I ❤️ Da Nang Vietnam 2025 - Day 6 - Hoi An - Coconut Village - 07/29/2025
Day 6 - Da Nang Travel Diary - Hoi An - Conquering the Coconut Village!
Hello, travel buddies! Today, we ventured from Da Nang to Hoi An, and let me tell you, it was an adventure worth writing home about! The highlight? A coconut boat ride in the famed Coconut Village!
We booked our tour last night via Klook, and it was a steal at just 200 pesos (approximately $4 USD) – coconut fruit included! Seriously, if you're planning a trip here, Klook is your friend.
Smooth Sailing from the Start
What I loved most was how incredibly organized everything was. Forget tourist traps and rip-offs! As soon as we arrived at Hanh Coconut Village, a friendly staff member (who also turned out to be our coconut boat oarsman!) approached us. I simply mentioned our Klook booking, and we were immediately accommodated. Easy peasy!
Unique Boat Experience
The first thing that caught my eye was the unique design of the circular boats – think large, round basket boats. These traditional Vietnamese boats are incredibly buoyant and maneuverable, perfect for navigating the narrow waterways of the Coconut Village.
Our boatman was an absolute legend! He asked about our nationality, and when we proudly said we were Filipino, he and the other boatmen greeted us with enthusiastic "Maganda!" (Beautiful!) and "Gwapo!" (Handsome!). They even started singing "Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko" by VST & Company, a popular Filipino song! We were laughing and singing along – the energy was infectious!
The sun was blazing, so we borrowed a couple of Vietnamese hats, which totally added to the authentic experience. Cruising through the waterways, surrounded by lush coconut trees submerged in the river, was so aesthetically pleasing. It was like stepping into a postcard!
Photo Ops and Dancing Boats!
Our first activity was a photoshoot. They had a designated photographer, and for just 100 VND (around 200 pesos or $4 USD) for two pictures, it was a no-brainer. The photos turned out great!
Next, we headed to a wider section of the river to watch the dancing boats. These skilled boatmen perform incredible feats of balance and coordination, spinning their boats in circles and creating mesmerizing water dances.
Of course, we had to try it ourselves! For 50 VND (100 pesos), we hopped on a boat and experienced the dizzying thrill of being spun around in circles. Nakakahilo (dizzying) is an understatement, but it was so much fun! I was a little worried about the boatman exerting himself so much, but I was also happy to see him working hard and earning a decent living. We gave him an extra 200 VND tip as a thank you.
Karaoke on the River!
The surprises kept coming! Our next stop was a karaoke station right in the middle of the river! Apparently, they play a popular song from your country, karaoke-style, and invite you to sing along with the Vietnamese singer. It was hilarious and so much fun! We danced our hearts out to "Awitin Mo At Isasayaw Ko" (now you know why the boatmen knew the song!). Other nationalities were also there, belting out their own tunes and having a blast. We tipped the singer 200 VND for the entertainment.
Extra Mile Customer Service
As we continued our ride, our boatman treated us to another round of the spinning boat trick. He went the extra mile to keep us entertained, chatting and joking with us throughout the ride. Talk about amazing customer service!
After an hour of non-stop activities, we returned to the dock, where we were offered refreshing, ice-cold coconut juice straight from the shell. It was the perfect way to cool down after all the fun in the sun!
Why You Should Try It!
The Coconut Village boat ride is more than just a tourist attraction; it's an immersive cultural experience. Here's why you should definitely add it to your Hoi An itinerary:
- Unique Experience: Riding in a traditional basket boat is something you won't find anywhere else.
- Cultural Immersion: You'll get a glimpse into the local way of life and experience the warmth and hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
- Fun for All Ages: From the dancing boats to the karaoke, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
- Affordable: At just a few dollars, it's a budget-friendly activity that delivers incredible value.
- Great Photo Opportunities: The scenery is stunning, and you'll capture some amazing memories.
Overall, our day at the Coconut Village was unforgettable. It was a perfect blend of adventure, culture, and fun, and I highly recommend it to anyone visiting Hoi An.
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