Explore Hoi An’s countryside like a local from the back of a stylish Vespa scooter. Set off from Hoi An’s Ancient Town and board a local ferry to Cam Kim Island. Visit a traditional boat building yard before riding along winding village roads to enjoy the idyllic countryside scenery of rice paddies and farmland, making stops along the way to learn from friendly local families about their livelihoods including the art of mat weaving, farming and making “Banh dap” (rice crackers). Take a rest stop at a village café to fuel up on local drip-coffee in preparation for an exhilarating river crossing on a 300m (984ft) bamboo bridge to the opposite seaside island to arrive at Duy Hai Market and harbor. Take another local ferry to the water coconut palm-fringed waterways of Cam Thanh just where the Thu Bon River meets the sea, and continue to Tra Que Fishing Village for a snack of fish crackers. Enjoy a seafood lunch at beautiful Ha My Beach before returning to Hoi An.
NOTES
Suggested departure time: 08:00
Tour duration: 04 hours (80km/50mi)
Capacity: Min. 2 pax
Guests sit pillion behind the driver
In the afternoon, enjoy Hoi An ancient city. 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
