About Hoi An’s countryside
Hoi An is known for its Ancient Town, but there’s much more to discover just outside the city center. Within five minutes by bike or taxi, you’ll find yourself surrounded by quiet rice fields, small canals, and peaceful village roads.
No, the fields aren’t as dramatic as the terraced landscapes in northern Vietnam like Sapa—but what makes the Hoi An countryside special is how easy it is to access. You don’t need a guide, and it’s perfect for exploring on your own, whether by bike, boat, or on foot.
Some of the best hotels in Hoi An are tucked away in the countryside, offering scenic views and a calm atmosphere. It’s also where many of the top tours and things to do take place, from cooking classes to cycling trips. This mix of culture, coast, and countryside is exactly why travelers often end up staying longer than planned.
Countryside areas of Hoi An
The Hoi An countryside spreads across several areas, each offering something different—from palm forests and rice paddies to craft villages and remote backroads. These are the main areas you’ll want to explore:
Cam Chau – Hoi An’s famous rice fields
Cam Chau is the closest countryside area to the Ancient Town and one of the most popular spots for cycling tours. The area is known for its flat, open rice fields, quiet backroads, and a mix of homestays, boutique hotels, and a few luxury resorts. It’s ideal if you want peaceful surroundings while staying close to restaurants and town.
Cam Thanh – Palm Forests and Coconut boat rides
Located east of town, Cam Thanh is famous for its water coconut forests, lively basket boat rides, and cooking classes set in lush gardens. It’s more developed for tourism, but still offers a fun and engaging countryside experience. There are plenty of small hotels, eco-lodges, and family-run homestays here—many include countryside views or garden settings.
Cam Kim Island – Craft Villages & Thu Bon River
Just across the Thu Bon River, Cam Kim Island is quieter and less touristy. It’s home to traditional places like Tra Nhieu Fishing Village and the Kim Bong Carpentry Village, where you can still see artisans at work. The island is great for a relaxed half-day trip by bike or boat, with flat roads and scenic river views all around.
Duy Phuoc – Off the Beaten Track
Duy Phuoc is the most remote countryside area near Hoi An. It sits just south of Cam Kim Island and is technically part of Duy Xuyen District—the same district as My Son Sanctuary. You can reach Duy Phuoc by a bike ride of about 4 km from the Ancient Town, crossing a few small local bridges via Cam Kim. By car, it takes longer as you need to loop around due to limited bridge access.
This area feels much more untouched and rural. Some travelers even bike all the way to My Son from here—a long but scenic route that’s also offered as part of a few guided countryside-to-My Son tours.
Hoi An countryside tours and things to do
There’s no shortage of tours and things to do in the Hoi An countryside—from peaceful bike rides through rice fields to interactive experiences like basket boat rides and cooking classes. Whether you explore on your own or join a local guide, these activities offer a great way to experience daily life beyond the Ancient Town.
1. Cycling through the rice fields
Cycling is one of the most enjoyable and accessible ways to explore the countryside. Routes around Cam Chau, Cam Thanh, and Cam Kim Island take you past green rice paddies, local homes, grazing buffalo, and quiet village roads. You don’t need a guide—just rent a bike in town and head out.
For route ideas and cycling tips, see our full Cycling in Hoi An guide.
2. Staying in a boutique hotel or villa with a view
While not a typical activity, simply staying in the countryside is one of the best ways to enjoy it. Many boutique hotels and villas are set among the rice fields or along small canals, offering peaceful views and quiet surroundings. Some properties even have pools overlooking the fields, so you can relax with a drink and take in the landscape right from your balcony.
3. Baskboat boat through Bay Mau Coconut Forest
A classic Cam Thanh experience, the coconut basket boat ride takes you through the shaded canals of the Bay Mau Palm Forest. It’s fun, sometimes a bit touristy—with spinning boats, music, and local demonstrations—but still worth doing at least once, especially for families.
To learn about prices, booking options, and what to expect, see our full Coconut Basket Boat Ride guide.
4. Join an eco cooking class
Many cooking classes in the countryside include more than just learning recipes—they often start with a market visit, a basket boat ride, or even picking herbs from a garden before you begin cooking. These classes are usually set in peaceful garden kitchens or near the water, making for a relaxed and scenic experience.
For class types, top recommendations, and what to expect, see our full Hoi An Cooking Classes guide.
5. Ride a buffalo
This might sound touristy—and it is—but buffalo riding is still offered as part of some countryside tours, especially in Cam Chau and Duy Vinh. It’s often a quick photo opportunity, usually combined with a short chat with the farmer. Not a must-do for everyone, but families with kids often enjoy it.
6. Have lunch between the rice fields
Several countryside restaurants and homestays offer meals with beautiful rice field views, especially in Cam Chau and Cam Thanh. Some are part of cooking class packages, while others can be visited independently. It’s a great way to enjoy the quiet scenery—try grilled fish, coconut salad, or banh xeo (Vietnamese pancakes) while you sit in the shade overlooking the paddies.
7. Visiting craft villages
The countryside around Hoi An is home to several craft villages where you can see local artisans at work. These include Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Tra Que Vegetable Village, and small fishing communities like Tra Nhieu. You can explore many of them by bike or as part of a guided tour.
For a full list and what to expect at each, check out our Hoi An Craft Villages guide.
8. See the countryside from a boat tour
A boat ride on the Thu Bon River offers a unique perspective of Hoi An’s countryside. You’ll pass palm forests, small islands, and riverside villages—especially scenic at sunset. Tours range from short rides to private cruises with meals or fishing demos.
To learn how to book one, compare prices, and see your options, visit our Thu Bon River Boat Tour guide.
9. Countryside motorbike tour
If you prefer a bit more freedom or want to go further out—like to Duy Phuoc or along the backroads near My Son—a motorbike tour is a great option. Many tours are guided, but you can also rent a motorbike and explore independently if you’re confident. It’s a good way to cover more ground in a half-day trip.
10. Kayaking and standup paddleboarding
For a quieter, more active way to enjoy the canals and rivers, try kayaking or paddleboarding around Cam Thanh or along the Thu Bon River. These activities are usually done in the early morning or late afternoon, when the water is calm and the light is beautiful. Some providers offer guided eco-paddle tours, while others rent gear for you to go on your own.
Staying in the countryside
Is it worth staying in Hoi An’s countryside?
Yes—especially if you’re staying more than 2 nights, choosing a countryside hotel is often better than staying right next to the Ancient Town. Most travelers only visit the Old Town a couple of times, so there’s no need to be surrounded by crowds, shops, and buildings all day. It’s much more pleasant to stay somewhere with space, views, and a pool—and the best part is, the countryside is still just 10–15 minutes away by bike.
If you’re looking to relax between sightseeing, unwind after beach days, or just enjoy the peaceful side of Hoi An, countryside accommodation makes a big difference.
Where to stay
Here’s a quick overview of where to base yourself in the countryside:
- Cam Chau – Close to town and ideal for cycling, with some hotels that have genuine rice field views.
You can find our recommendations in the Hoi An Rice Fields guide. - Cam Thanh – Great for eco-tourism stays, with a wide range of boutique hotels, private villas, and homestays. There are fewer rice fields here, but you’ll find plenty of canals, coconut trees, and riverside spots.
- Cam Kim – Very local and undeveloped, so accommodations here are mostly basic homestays. It can be a good choice for those seeking an authentic experience—just come with the right expectations in terms of comfort and amenities.
Getting there and around
Getting to and around the Hoi An countryside is easy, even if you’re not part of a tour.
Cycling – The most popular option. Many hotels and homestays offer free bikes—they’re not always top quality, but good enough for short trips to the beach or Ancient Town. For longer rides or countryside tours, it’s better to rent a proper bike from a local cycling tour company.
Scooter – Renting a scooter gives you the freedom to explore further, like Cam Kim or Duy Phuoc. Technically, you need a license, and while rental shops rarely ask, and police checks are uncommon, keep in mind that you may not be insured if something happens.
Taxis & Ride-Hailing Apps – Despite feeling far from the center, most countryside areas are just a few minutes away. You can still use Grab or Xanh SM, and taxis can reach most roads—so you’re never really “in the middle of nowhere.”
Food and restaurants
If you’re staying in the Hoi An countryside, it’s true that you’ll be a bit farther from the restaurant-packed streets of the Ancient Town. But that’s not a problem—there are still plenty of local eateries, hidden cafés, and scenic spots dotted around the rice fields and villages. They’re just more spread out, which actually adds to the charm.
It’s easy (and fun) to hop on your bike and find a cozy café or restaurant with views over the fields or river.
For some of the best spots with a view, check out our list of Hoi An restaurants and cafes with rice field views, which includes café and restaurant tips.
And don’t forget, the Ancient Town is still only 10–20 minutes away, so you’re never too far from the wider dining scene.
Pro tip: Many countryside homestays offer home-cooked, family-style dinners—a great way to try real local food without going out.
Best time to visit
One of the nice things about the Hoi An countryside is that it’s enjoyable almost year-round. While the beach depends heavily on sunny weather, the countryside is more flexible—a bit of rain won’t ruin a bike ride or cooking class. Still, if you’re hoping for the best conditions, here are a couple of factors to keep in mind:
Best weather
The dry season from February to August is ideal for outdoor activities. During this time, you’ll get more sunshine, less rain, and comfortable conditions for cycling, exploring villages, or taking boat rides.
Rice field growing season
If you want those postcard views of lush green rice fields, timing matters. Hoi An has two main growing cycles:
- Spring crop (February–April)
Planting starts in January, and by March–April the fields are at their greenest. Harvest typically happens at the end of April. - Summer crop (May–August)
Fields are planted in May, and grow taller and greener through June and July. Harvest usually takes place late August.
For peak views, come in March or July, when the fields are full and vibrant.
