Thu Bon River Place guide

Found within a country highly dependent on its waterways, the Thu Bon River is an integral part of Hoi An’s day to day activities. To this day, it continues to be a key player in the city’s geography, history, and culture. 

During the golden years of Hoi An – when the city was a flourishing trading port – there was said to be a larger estuary that emptied out into the South China Sea by the town of Hoi An. However, due to clogging and silting up of the shores, access for vessels and other trade transport became restricted.

Today, Hoi An has evolved to a quiet fishing town, with many of the locals relying on the river for their source of livelihood. Besides this, the Thu Bon River is also a meeting place and venue for big events and festivals. While locals also call the river ‘Kuadai’, the banks of this once majestic waterway still manage to gather together people from all walks of life, compelling all to appreciate its history and power.

A popular activity you’ll find in the Thu Bon River is riding a basket boat. Used by the 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 baskets are used to sail along the river. (If you’ve ever heard of the story of baby Moses cruising along the Nile, you’ll get the picture!) The baskets 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 buffalos, fishermen, and more of the local life in the area.

How to get there

• There are many areas around Hoi An from which to visit the Thu Bon River. If you’re coming from the Old Town, it is approximately a 5 minute walk south toward the Bridge of Lights, crossing the river. 
  
  
• 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 you prefer to have a dinner cruise on the river, you can go on a Unique Cooking Cruise Along Thu Bon River or Sunset Dinner Cruise Along Thu Bon River.
  
  
• You can even go on a Hoi An Photo Tour at Tra Que Village and still see the Thu Bon River from there.