Authentic and insightful private day tour of Hoi An with two cheerful locals

We took a boat ride across to Cam Kim Island, where the first stop was a woodworking village where people still constructed boats in the traditional way. We then cycled to visit a local family who showed us the art of weaving the local floor mats. The family treated us to a delicious corn and coconut juice-based delicacy, and we even had a go at weaving. Next up was a local family who’s been in the rice paper and noodle making business for several generations. Again, they were such generous hosts – even the 92 year old grandmother came out to say hello to us. After trying our hand at making the rice noodles, we were treated to a snack of rice cracker and noodles, served with a refreshing roasted red bean drink.

We made our way back to Hoi An’s old town where we tried the world’s best banh mi (according to Tommy and Anthony Bourdain) and we were not disappointed. It was absolutely awesome. Xuan Tu bid us farewell for the day. Tommy took us to the Phuoc Kien Assembly Hall, the Japanese covered bridge and two heritage homes within the old city. Tommy, being a Hoi An local, is very knowledgeable. In between the sights, he took us down several small alleys and we had a well-deserved rest in a secluded coffee shop, where we had the most amazing iced coffee (mixed with Baileys and Gin).

Our last stop was a local restaurant (which is again away from the crowds) which served Cao lầu (a dish noodles, pork, and local greens which is only found in Hoi An), white rose dumplings and fried wontons.