Morning: Hoi An Cycling Tour
The flat, quiet roads around Hoi An are ideal for exploring by bicycle. After breakfast, start cycling along the Thu Bon River with peaceful views of fishing boats and country villages. Continue biking through the Thuan Tinh Ecological village and see areca nut (betel nut) gardens, family shrines and local villagers going about daily life. Keep on cycling along quiet inland trails, passing water coconut palm trees, fishing farms and rice paddies to reach palm-fringed Cua Dai Beach. Explore the local fishing village of Cam Thanh just where the Thu Bon River meets the sea with its scenic ocean views, kumquat gardens, and cornfields. On your return to the center of Hoi An, you may wish to stop by Tra Que Vegetable Village to observe local farmers working the organic fields using traditional methods that date back hundreds of years. The rich soil from this village produces some of the most flavorsome vegetables and herbs in all of Hoi An. If you don’t mind getting your hands dirty, spend time to help water the plants or fertilize the land before cycling back to your hotel.
NOTES
Suggested departure time: 08:00
Tour duration: 04 hours
Biking distance: 20km/12mi
Afternoon: Walking & Boat Trip
Between the 15th and 19th centuries, Hoi An known then as ‘Faifo’, was a prosperous trading port, attracting Chinese, Japanese, Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish ships amongst others. Today, this World Heritage ancient town is recognized for its well-preserved architecture, pedestrian-only streets and distinctive local cuisine, allowing visitors a glimpse of its illustrious past. Hoi An’s narrow lanes are ideal for a guided walking tour of its many atmospheric sights including old merchant houses with influences from Chinese, Japanese and Vietnamese architecture; the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge, first built in the 1590s by the Japanese community to link them with the Chinese quarters across the stream; the Assembly Hall of the Chaozhou Chinese Congregation with its intricate woodcarvings; and the colorful market with stalls brimming with local specialties including silk, which can be turned into fashionable garments within a day or two. Enjoy an hour-long boat trip on the Thu Bon River for up-close views of fishing boats and country villages before returning to your hotel.
NOTES
Suggested departure time: 14:00
Tour duration: 3.5 hours
