Experience the tranquil life of the Vietnam countryside riding a buffalo across the field and rowing a basket boat with local fishermen as you go for a change of pace from the hustle and bustle of the city.
You have heard of the dragon boat, you have tried canoeing but you might be surprised to know there is also something called the basket boat. It is tempting to imagine yourself going down the river on a basket bin or perhaps on a wine barrel down the river as Bilbo Baggins did in The Hobbit. Well, you are not that far off because this circular bamboo woven boat is almost like a smaller version of the two. Shaped in a semicircular bowl, paddling the boat requires a whole new technique unlike that of a traditional boat. Try as you may but you will most likely go around in circles without the proper know-how on how you can row the basket boat. Interestingly, the unique rowing technique of the boat is just as unique as the story behind the creation of the boat. It was built as a way to avoid tax by local fishermen. When boat purchases required taxation during the French colonial era, the fishermen constructed the bamboo basket boat and argued that it was a basket instead of a boat. The argument was accepted and the basket boat remains an integral part of the Vietnam fishermen community even today.
Wake up, get up and get out there in the beautiful early morning or the lively afternoon of Hoi An. Dress up and get on board as we take you straight to the local farmer family for some good day’s farming. Before you start, allow yourself the time for some short introduction about the buffalo and the rice farm that you will be cultivating. During this time, feel free to also ask more about the family farmland and any other question you have for your friendly local family. Then, it is time to go down the field and start your good day’s work on the field. Get on top a buffalo around the field and help plough the fertile soil as you explore the lush farmland. After a good ride around the farmland, you will continue your adventure by going down a local fishing village where you will get to learn more about the local fishing industry and the cultural implication the industry has over the people.
Afterwards, take a short break with a warm cup of tea brewed by your local host. Rejuvenate your energy before going for a briefing on how you can properly ride a basket boat. If you are worried about your safety, worry not because a life jacket will be provided to you. Once you are properly briefed, it is time to begin the lesson. Get on board the semicircular basket boat and balance yourself on the rocky boat as you get settled on the boat. You will then receive a one to one lesson on how you can paddle and make your way through the river by the boat. Start slow and steady as you familiarise yourself with the technique before going fast and confident once you are comfortable with the technique. You will be accompanied and taught until you manage to row it by yourself.
After a hard day’s work, go back for a light snack with your local host family and enjoy some round basket performance in the river performed by talented fishermen. Once the show is over, you will head back to the city and conclude your tour.
Refer to the map below to see a list of pick up location(s) that are available for you to choose from. You can select your desired pick up location when you book the tour.
List of Location(s):
Pick up is also available for other location(s) under the vicinity of Hoi An. For more information, please contact Adventoro's concierge service.
Make use of Adventoro's complimentary concierge service by emailing info@adventoro.com to effortlessly plan your next adventure!