Nestled just beyond Hoi An’s bustling ancient town lies a scenic countryside full of hidden gems—verdant rice paddies, tranquil villages, and heritage crafts—perfect for those seeking an authentic Vietnamese rural experience.
Recently, I had the privilege of being able to explore Hoi An’s lesser known countryside.
Here are some highlights to explore:
🚲 Wander through rice paddies & spot water buffalo
Just outside the town, narrow quiet roads meander past lush rice fields where farmers and water buffalos go about their day. You might even be offered a playful ride on a buffalo’s back by a friendly local farmer. A farmer offered us a pail to step on so we were able to get on the water buffalo. These open fields present postcard‑worthy rural life far from the tourist crowds.Â
🌴 Cam Thanh Coconut Boat Village
Located about 5 km southeast from the ancient town, Cam Thanh (Bay Mau) Coconut Village surrounds a lush water‑coconut palm forest. Paddle a round basket boat (a classic Vietnamese craft) through narrow waterways framed by coconut palms, learn to paddle like a local, enjoy a miniature basket‑boat race. In the middle of the river, they play songs so people are able to sing along ! The atmosphere is peaceful, historically significant, and deeply tied to the area’s wartime past.Â
🌿 Tra Que Vegetable Village: hands‑on farm life
A short bike ride further downstream leads to Tra Que, an organic vegetable village renowned for aromatic herbs and vegetables. Here, visitors can roll up their sleeves to water plants. Some tours include a cooking class featuring fresh veggies from the fields.
🎨 Thanh Ha (Tranh Ha) Pottery Village
Just 3 km west of the old town sits Thanh Ha, one of Vietnam’s oldest pottery villages. This low‑key artisan community stretches along the Thu Bon River and has produced hand‑thrown ceramics since the 16th century. Here, you can visit live workshops where artisans still use foot‑ or hand‑driven potter’s wheels, and you’re often invited to make your own pot, vase, or dish under their guidance. Learn about the village’s role in export trade during Hoi An’s trading heyday, and admire centuries‑old traditions preserved in everyday life.
Suggested route for a half‑day adventure
- Start on a bicycle out of Hoi An old town, pedaling towards Tra Que via quiet country roads.
- Tra Que Village: Help water vegetables and plant herbs, soak your feet in herbal water, or try a veggie‑based cooking class.
- Continue cycling through scenic rice paddies and buffalo‑filled fields.
- Arrive at Cam Thanh Coconut Village for a peaceful basket boat ride through the coconut‑palm forest and maybe join a net‑casting activity or a friendly race.
- If time permits, take a short drive or bike ride to Thanh Ha Pottery Village to tour workshops, learn about centuries‑old pottery making, and craft your own clay piece.
Why these places are special
- They offer immersion in traditional rural and agricultural life—gardening with farmers, floating through coconut canals, and shaping clay by hand.
- They remain less commercialized than Hoi An’s ancient town attractions, allowing you to experience everyday Vietnam quietly and authentically.
- The scenery—rice paddies, buffalo, herbal gardens, coconut groves, clay kilns—is visually stunning and peaceful, ideal for nature lovers and those curious about local culture.
Together, these hidden corners of Hoi An offer a beautifully varied tapestry of countryside life—from watering the plants in Tra Que to paddling through coconut groves and spinning clay at Thanh Ha. It’s an ideal itinerary for a half‑day or full‑day off‑the‑beaten‑path escape that connects you with Vietnam’s living heritage.
