The 5 Best Tours & Experiences In Cam Thanh

Cam Thanh is a lively hub of authentic Vietnamese experiences, especially for those eager to go beyond the usual tourist trails. Its waterways, traditional crafts, and local life offer a rich tapestry of activities that capture the essence of rural Central Vietnam. One of our favorite experiences is the Da Nang/Hoi An: Cooking Class – Basket Boat Ride-Market Tour, which combines culinary skills with local island hopping — a perfect blend of food, culture, and adventure. This tour stands out because it immerses you in Vietnamese cuisine, showing you how to prepare four authentic dishes, then offering the excitement of riding in a bamboo basket boat while exploring a bustling market.

Cam Thanh’s tours are uniquely suited for travelers looking for hands-on activities, cultural insights, and outdoor fun. Whether you want a quick taste of local life or a full day of exploring waterways and villages, there’s something here. The variety of options ensures you can find a tour that fits your interests and fitness level — from peaceful boat rides through coconut forests to lively cooking classes. Below, you’ll find a curated list of the top five experiences that showcase what makes Cam Thanh special.

1. Da Nang/Hoi An: Cooking Class – Basket Boat Ride-Market Tour

At number one on our list, this half-day tour offers a fantastic taste of local life. You start by visiting a traditional market with your guide, learning how to shop like a local—an essential skill for any aspiring home chef. Then, in a family-run kitchen in Cam Thanh coconut village, you’ll learn to cook four authentic Vietnamese dishes, such as fresh spring rolls or grilled seafood, which you can replicate later at home.

What makes this experience stand out is its combination of culinary education and waterway adventure. After cooking, hop into a bamboo basket boat for a ride through the lush waterways, which is a highlight that leaves most visitors smiling. The tour includes a meal, market visit, and fun paddling in traditional boats—all within around 5 to 6 hours. The guide provides insights into regional ingredients and cooking techniques, making it an educational yet relaxed experience.

This tour is perfect for food lovers and curious travelers who want to learn new skills and see local life firsthand. It’s suitable for most fitness levels, thanks to the gentle boat rides, and offers excellent value for the price, considering the full itinerary. The only caveat might be the need to reserve in advance since spots fill up quickly.

Bottom Line: An engaging, well-rounded experience blending food, culture, and water adventures designed for those who want to take a piece of Vietnam home with them—literally and figuratively.

2. Hoi An Coconut Boat, Lantern Making & Cooking Class Organic

For around $20, this tour immerses you in the quiet beauty of Cam Thanh’s water coconut forest with a traditional coconut boat ride. It’s a simple but memorable outing that combines nature, crafts, and cuisine. You’ll glide through the calm waters on a round basket boat, learning how to paddle from local fishermen—an experience that’s both fun and educational.

After the boat ride, you’ll craft your own Hoi An lantern—a craft that’s both beautiful and a great souvenir. Then it’s off to an organic vegetable garden, where you pick fresh ingredients for your hands-on cooking class. The lesson is led by a friendly local chef, and the meal is served in a peaceful garden setting. Guests often praise the relaxed atmosphere and genuine interaction with the locals, making this a good choice for families or travelers seeking a combination of nature and craft.

The tour is short and sweet, ideal for those with limited time but wanting a full sensory experience. While reviews are mixed about the exact ratings, the consistent theme is a warm, authentic vibe that reveals the simpler pleasures of rural Vietnam. The price makes it an excellent budget option.

Bottom Line: A perfect quick getaway into rural life, combining boat rides, craft making, and organic cuisine for travelers who want a well-rounded experience without a big time commitment.

3. Hoi An : Discover CamThanh Eco Water Coconut Village

This about 75-minute to 3-hour tour is a straightforward dive into the daily life of Cam Thanh’s fishermen and waterway residents. Rated 4.4/5, it’s recognized for its authentic and relaxed vibe. You’ll learn to paddle a traditional bamboo basket boat and explore the peaceful coconut waterways that once served as vital transportation routes.

The highlight is the opportunity to try your hand at round net and cast net fishing, which is both challenging and rewarding. The tour also offers a chance to race bamboo basket boats, providing a lively, competitive element for those who enjoy a bit of friendly competition. Visitors often mention how the experience connects them with local fishermen, giving a rare glimpse into their daily routines and skills.

This tour suits travelers interested in local livelihoods and water-based activities but may be less ideal for those who prefer a structured or museum-like experience. It’s a gentle, authentic journey into a quieter side of Cam Thanh, with plenty of opportunities for photos and interaction.

Bottom Line: A laid-back, culturally rich waterway experience designed for curious travelers who want to see traditional fishing methods and paddle a bamboo boat.

4. Hoi An : Discover Coconut Village on Basket Boat Ride

This one-hour tour offers a quick hit of water adventure with a focus on paddling and crab catching. For just $13 a person, you’ll hop into a bamboo basket boat to cruise through Cam Thanh’s lush waterways lined with coconut trees. The ride is lively and fun, especially for families or anyone wanting a short, engaging activity.

The guide will introduce you to local fishermen, showing you how to cast nets and catch crabs, giving you a taste of rural livelihood. The boat race component adds an element of friendly competition that’s sure to bring smiles. The tour includes transfers from select hotels, making it convenient for travelers staying in Hoi An.

While it’s the shortest experience on our list, it offers plenty of fun and authentic interaction in a limited time. It’s ideal if you’re tight on time but still want to enjoy the waterways and learn some fishing tricks.

Bottom Line: An energetic, family-friendly ride that’s perfect for a quick introduction to bamboo boat paddling and traditional fishing.

5. Hoi An City Tour and Hoai River Boat Ride Flower Lantern

This evening experience, lasting from about 20 minutes up to six hours, combines cultural sightseeing with the enchanting beauty of lantern-lit waterways. The tour features a walk through the Hoi An Ancient Town, where you can admire its world heritage sites, and a flower lantern release on the Hoai River—an iconic activity symbolizing wishes for happiness, health, and prosperity.

The boat ride itself lasts about 20 minutes, offering a serene view of the glowing lanterns floating on the river, illuminated by the soft glow of thousands of candles. This experience culminates in dinner and a chance to shop for local crafts and souvenirs. It’s a perfect choice for travelers seeking a romantic or culturally immersive evening.

While the reviews don’t specify ratings, the experience’s appeal lies in its magical ambiance and tradition. It’s especially well-suited for couples or those celebrating special occasions. Keep in mind, it’s a flexible tour, so you can choose the duration and activities that suit your schedule.

Bottom Line: A charming, visually stunning journey emphasizing cultural tradition and visual spectacle, ideal for a relaxed, memorable night in Hoi An.

How to Choose Your Perfect Cam Thanh Tour

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and time available. For culinary enthusiasts, the Da Nang/Hoi An Cooking Class offers a full immersion into Vietnamese dishes and waterway fun. If you prefer a quick but authentic snapshot of rural life, the Coconut Village Basket Boat Ride is economical and lively.

For those interested in traditional crafts and organic farming, the Coconut Boat, Lantern Making, and Cooking provides a well-rounded experience in a peaceful setting. Water sports fans or families might gravitate toward the Coconut Water Village, which emphasizes paddling and fishing. Lastly, for an enchanting evening, the Lantern Festival offers a magical night that captures the spirit of Hoi An.

Booking early is recommended, especially for popular tours or during peak seasons, so plan ahead to secure your preferred time slot.

Final Thoughts

Cam Thanh is a treasure trove of authentic experiences—from culinary classes to waterway adventures and cultural sightseeing. If you’re new to the area, trying the cooking class is a great way to learn about Vietnamese cuisine while enjoying a scenic bamboo boat ride. For a shorter, more playful outing, the basket boat ride delivers fun in a compact package.

Travelers with more time and a thirst for culture will appreciate the eco water coconut village tour, which reveals local fishing traditions and rural life. And don’t miss the magical lantern-lit river cruise for a peaceful, picture-perfect end to your day.

Whatever your interests, Cam Thanh offers authentic and memorable experiences. Booking in advance, tailoring your choice to your schedule, and embracing the local way of life will ensure you get the most out of your visit.