Coconut boats and lantern streets in one day. The best part here is the smooth port pickup from Chan May, then a full day that ties together craft, water life, and old-town walking without you having to coordinate anything. I also like the small-group feel (up to 20 people) and the simple inclusions that keep the day stress-free, like lunch, bottled water, and an English-speaking guide.

The main thing to consider is the travel time. You’re spending a chunk of the day on the road between Chan May Port and Hoi An, so if you prefer a slow, unhurried schedule, plan your pace (and snacks) with that in mind.

Key things I’d put on your radar

• Chan May Port pickup near the ship so you’re not hunting buses at the start
• Cam Thanh Coconut Village plus a Bay Mau basket-boat ride through the coconut forest area
• Traditional silk-weaving village stop to see how local silk work actually happens
• Lunch included with local food, so you’re not timing meals in between sites
• Hoi An Ancient Town time for shopping, with admission included
• Max 20 people which usually keeps the guide from feeling rushed

From Chan May Port to Hoi An: pacing that works for cruise days

This is a long-day tour by design. You’ll start at Chan May Port, and the drop-off point is inside the port area, about 200 meters from where your cruise ship is docked. That matters more than it sounds. When you’re on a cruise, the hardest part is often not the sightseeing. It’s the first step: getting from ship to driver without losing time—or your patience.

The trip is about 9 hours total. The “extra” time after the main activities is mainly travel between Chan May Port and Hoi An (round-trip). I’d treat this as a guided day trip, not a quick hit. Think of it as: you’ll cover a lot, and you’ll want to be comfortable for a full day in motion.

You also get an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, and an experienced English-speaking guide, plus all fees and taxes. In practice, that means fewer surprises. You’re paying for a whole day of logistics, not just a couple of entrance tickets.

Group size is capped at 20 travelers. That’s big enough for a lively vibe, small enough that the guide can still keep things organized. And the tour uses a mobile ticket, which is handy when you’re juggling cruise schedules and phone battery levels.

Silk-weaving village stop: seeing craft before the water ride

Between port pickup and the coconut area, you’ll make a stop at a traditional silk-weaving village. This part is valuable for a simple reason: it puts context around what you’ll see and buy later in Hoi An.

Instead of treating silk as just a product, you get a chance to witness the art behind silk-making. Even if you don’t plan to buy anything, this stop helps you understand why local silk is talked about the way it is—because you see the work process, not just the finished scarves and shirts.

What I’d suggest during this segment:

• Ask basic questions as you go. How silk work is done locally is often explained in plain terms by the guide.
• If you’re shopping later, use this stop to learn what features you should look for (so you’re not guessing in Hoi An).
• Take your photos early, because later you’ll be walking and shopping and time will fly.

One possible drawback: since this is a tour day, the village stop is likely paced to fit the rest of the schedule. You’ll enjoy it more if you treat it as a focused preview, not a long workshop experience.

Cam Thanh Coconut Village and the Bay Mau basket-boat ride

This is where the day gets fun. You’ll head to Cam Thanh Coconut Village, known for its coconut groves and traditional river-based culture shaped by the mangrove environment. It’s a rural-feeling change of pace from the city energy, and it’s the kind of place where you notice how people live with the water instead of just visiting it.

You’ll spend about 3 hours here, and the admission ticket is free for this stop. That’s a small but smart inclusion—one less thing to pay or figure out on-site.

Then comes the highlight for many people: the basket-boat ride through the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The boat style is the point. It’s a way to glide through the scenery in a format that feels traditional, not like a generic sightseeing boat.

A few practical notes so you enjoy the ride:

• Wear clothes you’re okay getting a little damp or dusty. Tropical weather is unpredictable, and you’ll be close to water.
• Bring sunscreen and sunglasses if you’re prone to glare. Coconut groves can still throw bright light at you.
• If you get motion sensitivity, sit where the guide suggests and keep your eyes forward instead of down at your phone.

Possible consideration: this segment is outdoors. If the weather turns hot or muggy, you’ll appreciate the earlier bottled water and plan a slower pace when you’re off the boat.

Lunch included: where local food fits into a packed day

Lunch is included, and it’s described as featuring local delicacies. That sounds standard until you’re actually hungry and moving between sites. On a day like this, included lunch is a big quality-of-life upgrade.

Why it matters:

• You don’t lose time hunting for a place that matches your budget and food preferences.
• You get a guided day rhythm without constantly checking meal times.
• It helps the day stay balanced—after the boat ride, you’re usually ready for a proper sit-down.

If you’re picky, don’t panic. You can treat lunch as a chance to sample a couple of dishes rather than trying to eat everything. If the menu options aren’t fully in your comfort zone, ask the guide what’s easiest and most local.

Hoi An Ancient Town: your 3 hours of history lanes and shopping time

After Cam Thanh, you’ll head into Hoi An Ancient Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This area is known for historic architecture, charming streets, and a steady flow of daily local life. The important word here is “time.” You’ll have about 3 hours to explore.

Admission is included for this town stop, which removes one small expense from your day. But more importantly, the guide helps you get oriented fast. In places like Hoi An, it’s easy to wander randomly and miss the best street corridors—especially when you have limited hours.

Your schedule here includes free time to shop for souvenirs. If you want useful shopping time, here’s what helps:

• Start with a quick walk first. Get your bearings, then return to places you actually like.
• Look for craftsmanship, not just price tags. If you saw silk work earlier, you’ll spot quality cues more easily now.
• If you’re buying gifts, think about weight. Your daypack and cruise luggage will thank you.

One possible drawback: three hours passes quickly once you factor in photos, crossing streets, and browsing. If you care most about walking, keep your shopping targets simple and pick a route you can finish.

What you get for the price (and who it’s best for)

The price is $155 per person for a roughly 9-hour day tour. That’s not cheap, but it also isn’t just a couple of tickets.

Here’s what’s included:

• Port pickup and drop-off around Chan May Port
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Experienced English-speaking guide
• Lunch
• Bottled water
• All fees and taxes
• Admission included for Hoi An Ancient Town
• Basket-boat activity as part of the Cam Thanh segment

If you tried to DIY this from a cruise port, you’d likely pay separately for transport, guide time, boat activity coordination, and entrance fees. The value here is mostly the time-saving and the fact that everything runs in one plan, with an organized schedule.

This tour is a strong match if:

• You’re on a cruise and you want a guided day that won’t eat up planning energy
• You’re a first-timer in Hoi An and want both nature + culture in one day
• You prefer guided context (silk village, town orientation) but still want freedom to walk and shop
• You want a group day with capped numbers (up to 20), not a huge bus crowd

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate long road time and want a more relaxed pace
• You want deep, slow time in just one place (this day is built to cover multiple stops)

Service style and organization: the practical stuff that matters

A good tour day isn’t just about sights. It’s about how the day runs.

In the feedback I saw tied to Up Travel Vietnam, people highlighted that the service felt well organized, with strong hospitality and dependable guidance. There was also praise for smooth driving conditions and a disciplined approach to the schedule—exactly what you want when you’re doing a day trip with limited daylight and a cruise clock.

There were also mentions of helpful pre-trip communication, including a planner named Hannah and a local guide called Celina. Another name that came up for fast responses during planning was Lily (Linh Linh). Even if those people aren’t on your exact day, it points to the kind of support the provider aims to deliver: clear answers before you go, and a real person guiding you on the ground.

Still, a note to keep you grounded: this is a group tour. Your pace will match the schedule. If you like to linger, you’ll need to make small choices—quick walk now, slow browse later.

Should you book this Hoi An and basket-boat day trip?

I’d book it if you want an organized, high-value day that stitches together three different experiences: silk work, coconut-water life, and Hoi An old-town walking with shopping time.

Choose this tour if:

• You’re short on days and want one solid plan from Chan May Port
• You like seeing both crafts and scenery, not only one or the other
• You appreciate included lunch and fees so your budget stays predictable

Skip it if:

• You dislike long travel days and want more time in one area
• You’re mainly looking for a quiet, unscheduled wander (this tour is structured)

If you book, pack for a full outdoor-and-walking day, wear comfortable shoes, and treat Hoi An as your “walk + shop” block. The basket-boat ride and Ancient Town time are the parts you’ll remember most—so plan to enjoy them, not just check them off.

FAQ

What’s the meeting point for the tour?

The tour meets at Chan May Port Car Rental, and the guide and driver drop you off inside the port area about 200 meters from your cruise ship.

How long is the tour?

The total duration is about 9 hours.

Is hotel or port pickup included?

Yes. Pickup is offered, and the start point is at Chan May Port.

What does the tour price include?

It includes lunch, an air-conditioned vehicle, bottled water, all fees and taxes, and an experienced English-speaking guide.

Are entrance tickets included?

Admission for Hoi An Ancient Town is included. For Cam Thanh, the information provided says the admission ticket is free.

What activities are part of the day?

You’ll visit a traditional silk-weaving village, enjoy a basket-boat ride through the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, and explore Hoi An Ancient Town, with free time for shopping.

Is there a maximum group size?

Yes, the tour has a maximum of 20 travelers.

Is personal spending included?

No. Personal expenses are not included.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance of the experience start time (local time).