Hoi An Private Tour
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hoi An Private Tour worth booking?
Hoi An Private Tour is a 4.5-hour experience in Hoi An, Vietnam, from $59 per person. It scores 62 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 62 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- From
- $59 per person
John Lee Tours invites you to explore the hidden beauty of Cam Kim Island, a peaceful countryside escape just outside Hoi An. Cycle through quiet villages, rice fields, and scenic backroads with a friendly local guide. Visit the 500-year-old Kim Bong Carpentry Village to see skilled artisans craft wooden boats and sculptures, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences with local families making rice paper, rice noodles, and colorful sedge mats. End your journey with a relaxing boat ride back to Hoi An Ancient Town, escaping the crowds and discovering the authentic charm of rural Vietnamese life.
What you get
About this experience
John Lee Tours invites you to explore the hidden beauty of Cam Kim Island, a peaceful countryside escape just outside Hoi An. Cycle through quiet villages, rice fields, and scenic backroads with a friendly local guide. Visit the 500-year-old Kim Bong Carpentry Village to see skilled artisans craft wooden boats and sculptures, and enjoy hands-on cultural experiences with local families making rice paper, rice noodles, and colorful sedge mats. End your journey with a relaxing boat ride back to Hoi An Ancient Town, escaping the crowds and discovering the authentic charm of rural Vietnamese life.
What's included
Included
- Food samples in the itinerary
- Boat trip on Thu Bon River
- English speaking guide
- Entrance tickets to all craft villages and local homes are fully included in the tour.
- Bottled water - Bicycle (1 bicycle per person)
Not included
- Transport to/from the meeting point in Hoi An center
- Tipping for tour guide
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
What you'll see and do
Cam Kim Island
Ride across this metal bridge spanning the Thu Bon River — the largest river in the area — to reach Cam Kim Island from Hoi An Ancient Town. Built in 2016, this local commuter bridge is used by motorbikes, bicycles, and pedestrians. Crossing it offers a slightly thrilling and unusual experience, giving visitors a unique glimpse into everyday local life.
Pass by without stopping
Cam Kim Island
Rice Fields Vietnam is one of the world’s largest rice producers, and Hoi An — especially Cam Kim Island — sits within the fertile Thu Bon River delta. Along the way, visitors can enjoy beautiful rice field scenery, stop for photos, and learn more about Vietnam’s traditional rice-growing culture.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
After riding through peaceful rural villages, visitors will arrive at Kim Bong Carpentry Village, one of Hoi An’s oldest living craft villages. Located along the banks of the Thu Bon River, this village has preserved its 500-year-old traditions of boat building and woodcarving. Our guide will take you through the village to observe skilled carpenters at work, visit artisan workshops and galleries, and admire the intricate handcrafted products created by local masters. Near the riverside, guests can also watch traditional boatbuilding at the local shipyard. Here, visitors will also have the opportunity to try wood carving themselves in a local workshop for a hands-on cultural experience.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Duy Vinh
Rice Paper Making & Trying ‘Banh Dap’ Visit a local family who have been making rice paper and rice noodles for generations. Here, you’ll learn the traditional process of creating rice paper from rice milk and even have the chance to try making your own by hand. Afterward, the artisan will demonstrate how fresh rice paper is transformed into noodles, as well as how to prepare banh dap (“smashing rice paper”), a well-known Hoi An specialty. Guests can then enjoy tasting banh dap the local way. Rice paper and noodle making remain among the main traditional industries on Cam Kim Island.
45 minutes here
Cam Kim Island
Sedge Mat Weaving Continue riding through peaceful rural villages to visit a local family specializing in traditional sedge mat weaving, one of Cam Kim Island’s long-standing local industries. Here, our guide will help you connect with the artisans, offering insight into their daily lives and traditional craftsmanship. Visitors will also have the opportunity to try weaving colorful sedge mats by hand, creating a memorable hands-on cultural experience.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Thu Bon River
Boat Trip on the Thu Bon River After returning to Kim Bong Carpentry Village, enjoy a boat trip across the Thu Bon River back to Hoi An city center. This traditional river crossing was once part of daily life for Cam Kim Island residents before modern bridges were built, offering visitors a glimpse into the region’s past transportation culture. *Visitors will bring their bicycles onto the boat. Optional Local Lunch If lunch is included in your booking, enjoy a delicious local meal featuring authentic regional dishes. Return From the boat station in Hoi An Old Town, cycle back to your hotel if located in the city center, or return to the original meeting point. The tour concludes.
45 minutes here · Admission included
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Hoi An
Meeting Point
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- John Lee Tours
Know before you go
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- 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 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
4 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
2 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
1 mentionThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Hoi An Private Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Amazing Hoi An guide
We had a wonderful day with John around Hoi An (My Son, Lady Buddha , and Marble Mountain) as part of our 30th wedding anniversary trip to Vietnam. He was an amazing guide and made our day very special. From the beginning he was very responsive and helped us customize an itinerary that was tailored to our interests. What we appreciated most was his incredible flexibility and warm personality. He made us feel like we were being shown around by an old friend rather than a tour guide. The highlight of our day was the amazing meal at a local restaurant he arranged for us that was the best food we had in Vietnam, complete with surprise anniversary cake. If you are visiting Hoi An and want an authentic, personalized, and deeply memorable experience, do yourself a favor and book him immediately! Thank you for making our trip so special.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for this incredibly kind and heartfelt review! It was truly an honor to be part of your 30th wedding anniversary celebration in Vietnam. ❤️ I’m so happy that you enjoyed exploring My Son, Lady Buddha, and Marble Mountain, and especially that we could create an itinerary around your interests. Your kind words about the flexibility and personal experience mean a lot to me. The anniversary meal and surprise cake were a special moment, and I’m delighted that the food became one of your favorite memories from Vietnam! 🎂🇻🇳 Thank you again for trusting me to be part of such an important celebration. It was a pleasure spending the day with you, and I hope your 30th anniversary trip is a memory you’ll always cherish. Wishing you both many more happy years together! ❤️For future bookings, please contact us directly via WhatsApp for the best price: +84 905 176699 (Mr. John) Best regards, John Lee Teams
via Tripadvisor
Fantastic afternoon at My Son
I did an afternoon tour of My Son with John and had the best time! The pick up from my hotel was seamless and during the trip from Hoi A John was able to give me the history of the area and information on Vietnamese life. His knowledge of the ruins once we got to My Son made my trip so much more meaningful. I love history and John’s commentary and knowledge of all the small details made the site come alive. I’d highly recommend John to anyone wanting to do a tour in the Hoi An area
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review! It was a real pleasure showing you around My Son and sharing the history and stories behind this incredible site. 😊 I’m especially happy to hear that, as a history lover, you enjoyed the details and commentary throughout the tour. My Son has so many fascinating stories, and it’s always rewarding when I can help bring the ancient ruins to life for guests. Thank you again for choosing to explore My Son with me and for your kind recommendation. I hope to see you again on your next visit to Hoi An! 🇻🇳❤️ For future bookings, please contact us directly via WhatsApp for the best price: +84 905 176699 (Mr. John) Best regards, John Lee Teams
via Tripadvisor
A wonderful day in Hoi An
We spent the day exploring Hoi An with John. In the morning, we went out to My Song, a site of ancient ruins. What could have been a morning of wandering amongst ruins, with no understanding of them, turned into a fascinating lesson in history and archeology. John's knowledge of the site and his fun facts allowed us to appreciate the details at the site which we would have missed otherwise. In the afternoon, John took us on a walking tour of Hoi An, his hometown, which included stops for some delicious bites and iced coffee. Again, his local knowledge made it more personal and enjoyable. The evening ended with a ride on a lantern boat, kitsch but a must. Thank you John!
via Tripadvisor
Unforgettable Day with John
If you are visiting Hoi An do not hesitate to book a tour with John. We had a group of 10 people which can be tricky to coordinate, but John handled everything seamlessly from start to finish. He was incredible professional, punctual and organized, ensuring that our entire group felt comfortable, cared for and engaged throughout the tour. John's knowledge of Hoi An's rich history and local gems made the day truly special.
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for your wonderful review and kind recommendation! 🙏😊 It was an absolute pleasure showing your group around Hoi An. Organizing a group of 10 can certainly be a challenge, so I’m especially happy to hear that everything went smoothly and that everyone felt comfortable, well looked after, and engaged throughout the day. I truly appreciate your kind words about my professionalism, punctuality, and organization. Sharing Hoi An’s history, culture, and hidden local gems with visitors is something I genuinely love, so it means a lot to know that these stories helped make your experience special. 🏮🌿 Thank you again for choosing me as your guide. It was wonderful having your group with me, and I hope to welcome you all back to Hoi An someday! Wishing you all safe travels and many more amazing adventures! For future bookings, please contact us directly via WhatsApp for the best price: +84 905 176699 (Mr. John) Best regards, John Lee Teams
via Tripadvisor
Great tour
We just come back from visit My Son where John was the most interesting and informative guide. He was thoughtful to the heat and the sun. We have learnt so much so really recommend any tour with John his enthusiasm is infectious!
Response from the operator: Dear Guest, Thank you so much for your lovely review! ❤️ We're delighted to hear you had such a great time exploring My Son with John. His passion for sharing the history and culture of this incredible site, along with making sure guests are comfortable throughout the tour, is something he truly takes pride in. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words to John—he'll be so happy to know his enthusiasm made your experience even more enjoyable. Thank you for your recommendation, and we hope to welcome you back to Hoi An for another memorable adventure in the future. For future bookings, please contact us directly via WhatsApp for the best price: +84 905 176699 (Mr. John) Best regards, John Lee Teams
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $59 to $79
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Who runs this experience
Operated by John Lee Tours, who run 7 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 71.6.
See everything John Lee Tours runsWhy this scores 62
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hoi An Private Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Hoi An.
How much does Hoi An Private Tour cost?
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Prices start at $59 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 Private Tour take?
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Plan for about 4.5 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 Private Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 62 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 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 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 Private Tour suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hoi An Private Tour?
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Around 2 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 4.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hoi An 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 Private Tour?
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Included: Food samples in the itinerary; Boat trip on Thu Bon River; English speaking guide; Entrance tickets to all craft villages and local homes are fully included in the tour; and Bottled water - Bicycle (1 bicycle per person). Not included: Transport to/from the meeting point in Hoi An center; Tipping for tour guide; Travel insurance; and Personal expenses. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Hoi An Private Tour include hotel pickup?
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Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 660 listed pickup locations in and around Hoi An. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Hoi An Private Tour offered in?
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It runs in 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 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 Private Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; 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 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 Private Tour?
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Across 5 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, the guide, organization. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
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