Around Hoi An, two short experiences pair well with an evening in the old town: making a silk lantern at a workshop, and riding a round basket boat (thung chai) through the coconut palms of Cam Thanh. Each takes about an hour and costs little, making them ideal for families, couples and anyone with a free afternoon.
Snapshot
- Region
- Central Vietnam
- Best for
- couples, family, first-time
- Best season
- Feb-Apr (dry, mild)
- Average cost
- $5-25
- Updated
Two things to do
Around Hoi An, two short experiences pair well with an evening in the old town: making a silk lantern at a workshop, and riding a round basket boat (thung chai) through the coconut palms of Cam Thanh. Each takes about an hour and costs little, making them ideal for families, couples and anyone with a free afternoon.
Lantern making
Lantern-making workshops in the Ancient Town and just outside it let you assemble and keep your own bamboo-and-silk lantern in about 45-90 minutes, for roughly $5-15. Sessions run through the day and need no experience; you choose the fabric and shape and take the lantern home. It is one of the most family-friendly activities in Hoi An and a nice rainy-day option.
Basket boat rides
Basket boat rides run from the Cam Thanh coconut village, about 10 minutes from town, where a boatman spins and rows you through the palms for roughly $5-10 for about 30-45 minutes. Some tours add crab fishing, a cooking stop or a performance. Go late afternoon for cooler light, and combine with a cooking class nearby. Prices are per boat, not per person, so it is good value for families.
Quick facts
- Lantern making: $5-15, 45-90 minutes, keep your lantern.
- Basket boat: $5-10 per boat, 30-45 minutes at Cam Thanh coconut village.
- Best for: families, couples, rainy-day mornings.
- Combine: basket boat with a Cam Thanh cooking class.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a Hoi An lantern-making class?
About $5-15 per person for 45-90 minutes, and you keep the lantern you make. Workshops run through the day with no experience needed; walk-ins are usually fine, but small groups can book ahead.
Is the Hoi An basket boat ride worth it?
It is a short, fun, inexpensive activity (about $5-10 per boat) that suits families and children, especially combined with the Cam Thanh coconut village. Go late afternoon for cooler light; the ride itself is 30-45 minutes.
Where do I do a basket boat ride in Hoi An?
At Cam Thanh coconut village, about 10 minutes from the Ancient Town by bicycle or Grab. Many tours bundle the ride with crab fishing, a cooking class or a small performance, so compare what is included.
Can young children do these activities?
Yes — lantern making and basket boat rides are two of the most kid-friendly things to do in Hoi An. Children need supervision on the boats and near the water, and lantern workshops use simple, safe materials.
What else is there to do in Hoi An in the evening?
Walk the lantern-lit Ancient Town, release a flower lantern on the river, visit the night market and try street food. The basket boat and lantern workshop are daytime add-ons; save the evening for the old town itself.