On water

Basket Boat Riding

Tradition that became attraction

ChillSplash 45–90 minutes Year-round, except days with strong wind and storm 3 places

What it is and why

Basket boat, or "thung chai", for centuries helped Vietnamese fishermen avoid taxes on large vessels. Today it is one of the brightest tourist activities. You sit in a woven "bowl" impregnated with resin and oil and under supervision of experienced rower go deep into mangrove forests or along coast.

In tourist places, such as Coconut Palm bay, riding turns into full-fledged show: rowers spin boats in place, creating carousel effect, sing songs, and sometimes even allow to hold the oar. This is active recreation: be ready that boat can sway, and splashes of water are integral part of process.

Where to do it in Vietnam

Points on the map are real places where this activity can be done. Numbers in the list match the markers.

Cam Thanh village
Hoi An
Most popular place: mangrove thickets, show with spinning, very colorful.
Phuoc My beach
Da Nang
Boats right on ocean shore, ideal way to meet dawn on water.
Cuong Duong bay
Phu Yen
For those who want to see authentic fishing life without crowds of tourists.

Tips

Be sure to use sunscreen and wear a hat — there is often no canopy in the basket.
If you do not want the boat to be spun too hard and fast, just politely ask the rower: "No spinning, please".
Do not take valuable things without waterproof case: the boat is unstable, and phone can easily end up in water.
Best time — early morning or at sunset, when light is soft, and temperature of water and air is most comfortable.

Caution

Do not try to control the boat yourself if you are not a professional: due to round shape it is easy to overturn.
Beware of "aggressive" guides who insist on dangerous tricks — safety should be priority.
In typhoon season (October–November) exits on such boats to open sea or even lagoons are strictly prohibited for safety reasons.