reviewers consistently mention how much they appreciated the guidance and the chance to create a souvenir they can fold, pack, and carry home easily.

One reviewer, Kendra_M, highlighted her love for the lanterns: “Everyone was friendly and helpful, and I made a beautiful lantern I could fold for my luggage.” The lanterns are not only charming keepsakes but also a meaningful way to connect with Hoi An’s famous craft tradition.

Basket Boat Ride & Crab Fishing

Immediately after, the tour transitions into the fun part—riding a traditional bamboo basket boat from Cam Thanh Coconut Water Village. Dressed in an Ao Dai, the traditional Vietnamese attire, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a living postcard. The boatmen are skilled and friendly, spinning the boats for a bit of thrill and guiding you through narrow canals.

Many reviews mention how engaging and exciting this part was. Yee_W said, “The boatman spun the basket boat for me, which was thrilling and so much fun.” During the ride, you’ll also get a chance to try crab fishing and catch crabs, adding an authentic local flavor to your experience.

Local Food & Relaxation

After all the activity, the tour offers a chance to rest and enjoy a hearty meal prepared at a local fisherman’s house. The food is often described as fresh and delicious, with many reviewers like Gabrielle_C praising the ingredients and flavors. The meal might be a simple, home-cooked Vietnamese dish, but it’s filled with genuine flavors that make it worth the price.

Photo Opportunities & Cultural Insights

Throughout the day, you’ll have multiple opportunities to snap photos—whether in the coconut forest, with your handmade lantern, or paddling along the canals. The guides are attentive and knowledgeable, sharing insights into traditional Vietnamese crafts and river life, making sure you come away with more than just souvenirs.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Small Group Size: Limiting participants to nine ensures you’ll receive personalized attention, which many reviewers appreciated. It creates a friendly environment where questions are welcome, and interactions feel genuine.

Authentic Experiences: From donning Ao Dai for the boat ride to making your own lantern, every activity feels rooted in local tradition. The tour’s emphasis on hands-on participation elevates it beyond a simple sightseeing trip.

Beautiful Scenery: The views of the bay and coconut forest are peaceful and photogenic, providing natural scenery that complements the cultural activities.

Culinary Highlights: The meal at a local home is a standout, with reviewers noting its freshness and authentic taste. It’s a real step into local life, rather than a touristy restaurant.

Value for Money: At just over $32, the tour offers a comprehensive package of activities, meals, and transportation—making it a solid investment for a half-day adventure that’s both fun and meaningful.

Logistics & Practicalities

The tour lasts about five hours, which is enough time to enjoy each activity without feeling rushed. Morning and afternoon slots cater to different schedules, and pickup from Hoi An is included, with an optional addition from Da Nang for $17 per person.

Transportation is well-organized, and the guides are friendly, often sharing stories that make the experience richer. The inclusion of essentials like water, raincoats, and life jackets ensures comfort and safety, even if the weather turns.

The maximum of nine travelers keeps the group manageable, fostering more interaction and attention from guides. If you’re looking for a more private or intimate experience, this setup is ideal.

Authenticity and Fun from the Reviews

Multiple reviewers highlight how engaging and enjoyable this tour was. Gabrielle_C loved the food and the experience overall, saying, “I would book again every day if I lived in Vietnam!” Others appreciated the patience and kindness of the guides, especially during the lantern-making class, which some initially doubted but ended up loving.

Yee_W summed it up well: “Highly recommend this fun experience! Our guides seamlessly transported us from activity to activity, making it feel like a day full of adventure and cultural discovery.”

Final thoughts

If you’re after a well-rounded half-day experience that combines craft, adventure, and cuisine, this tour hits the mark. It’s especially suitable for travelers seeking a deeper connection with Hoi An’s local culture without the long hours or hefty price tag. The small group size, friendly guides, and authentic activities create a memorable trip that offers more than just sightseeing.

While the schedule is packed, the variety ensures there’s never a dull moment. Expect stunning scenery, lively interactions, and plenty of opportunities to learn and participate. The experiences are genuine, and the value is hard to beat.

For anyone interested in Vietnamese crafts, coastal life, or simply looking for a fun and meaningful way to explore Hoi An, this tour is a strong choice.

FAQs

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off at your accommodation in Hoi An. If you’re in Da Nang, there’s an additional fee of $17 per person for pickup and drop-off.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience takes approximately 5 hours, making it a perfect half-day activity.

Can I choose between morning and afternoon tours?
Yes, you can select a morning (8:30 am to 1:00 pm) or an afternoon (2:00 pm to 6:30 pm) slot based on your preference.

What should I wear during the activities?
Comfortable clothes suitable for outdoor activities are recommended. Since you’ll be dressed in Ao Dai for the basket boat ride, the guides will assist with dress code, but bring casual, easy-to-move clothing.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but the small group size and activities like crab fishing and boat riding are best suited for older children or teens.

What is included in the price?
The price covers all activities, transportation, a guide, a bottle of water, and a meal at a local home.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the experience family-friendly?
Absolutely. The activities are engaging for all ages, with plenty of photo opportunities and hands-on crafts.

Are the activities weather-dependent?
Yes, the tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

Do I need to bring anything special?
Just bring your camera, comfortable clothes, and a positive attitude. The tour provides raincoats and umbrellas if needed.