You walk along the dock. However, for the Hoi An basket boat ride, they’ll quote you 800,000 VND for two people. That’s the opening price. We paid 500,000 VND.
The trick? Don’t take the first offer.
We didn’t book anything in advance — just showed up and talked to the boat operators directly. The whole thing took about 45 minutes, and it was one of the most memorable parts of our time in Hội An.
If you’re planning to do the basket boat ride, here’s exactly how to do it without overpaying.
💰 The Negotiation — How We Got It Down
We walked along the dock in Cam Thanh Coconut Village. There were maybe 20 boats lined up. The operators were standing around, waiting for tourists. One of them approached us and quoted 800,000 VND for two adults.
That’s the opening price. It’s designed to be negotiated.
What we did:
- Started at the dock, got quoted 800k for two adults
- Walked away once — the price dropped
- Came back, negotiated again, landed on 500k
- That included the boat, the rower, and a spin around the coconut forest
What we learned:
- The first price is always inflated
- Negotiation is expected — it’s part of the process
- Paying 200k–250k per person is fair
- The boat holds two adults comfortably (plus the rower)
- Cash is better than card at the dock
Pro tip: If you’re not comfortable negotiating, you can also book online through platforms like Klook or GetYourGuide. The price is usually fixed and often includes pickup from your hotel. It’s a bit more expensive, but you skip the haggle.
🚣 What the Ride Is Like
The Hoi An basket boat ride lasts about 45–60 minutes.
You glide through the nipa palm forest and watch the rowers spin the boat.
Additionally, you try fishing for crabs with a small net.
You sense what it feels like to move through water in a traditional round basket boat.
The basket boat is made of bamboo and is about 3–4 meters in diameter. It’s surprisingly stable, but it does rock when you move around. The rower uses a single oar to steer and paddle, and the boat moves through the narrow channels of the coconut forest.
You’ll pass through thick nipa palm vegetation. The channels are narrow and shaded, and the atmosphere is peaceful. You’ll hear birds and the splash of the oar. It’s a different side of Hội An — quiet, green, and slow.
🔄 The Spinning Trick — Skip It or Pay Extra
Some operators charge extra for the spinning trick — that’s another 50k–200k depending on how hard they spin. The rower will start spinning the boat in circles, creating waves and splashes. It’s fun if you’re into it, but it’s not essential.
We didn’t do it. The quiet ride through the coconut palms was enough.
If you want to do it, negotiate the price before you get on the boat. The rower might offer it during the ride, and it’s easier to agree on a price upfront.
🦀 Crab Fishing — Included or Extra
Most rides include a short stop for crab fishing. The rower will hand you a small net and show you how to scoop crabs from the water. It’s a fun activity, especially if you’re traveling with kids.
You won’t catch anything big — it’s more about the experience than the catch. The crabs are small and are usually released back into the water after a few minutes.
This is usually included in the price, but confirm before you board. Some operators might try to charge extra for it.
📌 Practical Information
Location: Cam Thanh Coconut Village, about 15 minutes from the Old Town.
How to get there: Grab or taxi from the Old Town costs around 50,000–80,000 VND. Many tour operators also offer pickup as part of a package.
Best time to go: Early morning (8–9 AM) or late afternoon (4–5 PM). The heat is more bearable, and the light is better for photos. Avoid midday if you can.
What to bring: Sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and cash for the boat. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting a little wet — you might get splashed.
Duration: 45–60 minutes.
Price: 200k–250k per person is fair for a negotiated rate. Online bookings usually start around $10–15 USD per person.
💡 What I’d Do Differently
I’d book online if I was traveling in a group or wanted the convenience of hotel pickup. The price difference isn’t huge, and the time saved is worth it.
I’d also skip the spinning trick — it’s gimmicky and not worth the extra money. The quiet ride through the coconut palms is the real draw.
And I’d bring smaller bills to pay at the dock — the operators often struggle to make change for large notes.
Once you’ve done the basket boat ride, check out my Hội An Ancient Town guide for daytime activities, and Hội An After Dark for the evening route.
🏨 Where to Stay & What to Pair It With
After your boat ride, it’s time to book your accommodation. You’ll find everything from budget homestays to luxury resorts in Hội An — check hotels in Hội An to compare prices and read guest reviews. For a broader overview, I’ve put together guides to the best hotels in Da Nang and best hotels in Hanoi if you’re continuing your journey.
Pair your basket boat ride with a visit to Precious Heritage Museum and a walk through Hội An Ancient Town for a full day of culture.
