HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 93 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR worth booking?
HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR is a 4-hour experience in Hoi An, Vietnam, from $6 per person. It scores 86 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 93 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 86 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (93)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $6 per person
An exciting PRIVATE TOUR that’s fun for all ages! Explore the rural villages around Hoi An on a unique route that takes you off the beaten path to meet locals & experience their daily lives. Start your adventure on Cam Kim Island, where you’ll make rice papers & snacks to enjoy. Then, head to a peaceful village to weave vibrant bed mats from river reeds. Drive through beautiful rural villages & later stop at a charming coffee shop for refreshments. Then, cross over the scenic bridges for stunning countryside views & enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride under the Water Coconut Forest. Zigzag through the fish & shrimp farms and lush rice paddies filled with buffalo and cows, we'll finally explore Tra Que Vegetable Village, surrounded by fragrant herbs. The tour lasts 4 hours without a meal, or 5 hours with a tasty meal. Local drivers & vehicle choices: Classic 1960s vespas/ Modern scooters.
What you get
About this experience
An exciting PRIVATE TOUR that’s fun for all ages! Explore the rural villages around Hoi An on a unique route that takes you off the beaten path to meet locals & experience their daily lives. Start your adventure on Cam Kim Island, where you’ll make rice papers & snacks to enjoy. Then, head to a peaceful village to weave vibrant bed mats from river reeds. Drive through beautiful rural villages & later stop at a charming coffee shop for refreshments. Then, cross over the scenic bridges for stunning countryside views & enjoy a relaxing bamboo boat ride under the Water Coconut Forest. Zigzag through the fish & shrimp farms and lush rice paddies filled with buffalo and cows, we'll finally explore Tra Que Vegetable Village, surrounded by fragrant herbs. The tour lasts 4 hours without a meal, or 5 hours with a tasty meal. Local drivers & vehicle choices: Classic 1960s vespas/ Modern scooters.
What's included
Included
- English-speaking local tour guide
- Hotel pickup & drop off in Hoi An, maximum 5 miles = 8 km radius
- Coffee stop, local snacks, bottled water during the tour, all stops have clean washrooms
- All taxes, tickets, entry fees, donations to local homes.
- Vietnam Army jeep-style vehicle & Driver
Not included
- Meal. Other drinks. Personal expenses
- Tipping is optional but appreciated
What you'll see and do
Cam Kim Island
Crafting Rice Noodles and Crackers with Mrs. Luan's Family Join Mrs. Luan's family for an unforgettable experience making rice noodles or rice crackers! You'll begin by taking grains of rice, mixing them with water, and grinding them into a smooth rice milk. Learn the art of using a traditional stone rice grinder, and then put your skills to the test by making your very own batch. It’s a hands-on experience that connects you to the heart of Vietnamese cuisine!
25 minutes here · Admission included
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Experience the Art of Incense-Making with a Local Family Make an interesting stop at a local incense-making family, where you’ll experience the art and tradition behind this ancient craft. Watch as skilled artisans expertly roll fragrant sticks of incense by hand, using time-honored techniques passed down through generations. You'll have the chance to get involved, learning how to create your very own incense while soaking in the rich aromas that fill the air. This stop is not just about making incense; it’s an opportunity to connect with a warm and welcoming family, hear their stories, and understand the significance of this tradition in Vietnamese culture.
25 minutes here · Admission included
Tra Nhieu Fishing Village
Hands-On Experience: Weave Colorful Sleeping Mats with a Local Family Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of traditional craftsmanship by helping a local family weave colorful sleeping mats! These exquisite mats, crafted from natural materials, remain cherished today, even amid modern alternatives. With the aid of improved handlooms and unique weaving techniques, artisans create stunning mats that are truly one-of-a-kind. Experience the joy of preserving this time-honored tradition while discovering the artistry behind these beautiful creations that you won’t find anywhere else in the world!
20 minutes here · Admission included
Duy Hai
Relaxing Coffee Stop: Refresh and Recharge Take a refreshing break at our cozy coffee stop, where you can indulge in a delicious cup of Vietnamese coffee, fresh juice, or even a cold beer or soft drink. This is the perfect opportunity to relax and recharge before continuing your journey. Enjoy the laid-back atmosphere as you sip your drink, use the restroom facilities, and unwind in a comfortable setting. Whether you prefer the rich aroma of coffee or the refreshing taste of fruit juice, this stop offers something for everyone. Chill out for a while and soak in the local ambiance before we set off on the next leg of our adventure!
25 minutes here
Cua Dai Bridge
Breathtaking Views from Cua Dai Bridge Enjoy the fascinating views from Cua Dai Bridge, an awe-inspiring spot that rivals the beauty of Sydney Harbour and Sandakan Harbour in Sabah. As you stand on the bridge, take in the stunning panoramas of the shimmering river, lush landscapes, and vibrant local life. This picturesque location not only offers breathtaking scenery but also serves as a perfect backdrop for memorable photos. Whether you're watching the sunset paint the sky with vibrant colors or observing local fishermen at work, Cua Dai Bridge promises a unique experience that will leave you in awe of Hoi An’s natural beauty!
15 minutes here · Admission included
Cam Thanh
Fun in the Round Basket Boat Enjoy a fun ride in the round basket boat, gliding under the shade of palm trees along the tranquil river. This exciting adventure is perfect for those seeking unforgettable experiences while exploring the beauty of Vietnam. Get ready for laughter, splashes, and a unique perspective of the lush surroundings!
30 minutes here
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Visit Tra Que vegetable village to smell amazing herbs. Hotel drop off afterwards.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hoi An
If your hotel is in Da Nang or South Hoi An, please come to our office in Hoi An, or we'll help you find a private car transfer to our office with a small charge. Our office: Local Buddy Tours - Booking Office, 134B Nguyễn Khoa, Cẩm Nam, Hội An, Đà Nẵng.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
If your hotel is in Da Nang or South Hoi An, please come to our office in Hoi An, or we'll help you find a private car transfer to our office with a small charge. Our office: Local Buddy Tours - Booking Office, 134B Nguyễn Khoa, Cẩm Nam, Hội An, Đà Nẵng.
Options you can book
Motorbike Tour Option
Motorbike Pickup included
Vietnam Military Jeep Vehicle
Shared tour - Max 12 guest: Pickup at 8 AM from Hoi An hotels. Tour starts at 8.30 AM. Tour ends & hotel drop off around 12.30 PM. Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes: From pickup to drop off at Hoi An hotels, tour lasts about 4,5 hours. Scenic countryside roads: Travel 50 km / 30 miles in rural villages and river islands around Hoi An. Vietnam Jeep-style vehicle: The Soviet vehicle UAZ, built in Vietnam, was used in the Vietnam Army. Bottled water during the tour: Plus local snacks and a coffee stop to freshen up and use clean washrooms. Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- vi, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 12 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Local Buddy Tours - Danang City
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 93 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Traveler reviews
93 verified traveler reviews for HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Kha
Kha was so good to be on tour was highly recommend
via Tripadvisor
Enjoyable and interesting trip, with multiple experiences along the way.
Fabulous tour, nice to see the local crafts. Everyone so friendly and our guide Ben was so knowledgeable about all aspects of the tour, Ben answered our questions, he spoke very good English, so helpful friendly and polite. Excellent driver too. We’ve booked another trip with Buddy Tours and really looking forward to it. Thanks for a lovely morning.
via Tripadvisor
United States visitors -Thine and Nine were awesome!
Amazing experience! We travel a lot and truly feel this is the best tour we have ever done in any country. Authentic, knowledgeable, entertaining in all aspects. Highly recommend!!!
via Tripadvisor
Great Tour
The trip with our tour guide Thuan and our driver Binh was very entertaining and at the same time we heard a lot about Vietnamese culture and thinking. We met local families in their homes and they showed us their crafting skills and the way they lived. Time passed by so quickly and Thuan even prepared a cake for my husband’s birthday. While driving we saw the the beautiful landscape and we were shown some hidden places. We had a wonderful time. Thank you!
via Tripadvisor
Hoi An Day Out
Absolutely fantastic. We had Fairy as our tour guide, she is an absolute legend. So contagiously funny and informative, I was sad when the tour was over.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $6 to $157
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 33
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Local Buddy Tours - Danang City, who run 22 experiences we rank across 3 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 63.6 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Local Buddy Tours - Danang City runsWhy this scores 86
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoi An.
How much does HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR cost?
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Prices start at $6 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Hoi An usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR take?
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Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Hoi An is not rushed.
Is HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 86 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 93 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Hoi An, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR?
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Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR?
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Around 33 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Hoi An can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
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Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Hoi An and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR start and how do I get there?
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The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Hoi An within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Hoi An?
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On Outty we rank every Hoi An experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Hoi An Ancient Town Walking Tour with a Local, Hai Van Pass Motorbike Private Tour with Mister T Easy Rider, Hoi An Eco Tour Cooking Class & Fishing (Local market,basket boat,learn cooking). The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Hoi An?
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Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Hoi An?
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Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
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Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR?
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Included: English-speaking local tour guide; Hotel pickup & drop off in Hoi An, maximum 5 miles = 8 km radius; Coffee stop, local snacks, bottled water during the tour, all stops have clean washrooms; All taxes, tickets, entry fees, donations to local homes; and Vietnam Army jeep-style vehicle & Driver. Not included: Meal. Other drinks. Personal expenses; and Tipping is optional but appreciated. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 653 listed pickup locations in and around Hoi An. Be ready about 10 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR offered in?
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It is offered in Vietnamese and English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR?
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Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; Specialized infant seats are available; and Not recommended for pregnant travelers. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Hoi An. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR?
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Across 93 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for HOI AN Countryside Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR?
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There are 2 options to choose from, including Motorbike Tour Option, Vietnam Military Jeep Vehicle. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
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