Hoi An, an ancient town with graceful beauty nestled by a poetic river, always holds delightful surprises for visitors to uncover. Beyond the mossy streets and ancient houses, a special experience you shouldn’t miss is taking a boat trip on the Thu Bon River. Drifting along this peaceful river will reveal a completely new perspective of Hoi An, bringing you closer to its hidden beauty and allowing you to deeply feel the culture and history of this place.
Why is a Thu Bon River Boat Trip a “Must-Try” in Hoi An?
The Thu Bon River is not only the lifeblood that has nurtured Hoi An for centuries but also a living witness to the history and culture of this land. Since ancient times, the river has played a crucial role in trade, transforming Hoi An into a bustling international port. Today, as the ancient town has donned a more tranquil and peaceful appearance, the Thu Bon River still retains its gentle charm, offering unique and unforgettable travel experiences.
Discover Hoi An’s Diverse Beauty: Taking a boat trip on the Thu Bon River is more than just a sightseeing tour on the water. It’s a journey to fully explore Hoi An’s multifaceted beauty, from the serene ancient town and lush coconut forests to the peaceful life of the local people. You’ll admire the ancient houses reflected in the river, the water coconut trees leaning to greet the breeze, and the traditional riverside craft villages that still preserve the beauty of ancient culture.
Enjoy Peaceful and Relaxing Space: In contrast to the hustle and bustle of the city, the Thu Bon River offers a completely different atmosphere. The gentle waves lapping against the boat, the birds singing sweetly in the coconut groves, and the cool breeze will help you relieve all stress and fatigue. This is a wonderful opportunity to immerse yourself in nature, rediscover balance and peace in your soul.
Experience Local Culture: A Thu Bon River boat trip is not just about sightseeing; it’s also a chance to learn about the culture and life of the local people. You’ll see diligent fishermen engaged in traditional fishing, women skillfully paddling basket boats on the river, and the gentle smiles that always adorn their faces. These simple images will help you better appreciate the slow-paced and deeply rural rhythm of Hoi An.
Watch Sunset and Ancient Town Lights from the River: One of the most beautiful moments when taking a boat trip on the Thu Bon River is when the sun sets. The sun gradually disappears behind the coconut groves, painting the river and ancient town in brilliant orange-yellow hues. As night gradually falls, Hoi An ancient town puts on a new shimmering and magical coat with brilliant lantern lights. Watching this scene from a boat, you’ll feel the romantic and enchanting beauty of Hoi An at night.
Women rowing boats on the peaceful Thu Bon River, a common sight.
Detailed Itinerary for Exploring the Thu Bon River by Boat
To have a complete and memorable Thu Bon River boat trip experience, you can refer to the following suggested itinerary:
Ideal Time: Late afternoon, around 3:30 PM – 5:00 PM, is the best time to start your journey. At this time, the weather is cooler, the sun is not too harsh, and you can watch the beautiful sunset on the river.
Departure Point: Bach Dang Wharf, located right in the heart of Hoi An ancient town, is the most popular starting point for Thu Bon River boat tours. You can easily find tourist boats or small boats here.
Exploration Journey:
- Downstream Thu Bon River: The boat will take you downstream towards the lower reaches of the Thu Bon River, where you can admire the peaceful beauty of the Hoi An countryside. On both sides of the river are lush green coconut trees, simple houses of local people, and vast rice fields stretching endlessly. You will be immersed in a quiet space, far from the noise of the city.
- Traditional Riverside Craft Villages: On the way, you can visit some famous traditional craft villages along the Thu Bon River, such as Thanh Ha pottery village, Kim Bong carpentry village, or An Phuoc sedge weaving village. Here, you will learn about the unique handicraft production process, admire exquisite products, and buy souvenirs.
- Bay Mau Coconut Forest: A must-visit stop on the Thu Bon River boat trip is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. This lush green water coconut forest is likened to the “Mekong Delta in the heart of Hoi An.” You can experience riding in a basket boat weaving through small canals, watch “coconut cutting” performances, or participate in fun folk games. Especially in the summer, you will have the opportunity to enjoy fresh, sweet coconut water right in the coconut forest.
- Hoi An Ancient Town from a River Perspective: When the boat returns to the ancient town, you will see Hoi An from a completely different angle. Mossy roofs, ancient yellow walls, shimmering lanterns… all appear so vivid and enchanting in the twilight. Especially if you take a boat trip in the evening, you will admire the shimmering and magical ancient town in the lights, a truly romantic and memorable experience.
Riverside houses with old architecture line the banks of the Thu Bon River.
Hoi An in the golden light of sunset, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
Riverside houses in Hoi An lit up at dusk, adding to the magical atmosphere.
The Thu Bon River reflects the rich culture and history of Hoi An as a former international trading port.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest, known as the "Mekong Delta of Central Vietnam", with its diverse ecosystem.
Local people fishing on the Thu Bon River, a familiar and peaceful scene.
Basket boat ride in Bay Mau Coconut Forest, a unique experience not to be missed.
Releasing lanterns on the Thu Bon River at night, creating a memorable and beautiful scene.
Tips and Notes for a Perfect Thu Bon River Boat Trip
- Choose the Right Boat: You can choose a large tourist boat if traveling in a large group, or a small boat or basket boat if you want more privacy and a closer experience with the river.
- Book a Tour in Advance (if needed): During peak tourist season, you should book a Thu Bon River boat tour in advance to ensure availability and good prices.
- Bring Sunscreen, Hats: Hoi An weather is quite sunny and hot, especially in the midday and afternoon. Protect your skin with sunscreen and hats.
- Prepare Camera, Phone: The Thu Bon River and Hoi An have many beautiful spots for you to take photos. Don’t forget to bring your camera or phone to capture memorable moments.
- Enjoy Local Cuisine: After the boat trip, you can visit riverside restaurants to enjoy Hoi An specialties such as Cao Lau, Mi Quang, Banh Xeo…
- Respect Culture and Environment: When visiting craft villages and eco-tourism areas, please maintain general hygiene, do not litter, and respect the customs and traditions of the local people.
Conclusion
Taking a boat trip on the Thu Bon River is not just a simple tourist activity, but also a journey to discover the culture, history, and natural beauty of Hoi An. With the unique experiences and wonderful emotions it brings, this will surely be an unforgettable memory in your Hoi An trip. Take the time to drift along this peaceful river, feel the slow pace of life and the simple beauty of the ancient town, and you will love Hoi An more than ever.