Hoi An Private Tour

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.

1. 1

   Cam Kim Island

   Pass by

   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.

2. 2

   Cam Kim Island

   30 min

   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.

3. 3

   Kim Bong Carpentry Village

   45 min

   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.

4. 4

   Duy Vinh

   45 min

   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.

5. 5

   Cam Kim Island

   45 min

   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.

6. 6

   Thu Bon River

   45 min

   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.

• 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

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.