Hoi An: Bike Tour With Buffalo Riding & Lantern-Making Class

Hoi An, a picturesque town in central Vietnam, offers an immersive bike tour that combines scenic countryside, cultural activities, and authentic cuisine. Visitors can explore rice fields, interact with water buffaloes, and learn the art of lantern-making – all while savoring the flavors of a delightful Vietnamese meal. This tour provides an opportunity to take in the charm and traditions of rural Vietnam, leaving participants with a deeper appreciation for the region’s rich heritage.

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Good To Know

The Hoi An Bike Tour offers a 4-hour experience that includes buffalo riding, bamboo boat paddling, a Vietnamese meal, and a lantern-making class for $33 per person.
The tour starts at the IVEGAN SUPERSHOP HOI AN, a convenient central meeting point, and covers a 10 km bike ride through rural landscapes and rice fields.
Participants can interact with water buffaloes, ride and feed them, providing a unique insight into the traditional farming culture of Vietnam.
The tour concludes with a 4-course Vietnamese meal and a 1-hour lantern-making class, allowing visitors to create their own traditional Vietnamese lanterns.
Reviews highlight the tour guide’s expertise, enjoyable activities, and delicious food, while also noting concerns about bike conditions and a rushed lantern-making class.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hoi An Bike Tour provides an activity-packed experience, combining a scenic bike ride through rural landscapes and rice fields with unique cultural encounters.

Set out on a scenic bike ride through rural landscapes and rice fields, coupled with unique culture.

Priced from $33 per person, this 4-hour tour includes buffalo riding, bamboo boat paddling, a Vietnamese meal, and a lantern-making class.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later, the tour offers flexibility and convenience.

Reviews highlight the tour guide’s expertise, the enjoyable activities, and the delicious food, though some note concerns about bike conditions and the rushed lantern-making class.

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Itinerary Highlights

The Hoi An Bike Tour kicks off at the IVEGAN SUPERSHOP HOI AN – HEALTHY PLANT BASED CAFE, where you will begin their adventure. After a brief introduction, the group will embark on a 10 km bike ride through the rural landscapes and picturesque rice fields. The next highlight is the unique buffalo riding and feeding experience. This is followed by a relaxing bamboo basket boat paddle through the coconut palm jungle. The tour concludes with a delicious 4-course Vietnamese meal, including vegetarian options, and a hands-on lantern-making class in Hoi An.

| Activity | Duration | Description |

| — | — | — |

| Bike Ride | 10 km | Cycle through rural landscapes and rice fields |

| Buffalo Riding & Feeding | 30 mins | Interact with the gentle water buffaloes |

| Bamboo Boat Paddle | 30 mins | Explore the coconut palm jungle |

| Vietnamese Meal | 1 hour | 4-course including vegetarian options |

| Lantern-Making Class | 1 hour | Create your own Vietnamese lantern |

Starting Point and Meeting Point

According to the tour information, the Hoi An Bike Tour starts at the IVEGAN SUPERSHOP HOI AN – HEALTHY PLANT BASED CAFE, located at 11 Hoang Dieu Street in Hoi An.

This is also the meeting point for the tour. The tour kicks off from this central location, where you will gather before embarking on their cycling adventure through the rural landscapes and rice fields.

The meeting point is conveniently situated, making it easy for travelers to find and access the starting point of the Hoi An Bike Tour with Buffalo Riding and Lantern-Making Class.

Activities: Bike Ride and Rice Fields

Participants embark on a 10-kilometer bike ride through the rural landscapes and lush rice fields surrounding Hoi An.

Cycling along quiet country roads, they enjoy the serene beauty of the Vietnamese countryside. The tour guides provide insightful commentary, sharing the cultural significance of the rice terraces and local farming practices.

Riders have the opportunity to stop and photograph the picturesque vistas, capturing the essence of rural Vietnam. The bike ride offers a unique perspective, allowing participants to explore the region’s natural wonders at a leisurely pace.

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Buffalo Riding and Feeding

After the scenic bike ride, participants next have the opportunity to interact with water buffaloes, a beloved symbol of Vietnamese rural life.

They’ll climb aboard the massive creatures and navigate rice paddies, marveling at the power and gentle nature of these iconic animals. The guide provides instructions and ensures a safe, memorable experience.

Participants can also feed the buffaloes, hand-delivering fresh greens and observing their unique behaviors up close. This hands-on encounter offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese farming culture, complementing the tranquil bike tour through the countryside.

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Bamboo Basket Boat Paddling

Next, the group embarks on a serene journey through a coconut palm jungle by boarding a traditional bamboo basket boat. As they sit comfortably in the woven vessel, their guide paddles them along the tranquil waterways, offering a unique perspective of the lush greenery surrounding them.

| Experience | Description |

| — | — |

| Boat Ride | Glide through the coconut palm jungle on a traditional bamboo basket boat |

| Guided Tour | Let your knowledgeable guide navigate the serene waterways |

| Scenic Views | Admire the lush, verdant landscapes from the unique vantage point of the boat |

This peaceful boat ride provides a refreshing break from the cycling, allowing participants to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Vietnamese Meal and Lantern-Making Class

The tour then continues with a delightful Vietnamese meal at a local restaurant. Guests enjoy a 4-course vegetarian lunch, showcasing the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine. The meal includes an array of fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.

After lunch, the group heads to a lantern-making class in Hoi An’s Old Town. Under the guidance of a skilled instructor, participants learn the traditional art of creating beautiful, hand-crafted lanterns.

This hands-on activity allows travelers to take home a unique souvenir and gain insight into Vietnamese culture. Though some find the lantern-making class felt rushed, it remains a highlight of the tour.

Tour Experience and Reviews

With the Vietnamese meal and lantern-making class behind them, travelers are eager to share their overall experience and impressions of the bike tour.

Reviewers rave about the friendly, informative guide who enhanced the unique buffalo riding experience. The scenic cycling and boat rides through the countryside were highlights, as was the delicious local cuisine.

While some noted concerns about bike conditions and a rushed lantern-making session, the vast majority of participants awarded the tour an impressive 4.7/5 rating based on 119 reviews.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour information states that "Not allowed: Pets, luggage or large bags." Participants should leave their pets at home for this bike tour and lantern-making class.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Required?

No, there’s no minimum group size required for this tour. You can book as an individual or with a small group. The tour accommodates flexibility to cater to solo travelers or small parties.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t explicitly mention student or senior discounts. However, some operators may offer discounts for certain groups, so it’s best to inquire directly with the tour provider about any available discounts when booking.

Can I Choose to Participate in Only Certain Activities?

Yes, you can choose to participate in only certain activities. The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to select the activities you’d like to experience, such as the bike ride, buffalo riding, or lantern-making class.

How Often Do the Tours Run on a Weekly Basis?

The tours run daily, with multiple departure times available. Specific schedule details can be found on the tour provider’s website or by contacting their customer service team.

The Sum Up

The Hoi An Bike Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, combining a scenic bike ride, buffalo riding, bamboo boat paddling, and a lantern-making class. Participants can expect an authentic taste of rural Vietnamese life, with a delightful 4-course meal rounding out the tour. With its unique activities and picturesque setting, this tour is a must-do for visitors seeking an unforgettable adventure in Hoi An.