Boating

Exploring this 15th-century trading port by boat on the Thu Bon River, once used to transport goods along the old Marine Silk Road, is a highlight of a visit to Hoi An. Depending on the type of boat you hire, fees range from 30,000d for a rowboat to 100,000d for an hour-long sunset cruise to a fishing village. There are plenty of riverfront sailors along Bach Dang Street, but be sure to negotiate the price in advance. Short bike ferries across to the neighboring Cam Kim Island, home to the Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and some stunning rural bike rides, run every 10 minutes from the market end of Bach Dang Street and cost around 10,000d each way. Speedboats over to the Cham Islands can be arranged through most hotels and travel companies in town and depart 7–11 am from Cua Dai Harbour, 7 km (4½ miles) from the Old Town. Return boats leave for Hoi An at around 3 pm taking upward of 45 minutes, with a return ticket costing around 350,000d. Half- and full-day boat tours to either Danang or Son My can be arranged through Rose Travel Service.

Rose Travel Service. Safety comes first with this Hoi An tour company. Its fleet of transport options are not only good value, but are also maintained to international standards. Transportation options include speedboats, luxury spa fishing boats, retro jeeps, and air-conditioned cars and minibuses. This company is particularly recommended for half-day boat trips from Hoi An. 37–39 Ly Thai To, Hoi An, Quang Nam. 235/391–7567; www.rosetravelservice.com.