Private Tour
HOI AN Hidden Gems in Rural Villages & River Islands PRIVATE TOUR
Overview
Available languages
Mobile ticket
An exciting PRIVATE TOUR that’s fun for all ages! Explore the rural villages around Hoi An on a unique route that takes you off the beaten path to meet locals & experience their daily lives.
Start your adventure on Cam Kim Island, where you’ll make rice papers & snacks to enjoy. Then, visit another local family to learn the art of incense stick making & try it yourself. After that, head to a peaceful village to weave vibrant bed mats from river reeds.
Drive through beautiful rural villages & later stop at a charming coffee shop for refreshments. Then, cross over the stunning views bridge & enjoy a relaxing basket boat ride under the Water Coconut Forest. Zigzag through the fish & shrimp farms and lush rice paddies filled with buffalo and cows, we'll finally explore Tra Que Vegetable Village, surrounded by fragrant herbs.
The tour lasts 4 hours without a meal, or 5 hours with a tasty meal. Choose your vehicle: US military jeep/ USSR army jeep/ Modern car.
Additional Info
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
If you're staying in Hoi An, we'll pick you up directly from your hotel. For guests at hotels in Da Nang, Hoiana Resort and Golf, or VinPearl Resort and Golf South Hoi An, please meet us at our office to start the tour. Contact us via call or WhatsApp, and we'll assist you in arranging a private car transfer for a small surcharge.
Cam Kim Island
Making rice papers and local snacks: Embark on a fun journey from Hoi An, crossing the scenic Thu Bon River to the peaceful Cam Kim Island. Here, you'll meet a delightful 65-year-old couple, masters of traditional rice-making. Roll up your sleeves and help grind rice, then use the rice milk to craft your own rice paper and tasty local snacks. Once the work’s done, enjoy the fruits of your labor, munching on the treats you just made! As you relax, dive into the fascinating daily lives of the islanders and learn about their rich culture and traditions. It’s a hands-on experience with a heartwarming personal touch you won’t forget!
What‘s Included
Coffee stop to refresh. Bottled water during the tour. Clean washrooms
English-speaking local tour guide & Local driver(s)
All taxes, tickets, entrance fees, donations at local homes (Guarantee no hidden fees)
INCLUDED or EXCLUDED Vietnamese meal (Different prices & durations)
US military jeep/ USSR army jeep/ Modern car-van
Pickup and drop off any hotels in and around Hoi An area, 8 km = 5 miles from Hoi An old town
Other drinks, personal expenses. Tipping is optional but appreciated
Private car transfer ONE-WAY from South Hoian or Danang to HOIAN TOWN: 15-20-30 USD/ 4-7-16 seater
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Options
US Army Jeep tour + Meal
PRIVATE TOUR: Only your group participates - Travel at flexible pace.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes: From hotel pickup to drop off.
Vietnamese lunch or dinner: Five tasty dishes in a nice restaurant before hotel drop off.
Pickup & drop off in Hoi An: Travel in countryside villages and river islands around Hoi An.
US Army jeep from the 1970S: With tarp roof and open windows for great views.
Basket boat trip & Coffee stop: Bottled water during the tour. All stops have clean washrooms.
Pickup included
US Army Jeep tour - No meal
PRIVATE TOUR: Only your group participates - Travel at flexible pace.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes: From hotel pickup to drop off.
Pickup & drop off in Hoi An: Travel in countryside villages and river islands around Hoi An.
US Army jeep from the 1970S: With tarp roof and open windows for great views.
Basket boat trip & Coffee stop: Bottled water during the tour. All stops have clean washrooms.
Pickup included
Vietnam Army jeep + Meal
PRIVATE TOUR - ONLY YOUR GROUP: Travel at a flexible pace in a Soviet-Vietnam military jeep (similar to a US Army jeep)
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes: From pickup to drop off at your hotel in Hoi An (8km/ 5 miles radius around Hoi An old town).
Vietnamese lunch or dinner: Five tasty dishes in a nice restaurant before hotel drop off.
50km/ 30 miles drive: Scenic roads in rural villages & river islands around Hoi An to see local lifestyle & traditional crafts.
1990s Vietnam military jeep: Soviet military vehicle (similar to a US Army jeep) with tarp roof & open windows for nice views.
Basket boat trip & Coffee stop: Plus local snacks & bottled water during the tour. All stops have clean washrooms.
Pickup included
Modern car/van tour - No meal
PRIVATE TOUR: Only your group participates - Travel at flexible pace.
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes: From hotel pickup to drop off.
Pickup & drop off in Hoi An: Travel in countryside villages and river islands around Hoi An.
Car or van + Driver + Guide: Modern and spacious vehicle with air conditioning, offers great comfort during the tour.
Basket boat trip & Coffee stop: Bottled water during the tour. All stops have clean washrooms.
Pickup included
Vietnam Army jeep - No meal
PRIVATE TOUR - ONLY YOUR GROUP: Travel at a flexible pace in a Soviet-Vietnam military jeep (similar to a US Army jeep)
Duration: 4 hours 30 minutes: From pickup to drop off at your hotel in Hoi An (8 km/ 5 miles radius from Hoi An old town).
50km/ 30 miles drive: Scenic roads in rural villages & river islands around Hoi An to see local lifestyle & local crafts.
1990s Vietnam military jeep : Soviet military vehicle (similar to a US Army jeep) with tarp roof & open windows for nice views.
Basket boat trip & Coffee stop: Local snacks. Bottled water during the tour. All stops have clean washrooms.
Pickup included
Modern car/van tour + Meal
PRIVATE TOUR: Only your group participates - Travel at flexible pace.
Duration: 5 hours 30 minutes: From hotel pickup to drop off.
Vietnamese lunch or dinner: Five dishes in a nice restaurant before hotel drop off.
Pickup & drop off in Hoi An: Travel in countryside villages and river islands around Hoi An.
Car or van + Driver + Guide: Modern and spacious vehicle with air conditioning, offers great comfort during the tour.
Basket boat trip & Coffee stop: Bottled water during the tour. All stops have clean washrooms.
Pickup included
Reviews
482 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Jeep tour with coconut boat ride and local cultural experiences
andrewgG9574JD,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The jeep tour has been the highlight of our holiday. A great way to learn about the local culture, made even more special by our guide Chickie. He was high energy, a lot of fun plus very knowledgeable on Hoi An and Vietnam. He clearly loves his country and is passionate about sharing its history. The tour ended up going over time (left at 1.30pm and home at 8pm after a delicious dinner) but this was no concern for Chickie and his accommodating drivers. The coconut boat ride was my favourite in a day of highlights. Thanks so much Chickie and the team! Highly recommended trip…
Best tour guide
859lisianek,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My partner and I spent 11 days travelling in Vietnam and one of the highlights was the private jeep tour. We got to see the everyday life of different families and experience their business. John was the perfect tour guide, very knowledgeable, kind and great to spend the day with. We recommend doing this tour and make sure you ask for John!
A Genuine Look into Everyday Vietnam
enea p,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The tour gave us a deep and honest perspective on local life, offering a true understanding of how people live and work. Our guide Quyen was a fantastic guide, extremely experienced, professional, and always mindful of our needs. Her suggestions and guidance throughout the day made the experience and the activities feel natural and authentic. I would highly recommend this experience to anyone wanting to explore the true essence of Vietnam.
An Insightful and Memorable Local Experience
Xenia P,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Quyen was an excellent guide, highly knowledgeable, professional, and always attentive to our needs. She shared valuable advice and led us through each experience with care, making everything feel authentic and genuine. We truly enjoyed the activity, as it offered a meaningful insight into local life, showing us how people live and work and allowing us to experience authentic Vietnamese culture. The only downside was the strong exhaust smell from the jeep, so future participants might consider bringing a mask. Overall, it was a fantastic and enriching experience, and I would highly recommend this tour to anyone looking to discover the real Vietnam.
Highly recommended
miamH9687CG,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a fantastic tour with our guide Ben. We got to experience some of the countryside and traditional Vietnam without being crowded with the big tourist tours. I can truly recommend this tour!
Tour was fantastic for my...
Danielle W,,Jan 2, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Tour was fantastic for my friend. I started on the tour, but started feeling sick from previous days food. They were so sweet and offered medicine. They ended up being me back to the hotel while my friend stayed on the trip. It was very thoughtful. Would definitely recommend!
A Genuine, Memorable Family Experience
Jack K,,Jan 1, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00From pick-up to drop-off, the care and attention shown throughout the day were outstanding. We were collected in a jeep driven by Mr Bin (B-I-N), with Mr Bean (B-E-A-N) following along on his scooter, and from the outset they made sure the experience worked well for our whole family. Our first stop was easily one of the highlights of the trip. We visited a traditional rice-noodle-making home run by a 76-year-old man who has been doing this work for decades. It gave us a real insight into what daily life would have looked like 40 or 50 years ago. From there, we visited an incense-making workshop and then a mat-weaving house, where we met a grandmother in her 70s and her mother, who was 95. That visit, in particular, was something our family won’t forget. Throughout the day, Mr Bin and Mr Bean were thoughtful, patient and genuinely focused on making sure everyone enjoyed themselves. We finished with a coconut boat ride and lunch. While I wasn’t sure what to expect when we first arrived, the setting was beautiful — overlooking rice paddies — the food was plentiful, and the kids had a great time. A big thank you to Mr Bin and Mr Bean for a memorable experience. I would happily recommend them. And at the end of it, make sure you hand them a little extra as a tip — it’s well deserved
An excellent tour with Thuan around the villages of Hoi An
AngelaP1803,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent morning with Thuan and his driver in a US jeep. Thuan is very knowledgeable and really helped us understand what village life is like for locals around Hoi An. I highly recommend this tour and Thuan as a tour guide
Very relaxed and enjoyable tour
Marcey S,,Dec 31, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Very restful countryside experience. Visited local craftspeople and part of cost goes towards helping them. Very welcoming Our guide was very friendly and gave us lots of information about local cultures and history
A glimpse into another side of Hoi An life ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
TracyTas,,Dec 29, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked this tour last minute to break up our time in Hoi An Old Town. We had such a fun afternoon driving around with Trang and exploring her home village, even bumping into her brother in law along the road. This was a personal tour, just the 2 of us with a guide and driver and we didn’t know what to expect but found we had such an enjoyable time. This tour was a highlight of our time here so far. The coconut village basket boat was such a laugh. I did not expect the dancing so it was a fun surprise. The staff were so energetic and absolutely devoted to ensuring that their passengers have a fun time. This tour was a good experience for us in showing us outside the walls of Hoi Ans everyday tourism and giving us a glimpse of everyday life for some people still working at traditional trades in the villages including making insense, sleeping mats and rice paper & noodles. The warmth and pride of the people welcoming you into their homes and everyday life was humbling for us Sydneysiders who can take so much for granted. If you have a spare 4-5 hours and want to see another side of life in Hoi An, consider this tour.
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