Coconut Basket boat, Hoi an by night with boat ride and night market

Must Do Experiences

• Ride a spinning coconut basket boat through the Cam Thanh Coconut Village waterways

• Release a handcrafted lantern onto the shimmering Hoai River

• Explore the vibrant Hoi An Night Market and sample street food delicacies

• Watch a live 'bai choi' traditional folk game performance

Hidden Gems

• The coconut basket boat rides are operated by local rowers who spin the boats in circles — it's a centuries-old Cam Thanh tradition you won't find anywhere else in Vietnam

• The lanterns on the Hoai River are most magical just after dusk when the sky transitions from deep blue to black

• Ask your guide about the hidden alleyway temples tucked behind the bustling market streets — they're often empty and beautifully photographed at night

What Makes it Special

• The one-of-a-kind coconut basket boat experience in Cam Thanh is unlike any other boat ride in Vietnam

• Combining a lantern release on the Hoai River with night market exploration creates a deeply atmospheric and memorable evening

• The inclusion of 'bai choi' folk game performance gives you a genuine cultural connection to Vietnamese traditions

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

This tour is best enjoyed during the dry season from February to August when the weather is pleasant for evening exploration. The full moon nights in Hoi An are particularly magical, with the entire ancient town celebrating lantern festival traditions.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Capture the coconut basket boats in motion during the spinning ride for dynamic, action-filled shots

• The lantern-lit streets of Hoi An are best photographed during the blue hour just after sunset

• Use a tripod or steady surface for long-exposure shots of lanterns floating on the Hoai River

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

When releasing a lantern, take a moment to make a quiet wish — it is a cherished Vietnamese tradition symbolizing hopes and good fortune Dress modestly when passing through temples and sacred spaces in the ancient town It is customary to try a bite of every dish at the night market as a sign of appreciation for Vietnamese hospitality

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Full Moon Lantern Festival — held monthly when the entire town is bathed in lantern light with special ceremonies

• Tet Festival (Lunar New Year) — Hoi An transforms with elaborate decorations and cultural performances

• Mid-Autumn Festival — the streets come alive with lantern parades and traditional folk games

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Coconut basket boats can spin rapidly — hold on securely and keep your limbs inside the boat at all times

• Keep your belongings close in the crowded night market to avoid pickpocketing

• Stay with your group during the lantern release on the river and follow your guide's instructions