When you visit the beautiful ancient town of Hoi An, you will quickly realize that water is at the very heart of its identity. The serene Hoài River gracefully winds its way through the old town, while the mighty Thu Bồn River connects it to the vast, sparkling East Sea. This makes Hoi An the perfect gateway for some of the most wonderful aquatic adventures in all of Vietnam. Many of our Indian guests ask us about the best Hoi An boat tours. The most popular and exhilarating option is, without a doubt, a trip to the magnificent Cham Islands marine sanctuary. But the magic doesn’t stop there! Imagine a romantic sunset cruise along the peaceful countryside or a fun-filled ride in a quirky round basket boat through a lush coconut forest.
As your expert guide, Vietnam Story has created this definitive, all-inclusive resource to help you navigate all the incredible boat tour options. We will clarify the logistics, explain the pricing, and give you insider tips to ensure your experience on the water is seamless, safe, and absolutely unforgettable.
The sea adventure: Cham Islands boat tours & choices
A day trip to the Cham Islands (Cù Lao Chàm) is the ultimate sea adventure from Hoi An. Here’s how you can get there.
Transportation gateway: Cua Dai Port logistics
All major boat tours to the Cham Islands depart from the Cửa Đại Port, which is located about 15 km from the Hoi An Ancient Town.
Vietnam Story tip: For a completely hassle-free start to your day, we highly recommend that you pre-book a private transfer from your hotel to the port. This allows you to avoid the morning rush and any potential hassles with local taxis, ensuring you arrive relaxed and on time for your boat.
Option 1: Cham Islands Speedboat Tours (Canoe)
This is the most popular choice for day-trippers, and for good reason. It’s a fast, thrilling, and efficient way to get to the islands, which means you have more time to enjoy snorkeling, swimming, and exploring.
The speedboat zips across the water, getting you to the islands in just 20-30 minutes. There are multiple departures every morning, usually between 8:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
On windy days, the ride can be a bit bumpy. Also, large luggage or motorbikes are generally not allowed on the speedboats.
Option 2: Traditional Wooden Ferry (Budget & Overnight)
For a slower, more authentic, and budget-friendly journey, you can take the local wooden ferry. You’ll be traveling alongside locals, which offers a genuine glimpse into island life.
This is a much more leisurely ride, taking 1.5 to 2 hours one way. The schedule is limited, with the ferry typically departing from the mainland very early in the morning (around 8:00 AM).
This option is ideal for budget travelers or for those who are planning an overnight stay on the islands and need to transport a bicycle, motorbike, or larger bags.
Option 3: Private Boat Rental (Luxury & Customization)
This is the perfect choice for families, honeymooning couples, or groups who value privacy and flexibility.
Renting a private boat allows you to completely customize your itinerary. You can choose your own departure time, decide how long you want to spend snorkeling, and ask the captain to take you to more secluded, less-crowded beaches away from the main tour groups.
READ MORE: Cham Islands: Vietnam’s UNESCO Marine Sanctuary for Snorkeling, Diving, and Eco-Adventure
Complete Cham Islands day trip: Itinerary, Pricing, and Inclusions
So, what does a typical all-inclusive day trip to the Cham Islands look like?
Standard all-inclusive itinerary highlights
- Morning (Cultural Immersion): After arriving at the main island, your first stop is usually the main village of Bãi Làng. Here, you will take a short walking tour to visit some key cultural sites, including the peaceful, 18th-century Hai Tang Pagoda, the historic Cham Ancient Well (where the water is said to cure seasickness!), and the bustling local Tan Hiep Market.
- Mid-Day (Marine Adventure): After the cultural tour, you will re-board the boat and head to one of the protected marine areas for the highlight of the trip: snorkeling.
Marine activities, Beaches, and Meals
- Core activities: Your tour will provide you with all the necessary equipment (mask, snorkel, and life jacket) for a guided snorkeling session. You will be amazed by the vibrant coral reefs and the colorful fish swimming all around you in the crystal-clear water.
- Optional upgrades: For the more adventurous, many tours offer upgrades like certified scuba diving or Sea Trekking (a fun underwater walking experience with a special helmet) for an additional cost.
- Beaches & Lunch: After your water activities, you will be taken to a beautiful beach like Bãi Ông or Bãi Chồng for a delicious seafood lunch, usually served family-style at a rustic beachfront restaurant.
Pricing, Fees, and Conservation
- Entrance fee: All visitors to the Cham Islands must pay a mandatory Marine Conservation Fee. The good news is that this fee is almost always included in the price of an organized, all-inclusive tour package.
- Pricing ranges:
- Boat ticket only (Ferry): Around 150,000 – 200,000 VND one way.
- All-inclusive speedboat day tour: Typically ranges from $35 to $50 USD per person. This usually includes hotel transfers, the speedboat, the entrance fee, a guided tour, snorkeling equipment, and lunch.
- Eco-tourism and rules: Please remember the island’s strict plastic-free policy. Do not bring any single-use plastic bags with you. This is a very important rule that helps preserve the beauty of this UNESCO biosphere reserve.
The River Charm: Thu Bon River and Hoai River Cruises
You don’t have to go all the way to the sea to enjoy a beautiful boat ride in Hoi An. The rivers offer their own unique magic.
Hoi An Lantern Boat Rides (Hoài River Magic)
This is a short, incredibly magical, and highly romantic experience. After sunset, head to the docks near the An Hội Bridge and hire a small wooden sampan boat. Your boatman will paddle you gently along the Hoai River, right through the heart of the beautifully lit Ancient Town. You can buy a colorful paper lantern, make a wish, and release it onto the water.
The ride is short, usually about 15-20 minutes, and is best experienced during the monthly Lantern Festival when the river is filled with hundreds of twinkling lights.
Thu Bon River Sunset Cruises
For a more relaxing and scenic journey, Vietnamstory.in highly recommends a sunset cruise on the larger Thu Bon River. These tours take you away from the bustling town and into the peaceful countryside, offering picturesque views of fishing villages, rice paddies, and water buffalo as the sun goes down.
On these cruises, you will have the chance to observe traditional fishing activities, like the graceful art of net casting. Most tours include complimentary drinks and local snacks.
Eco & Basket Boat Tours (Cam Thanh Coconut Village)
This is one of the most fun and unique boat tours in all of Vietnam! Head to the nearby Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a ride in a traditional round basket boat (Thúng chài) through a lush forest of water coconut palms.
The tour is a wonderful mix of culture and fun. You will watch local fishermen perform a thrilling basket boat spinning dance, learn how to catch crabs, and be gifted handmade souvenirs woven from coconut leaves. You can also combine this with a kayaking tour or a local cooking class.
Essential planning and booking tips
Best time, Weather, and Schedule
- Best season: For any sea-based activities, especially the Cham Islands, we strongly recommend visiting during the dry season (March to August). This is when the seas are calmest and the water is clearest.
- Weather notes: The weather can be unpredictable, especially during the rainy/typhoon season (September to January). Boat trips can be canceled due to bad weather. This is why booking with a reputable agency like Vietnam Story is so important, as we can ensure flexible rescheduling or provide easy refunds and alternative plans.
Booking, Safety and Accessibility
- Advance booking: It is essential to book your Cham Islands tour in advance, especially during the peak tourist season, as they often sell out.
- Safety: Your safety is the top priority. All reputable tour operators will ensure that life jackets are provided and must be worn, especially on the speedboats.
- Accessibility: For elderly tourists or families with very young children, the speedboat ride can be a bit bumpy. In these cases, the slower wooden ferry or a private charter might be a more comfortable option.
Conclusion
Hoi An offers a world of incredible boat tours, catering to every kind of traveler – from the adrenaline rush of a Cham Islands speedboat adventure to the romantic tranquility of a sunset lantern cruise.
Don’t let logistics and planning limit your Central Vietnam adventure. Vietnam Story specializes in crafting all-inclusive, seamless Tour Packages from India that can perfectly integrate a Cham Islands day trip, private transfers, and unique cultural experiences into your itinerary. Contact us today to design your journey and let us ensure your time on the beautiful waters of Hoi An is comfortable, safe, and truly unforgettable.