Private Chan May Port Tour: Da Nang, Hoi An & Coconut Village

5.00

(19 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

Right after leaving the ship at Chan May Port, the air felt a little salty and warm—typical for this part of Vietnam. Our driver was already waiting, waving with a big grin. We set off along the coast, and within half an hour, the scenery changed completely. Lap An Lagoon appeared out of nowhere, quiet and glassy, with just a few fishermen in their wooden boats. It’s not a spot you’d find in most guidebooks, but honestly, it’s one of those peaceful places where you just want to stop and breathe for a minute.

The drive over Hai Van Pass is something I won’t forget. The road curves up through the hills, and you get these wild views—mountains on one side, sea on the other. Our guide, Minh, pointed out old French bunkers at the top and told us how the weather can change fast up here. Sure enough, a cool breeze rolled in, mixing with the smell of eucalyptus. We stopped for photos; even the locals were snapping shots.

Next up was Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village. I’d never tried a basket boat before—those round bamboo boats you see in photos—but the local boatman made it look easy. He even let me try steering (I spun in circles for a bit, everyone laughed). The canals are lined with thick coconut palms, and you can hear birds calling overhead. There’s a faint scent of river mud and fresh leaves. It’s quiet except for the splash of paddles and the occasional shout from another boat.

Hoi An Ancient Town is just as colorful as people say. Yellow walls, old wooden doors, lanterns everywhere—even during the day. Minh led us down little alleys where tailors were working right by open windows. We stopped for iced coffee at a place called Faifo Café; their beans are roasted just down the street. The heat outside made that first sip even better. Minh shared stories about how Japanese traders built the covered bridge here centuries ago. Every corner had something new—a temple, a silk shop, or just a street vendor selling fresh bánh mì.

We finished in Da Nang at Love Lock Bridge. It’s a popular spot for couples—lots of padlocks with names scratched on them. You can see Dragon Bridge from here, its golden scales shining in the late afternoon sun. Minh said if you’re around on a weekend night, the dragon actually breathes fire and water (sadly, we missed it this time). Still, just standing there watching scooters zip by and feeling the city buzz was a perfect end to the day.