Basket Boat Ride in Hoi An | My Unfiltered Opinion
A Must-Do Activity… or Not?
I’ve tried the basket boat ride in Hoi An several times over the years, in 2012, 2016, and 2019. It has become one of the most popular activities for visitors, especially in the village of Cam Thanh. But like many things that go mainstream, the experience has changed a lot over time. Maybe too much.
In this article, I’m sharing my personal opinion, based on multiple experiences, including my most recent one in 2025. What I saw this time really made me want to step back and take a closer look. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it or just another tourist trap to skip, here’s my honest, unfiltered take.
Note: I did this activity on a Sunday, which explains the large crowds. On weekdays, like when I did the tour with Hoi An Découverte, the atmosphere was much calmer.
What’s a Basket Boat Ride in Hoi An Like?
I booked through a small café called Basket Boat Café. Nothing to complain about in terms of the welcome, it was friendly, quick, and efficient. They sat me down on a plastic chair while waiting for the group to form. A few minutes later, we crossed a small bridge to reach the famous round boats, the basket boats.
And then… shock.
After just 5 minutes, I was literally stuck in a basket boat traffic jam. Boats were everywhere, moving in all directions. I’d say there were easily over 100 boats spinning around in a very limited space. That peaceful vibe I had imagined? Forget it. It was loud, hectic, and clearly designed for tourists.
1. A Show More Than a Ride
Very quickly, the “tour” turns into something like a floating theme park. A staff member cranks up the music: Vietnamese karaoke remixed into dance beats, blasting from speakers all over the canal. You can barely hear the birds or the sound of the water. This isn’t nature anymore, it’s a full-on performance.
Then comes the famous “basket boat dance”: a single rower starts spinning his round boat on the spot, in rhythm, while tourists film or clap. It’s impressive, sure.
But there’s nothing traditional about it. It’s a show made for TikTok, with no cultural context. This is far from the peaceful ride through coconut groves that many visitors imagine.
2. Too Crowded, Too Scripted
Looking around, it was hard to believe this could still be called “authentic”. Everything felt timed, scripted. You’re made to board, spin, disembark, no free time, no silence. It’s a basket boat factory.
Even though some of the rowers were smiling and tried to share a bit of humor, it was clear they repeat the same show dozens of times a day. And I don’t blame them, it’s what most tourists expect. But if you were hoping for a nature-oriented or relaxing outing, you’ll likely be disappointed.
✅ What I Liked:
- Affordable price, perfect if you’re on a small budget
- Friendly rowers, always smiling despite the crowd
- The chance to see the whole show from the inside and make up your own mind
- Easy access from central Hoi An, no need for complicated transport
❌ What I Didn’t Like:
- Too many people, with over 100 boats crammed into the same canal
- Loud and noisy atmosphere, with blasting karaoke and shrill music
- Tourist-focused shows (basket boat dance) that lack authenticity
- No sense of nature or peace, even with the coconut palm scenery
- Constant boat traffic that makes it impossible to relax or feel immersed
Who Might Enjoy the Basket Boat Tour?
If you’re curious to try a typical, even very touristy activity, or you’re visiting Hoi An with kids, the basket boat ride can still be a fun moment to share. The vibe is festive, the demonstrations can impress younger visitors, and it makes for videos that will probably make you smile.
This activity might also work for you if:
- You’re short on time and just want to check off “basket boat” from your itinerary
- You enjoy loud, lively, and quirky experiences
- You’re visiting in a group, and the karaoke vibe is more fun than annoying for you
However, if you’re looking for authenticity, a peaceful moment in nature, or a more cultural experience, this is not the place. You won’t find calm or a deep dive into local life here.
My Opinion
If you enjoy loud atmospheres, entertainment, crowds, and “wow effect” photos for social media, you might want to give it a try. But if you’re hoping for a peaceful moment among the water coconut trees, this is not the right place.
In Hoi An, there are boat rides on smaller, quieter canals, without karaoke or staged shows, where you can actually take time to chat with locals. And for me, that’s the kind of moment that truly matters.