07:30 At your hotel, we meet our drivers, guide and classic vintage Piaggio Vespa.
Then it’s time to jump on, click on your helmet and off we go! Listen to the sounds of this famous engine whir as you start your journey. We pass a coconut palm village and acres of paddy fields making our way to the new Cua Dai bridge which offers spectacular views of Hoi An, the river system and out to sea to the Cham Islands
08:30 We arrive at a small fishing hamlet, just in time to see the locals returning with their daily fishing catch. Enjoy watching the fishermen go about their trade and take a photo if you wish. A fundamental part of Vietnamese cuisine is fish sauce, almost every Vietnamese meal contains it. The villagers here make fish sauce daily. We stop our Vespas to learn about this ancient culinary craft enjoying a cup of Vietnamese coffee before we continue our journey.
09:30 Next we set off toward the local market. Touring on foot, we arrive just in time to watch the traders feverishly selling their catch. We then sample some delicious food prepared at the market: “Banh xeo”, “Banh su sê” or “Xoa xoa”
10:15 Returning to our Vespas to continue the journey to another small village famous for the traditional art of making sleeping mats made of reed.
11:00 Our next stop is the home of a local boat builder who makes basket boats that are synonymous with Vietnam. Their history and the construction techniques are fascinating.
11:30 Making our way to the “Bamboo House” built by a bamboo craftsman, we observe the traditional art of bamboo furniture making. These trades have been handed down through the generations and continue to play a vital role in Hoi An culture. In addition, the craftsman’s wife provides a demonstration of rice flour and noodle making – join in if you like. We take a walk around the village to meet the locals who make fishing nets that are so important to the fishermen and women. Learn how to use the fascinating coracle boats and try to row ourselves. We have time to learn about the life and customs of the locals and observe mat making and weaving. It is very common for the local craftsmen to sing their ancient folk songs as they work. The songs are soothing and relaxing and we take time to enjoy the spell binding music.
While we have been exploring the village, our hosts have prepared a delicious lunch for us to share with them.
13:15 From here, we ride back across the Cam Kim bridge for the return trip to Hoi An before returning to your Hotel.
14:00 Tour concludes.
OPTIONAL:
12:45 If you are excited by the river culture and would like to relax on the water some more, you can join our Chic boat for a two hour cruise. You will join the Chic Boat after a light snack at the Bamboo House and taking in the activities. At 12.45, your Vespa will take you to our boat where you can enjoy lunch and drinks whilst soaking up the scenery and observe the daily lives of the locals. Enjoy Vietnamese food “an com gia dinh” which literally translates as the “family meal”. In Vietnam it is traditional to enjoy a healthy meal in a leisurely fashion, surrounded by loved ones sharing food and conversation. We will serve a healthy meal and offer free flow detox drinks for you. Your Vespa driver will be waiting for you on your return and will take you to your hotel at 3pm.
