Hoi An Kayaking | My Review + Sunrise Experience 2025

I’m not a morning person, but this time, waking up at 4 a.m. was totally worth it. Kayaking in Hoi An before sunrise is nothing like strolling through the old town at 10 a.m. with all the tourists.

You get on the water while it’s still dark, paddle quietly along the Thu Bon River, and wait for the sun to rise behind the Cua Dai Bridge.

There’s no noise, no traffic, just the light changing minute by minute and the feeling that you’ve got the whole city to yourself. Honestly, if you’re looking for a calm, authentic, and local experience, I highly recommend it.

How much does a sunrise kayak tour in Hoi An cost?

On GetYourGuide, the tour is offered at 970,000 VND (about €37). This price includes equipment, an English-speaking guide, a local breakfast, a cold drink, and round-trip transfers from your hotel.

For a 3-hour small-group activity, the value for money is excellent.

How to book this tour

I booked this tour through GetYourGuide. It was quick, easy, and everything went smoothly. The activity is well rated, the details are clear, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for free, which is always reassuring.

You can also reserve without paying right away, which gives you flexibility. The groups are small, so I recommend booking ahead, especially in high season.

My Experience Kayaking in Hoi An

The meeting time is set for early morning. The driver picked me up around 4 a.m., heading to the kayak station in Cam Thanh. (I could’ve gone by scooter, but I wanted to try the full experience.) At that time, the streets were quiet.

When we arrived, the team was already ready. They handed out all the gear: single or double kayak, life jacket, dry bag, everything was provided. Long, the English-speaking guide, gave us a quick, clear, and reassuring briefing. He explained the safety rules, the route, and what we were going to see.

The atmosphere was relaxed. No one was rushing us, and it was clear the pace would be easygoing.

We got on the water without hurrying, and started paddling just as the sky began to lighten. The air was still cool, and it felt really nice.

Sunrise on the river – a quiet, timeless moment

We paddled slowly and silently toward the Cua Dai Bridge. The water was calm, and there was hardly anyone around. In the distance, the sky shifted from dark blue to orange. We stopped for a moment to take it all in.

The sun rose just behind the bridge, casting an incredible light over the river. No one said a word, some people took photos, others just watched in silence. It was a simple moment, but a powerful one.

We stayed there for a few minutes, just enough time for the sun to settle in. Then we picked up the paddles again, slowly. It put us in a good state of mind for the rest of the trip, calm, no pressure, no rush. Honestly, the sunrise alone made the whole excursion worth it.

Immersion at the market and local breakfast

After about twenty minutes of paddling, we arrived near a small riverside fish market. The atmosphere shifted completely. Boats were docking, baskets full of live fish were being unloaded, and vendors were chatting, it was busy, loud, and full of life.

We got out of the kayak to walk through the stalls. It was raw, real, and unfiltered, exactly what I was looking for.

Our guide Long then took us to a small local café just a few steps from the market. We sat down for a strong Vietnamese coffee and a simple, local breakfast. Bánh mì, eggs, or a light soup, depending on the day. Nothing touristy, just real life in Hoi An, shared without fuss.

Kayaking through the coconut forest of Cam Thanh

After the market and breakfast, we got back into the kayaks for the final part of the trip. This time, we left the buzz behind and entered a quiet network of canals lined with nipa palm trees.

The water was smooth, the light had shifted, and the whole atmosphere felt different. We glided slowly through the Cam Thanh coconut forest, a real contrast to everything we’d just seen.

The guide took the time to explain how this unique ecosystem works, how locals use nipa leaves, how they fish in the canals, and how their daily life revolves around the river.

It was calm, informative, and really pleasant, especially after the intensity of the market. There was no need to paddle hard, just drifting. A gentle way to wrap up the loop, with the feeling that we’d discovered a whole other side of Hoi An.

End of the tour and relaxed return

We arrived back at the kayak station around 8:30 a.m.. The sun was already up, the heat was starting to kick in, and we were glad we had made the most of the coolest hours of the day. They offered us a cold drink to cool down and take a few minutes to relax. There was no rush, the team let us take our time and chat a bit.

The transfer back to the hotel was quick and easy. By 9 a.m., we were already back, with that feeling of having done something different, without it taking up the whole day. No packed schedule, no guide reading a script, just a smooth, well-thought-out experience with no fake tourist traps. Honestly, that’s rare.

✅ What I liked

• The sunrise over the Thu Bon River – truly impressive
• The peaceful kayak ride, with no noise or crowds
• The variety of the tour: river, market, coconut forest
• Our guide Long – professional, friendly, and attentive
• The small group (max 8 people) – relaxed atmosphere
• The fish market – raw and authentic
• Perfect timing – everything done by 9 a.m.

❌ What I liked less

• The very early wake-up (around 4 a.m.) – not easy for everyone
• The sunrise depends on the weather – less impressive if it’s cloudy

My opinion

If you’re looking for something off the beaten path, with no noise, no crowds, and no stress, sunrise kayaking in Hoi An checks all the boxes. You don’t need to be athletic, just able to paddle at a relaxed pace. The rhythm is easy for anyone, and the tour is well organized.

What I really appreciated was how much variety you get in just a few hours: the calm river, the changing light at sunrise, the energy of the fish market, and the peaceful finish through the coconut forest. It’s complete, well-balanced, and never boring.

I’d recommend it to anyone who wants to experience something authentic, away from overly touristy activities. And if you enjoy simple but meaningful experiences, this one won’t disappoint.