The Rivers of Hoi An Place guide

Found in a country highly dependent on its waterways, the rivers of Hoi An play an integral part in the city’s day to day activities, Till today, they continue to have a critical impact on the city’s geography, history and culture. From its prosperous trading port roots, Hoi An has evolved to a quiet fishing town, with many of the locals relying on the many rivers for their source of livelihood.

Eat & Nightlife: Hoi An’s riverside is a particularly scenic area of the old town, especially at night when old-style lanterns are lit and dot the riverside with bright colors. Enjoy a meal in one of the many restaurants along the streets, and finish off with a nightcap or even a live music session in one of the numerous bars.

Sleep: As one of the more scenic spots in Hoi An’s old town, you can also find many luxury accommodations with charming views of the riverside, including Hoi An River Town Hotel, Pearl River Hoi An Hotel, and Rivergreen Hoi An Boutique Hotel to name a few.

Shop: If retail therapy is more your thing, explore the colonial style shophouses selling silks, handicrafts, souvenirs, and more. Don’t expect fresh produce and goods along the riverside though, as most of the wares are high quality artisan items such as paintings, statues and images.

If you want to take a little piece of Hoi An with you before you leave Vietnam, you can visit the Kim Bong Carpentry Village located on the other side of the town’s river. Here, visitors can find exceptional handicrafts and masterpieces, such as altars, chairs, and beds, which have been created with the same techniques that have been passed down through the generations.

Three kilometers away from Hoi An’s ancient town is the Thanh Nam Fishing Village, also called Con Chai. Travelers who have a knack for fishing can test their skills here, work with the locals, and learn to catch fish in the traditional way – all whilst riding in picturesque round boats called Thung Chai. 

For those who are proud to have a green thumb, take a boat from Hoi An and visit the charming Tra Que Vegetable Village, where you can get your hands dirty by helping the locals farm their crops. See:Hoi An Photo Tour at Tra Que Village

Thu Bon River: A popular activity you’ll find in the Thu Bon River is riding a basket boat along the waterways. Used by locals to get to and from different points of the river, this unique Vietnamese experience is a must try when in the area (look for Hoi An basket boat tours!). 

Traditional Vietnamese woven baskets are actually used to cruise along the river. These unique watercraft can comfortably fit 1-3 people, and are the perfect vantage point for the sprawling Vietnamese countryside. You’ll get to see rice paddies, water buffalo, fishermen, and more of the local life around the area.

If you want to ride a basket boat, the best way to do this would be via a tour:

• Half Day Basket Boat Hoi An Eco Tour in the Thu Bon River 
• Half Day Hoi An Countryside Bike Tour & Basket Boat Ride Tour

If enjoying a dinner cruise on the river appeals more, you can go on one of the following:

• Unique Cooking Cruise Along Thu Bon River 
• Sunset Dinner Cruise Along Thu Bon River

Get there: The best way to get to Hoi An’s Ancient Town is via taxi or bus from the Da Nang Airport. These modes of transportation will take you straight to the town, and once there, visitors can either walk or bike their way to their next destination.