Fishing Villages in Hoi An: Authentic Fishermen’s Life

Hoi An’s story has always flowed with water. Long before it became a heritage town, life here was shaped by rivers, tides, and the quiet persistence of fishing families. Generations of fishermen and craftsmen built livelihoods along the Thu Bon River and the nearby sea, forming communities where daily life followed natural rhythms rather than schedules.

Today, these fishing villages in Hoi An remain the most honest expression of local life. Through slow travel, river journeys, and mindful exploration, Namia River Retreat invites guests to encounter fishermen’s lives in Hoi An – experienced from the water, observed in daily rituals, and felt as part of an ongoing river story.

The Soul of Hoi An Lies Along the Water

Hoi An’s history has always been shaped by water. Long before the town became famous for lanterns and ancient houses, it was one of Southeast Asia’s most important trading ports. From the 16th to the 18th centuries, Hoi An – then known as Faifo – welcomed merchants from Japan, China, and Europe who arrived by sea and travelled inland along the Thu Bon River.

Fishing villages grew along the riverbanks and coastal areas to support this busy port. Local fishermen supplied fresh seafood, dried fish, and fish sauce to trading ships and nearby markets, forming a vital part of Hoi An’s early economy. Although the town’s international trading role declined in the 19th century as river routes changed, these fishing communities remained. Families continued to pass down net-making techniques, basket boat building, and traditional fishing methods through generations, preserving a way of life rooted in the same waters that once brought prosperity to the town.

Today, although tourism has transformed much of Hoi An, the rivers, canals, and coastal waters still quietly support these communities. The continued presence of fishing villages along the water is not just a reminder of Hoi An’s past – it is living proof that the town’s cultural identity was, and still is, born from the river and sea.

Must-Visit Fishing Villages in Hoi An

Thanh Nam Fishing Village (Cồn Hến)

Location: https://share.google/1HnExITiPob5SA8x1
Distance from Hoi An: ~3 km

Located on a small river islet, Thanh Nam offers one of the most authentic fishing scenes near Hoi An. Early mornings reveal fish markets forming naturally along the riverbank as boats return with the night’s catch.

Thanh Nam Fishing Village is ideal for sunrise visits, local breakfasts, and quiet observation. Fish are sorted by hand, nets are hung to dry, and conversations unfold without performance.

Best Time to Visit Thanh Nam Fishing Village

• 5:00  –  7:00 AM for the most active fishing and trading scenes
• Best visited year-round, especially during the dry season (February – August)

How to Get to Thanh Nam Fishing Village

• Bicycle or motorbike from Hoi An Ancient Town (~15 minutes)
• Cross by small local ferry or boat, depending on the access point

Tips to Visit Thanh Nam Fishing Village

• Visit quietly and observe from a distance  –  this is a working village
• Avoid peak heat hours; mornings offer the best light and atmosphere
• Ask permission before taking close-up photos of people

Duy Hai Fishing Village

Location: https://share.google/L9QxGhm7DuIBFaEkX
Distance: ~7 – 8 km (near Cua Dai Bridge

Duy Hai is one of the most active fishing areas near Hoi An. Between 5:00 and 7:00 AM, the fish market becomes a focal point as boats return from coastal waters with fresh catch. This village is also the departure point for ferries to Cu Lao Cham, linking river life with island fishing traditions. The area is well-suited for photography and sampling local seafood prepared simply and freshly.

Best Time to Visit Duy Hai Fishing Village

• Early morning (5:00  –  7:00 AM) for fish markets and boat arrivals
• Best during calm weather months (March – September)

How to Get to Duy Hai Fishing Village

• Motorbike or taxi via Cua Dai Bridge (~20 – 25 minutes from Hoi An)
• Easy access via coastal roads

Tips to Visit Duy Hai Fishing Village

• Wear comfortable footwear  –  markets can be wet and uneven
• Visit on weekdays for a less crowded experience
• Combine with a visit to Cua Dai Beach 

Tra Nhieu Fishing Village

Location: https://share.google/Cwbdp78z8JTRA2uog
Distance from Hoi An: ~10 km

Tra Nhieu is a model of community and sustainable tourism. Fishing remains central, but the village also shares its knowledge through workshops and hands-on experiences. Visitors can learn crab catching, observe traditional boat crafting, or join local families in daily routines. Techniques are passed down through generations, emphasising respect for materials and the environment.

Best Time to Visit Tra Nhieu Fishing Village

• Morning (7:00  –  10:00 AM) for activities and workshops
• Ideal during dry season for outdoor experiences

How to Get to Tra Nhieu Fishing Village

• Boat ride from Hoi An via the Thu Bon River
• Or motorbike/car to the village entrance, then a short walk

Tips to Visit Tra Nhieu Fishing Village

• Join community-led tours to support local households
• Allow time for hands-on experiences rather than quick visits
• Respect environmental practices and village rules

Van Lang Fishing Village (Cam Thanh Coconut Village)

Location: https://share.google/1HnExITiPob5SA8x1
Distance from Hoi An: ~5 – 7 km

Van Lang Fishing Village reflects a softer evolution of fishing culture in Hoi An and lies within the Cam Thanh water coconut forest. Fishing remains part of daily life, but many families now supplement their income by rowing basket boats through nipa palm canals, hosting cooking classes, and serving simple local food. While more accessible than other villages, Van Lang still offers pockets of calm – especially in early mornings or late afternoons.

Best Time to Visit Van Lang Fishing Village

• Early morning or late afternoon for cooler temperatures and softer light
• Avoid midday for a quieter, more authentic experience

How to Get to Van Lang Fishing Village

• Taxi, motorbike, or bicycle from Hoi An (~15 minutes)
• Easy road access with nearby parking areas

Tips to Visit Van Lang Fishing Village

• Choose small, locally operated basket boat tours
• Visit outside peak tour hours (before 9:00 AM or after 4:00 PM)
• Look beyond performances  –  observe daily fishing routines along the canals

Things to See & Do in Hoi An Fishing Villages

Fishing villages in Hoi An are best experienced through observation and gentle participation rather than fast-paced touring. Each moment reveals daily life unfolding in rhythm with the river.

Watch Sunrise Fish Markets

Arrive early – between 5:00 and 7:00 AM – to witness boats returning with the night’s catch. Fish are unloaded, sorted, and traded directly along the riverbanks, especially in Thanh Nam and Duy Hai. This is when village life feels most alive and unfiltered.

Observe Traditional Net Casting

Along quiet waterways, fishermen practice throw-net casting with fluid, practised movements. These moments often happen at dawn or dusk, requiring patience to witness but offering powerful insight into skills passed down through generations.

Join Simple Hands-On Activities

Some villages, particularly Tra Nhieu, offer opportunities to try crab catching, mend nets, or learn basic boat-making techniques. These experiences are quiet, instructional, and rooted in respect for local knowledge rather than performance.

Explore Nipa Palm Waterways by Basket Boat

In villages such as Van Lang (Cam Thanh), basket boats glide through narrow canals lined with nipa palms. Beyond the iconic scenery, look for stilt houses, drying nets, and everyday pauses between fishing trips. Early mornings and late afternoons are the most peaceful times to go.

Enjoy Local Breakfasts by the River

Small riverside stalls serve freshly cooked breakfasts – noodle soups, rice cakes, or grilled seafood – often prepared just steps away from where fish were landed hours earlier. Sitting low on plastic stools, these meals offer an intimate way to share the village’s morning rhythm.

Slow Photography & Sketching

Fishing villages reward slow observation. Rather than chasing landmarks, focus on details: hands repairing nets, reflections of boats on still water, or baskets stacked along riverbanks. These subtle scenes define Hoi An’s fishing life more than any single attraction.

Traditional Fishing Methods That Reveal Daily Life in Hoi An

Fishing in Hoi An is shaped by shallow waterways, shifting tides, and seasonal flows. Techniques evolved not for display, but for survival – quietly refined through generations of river knowledge.

Bamboo basket boats are the most recognisable symbol. Their round, woven form was born from necessity, allowing fishermen to move easily through narrow channels while historically avoiding colonial boat taxes. Throw nets are cast at dawn and dusk, guided by timing, muscle memory, and tide. Communal lift nets appear near river mouths, where families work together in practised coordination. Along the banks, crab traps and bamboo baskets rest in the sun – functional tools that double as expressions of local craft.

These methods echo Namia River Retreat’s guiding principles. Craft lives in handmade tools shaped by use. The river sets the rhythm of work and rest. Light governs each day, from first casting at sunrise to the final return at dusk.

Experiencing Fishing Village Life with Namia River Retreat

Morning Bamboo Cycling

Bamboo bicycles provide a gentle way to explore rural roads leading toward local markets and nearby villages. Morning rides reveal everyday scenes – fishermen unloading their catch, vendors arranging produce, families beginning the day. The pace encourages presence, not progress.

Basket Boat Journey

Basket boat journeys depart directly from Namia River Retreat’s private dock, circling the quiet river islet and surrounding waterways. These short excursions introduce guests to traditional fishing craft while remaining closely connected to the retreat’s calm river setting.

日落河游船

Namia River Retreat’s signature sunset cruise follows the Thu Bon River as daylight softens into evening. Guided by a host, guests hear stories of fishing life, river trade, and seasonal rhythms passed down through generations.

Cocktails and canapés are served onboard, offering unhurried moments to observe boats returning home, nets being folded, and lanterns gradually illuminating the riverbanks.

Life by the River at Namia River Retreat

Namia River Retreat’s story is inspired by two symbolic figures: the Craftsman and the Fisherman. The Fisherman represents harmony with water, calm resilience, and a life shaped by river rhythms.

Life by River, one of the retreat’s three core concepts, celebrates the Thu Bon River and fishing culture through design and experience. Key spaces include the main pool, the Fisherman restaurant, the kids’ zone, and the basket boat dock.

Approximately half of the retreat’s 60 private pool villas face nipa palm forests or the Thu Bon River, allowing guests to remain connected to river life throughout their stay.

Riverside Dining at The Fisherman

Dining at The Fisherman restaurant reflects the living culture of the river. Seafood is sourced daily from local fishermen near the Cham Islands and Hoi An’s markets, guided by season and availability. Signature dishes include “Namia River Chả Cá” – turmeric-marinated river fish served with chilled rice noodles, dill, peanuts, and fresh herbs.

The Fisherman restaurant’s design draws subtly from fishing life, with net-inspired ceilings, fish mosaics, and warm wood textures in softened water-blue tones. Coastal flavours extend beyond the dining room, from poolside barbecues and Cham Island specialties to private villa dining.

Explore more activities here: https://namiariverretreat.com/experiences/

Fishing villages in Hoi An are living communities, shaped each day by the river, changing weather, and shared work. Visiting these villages offers a rare glimpse into continuity – where traditional fishing skills are quietly practised, and daily routines unfold with care. Explored through river journeys, village paths, and unhurried moments, Hoi An’s fishing villages reveal the town at its most authentic. With  Namia River Retreat as a base, guests are invited to travel slowly, observe respectfully, and connect with a river-led way of life that continues to flow through generations.

Location: 232 Tran Nhan Tong Street, Hoi An Dong Ward, Hoi An, Việt Nam
Phone: +84 (0) 235 3533 777
Email:  hello@namiariverretreat.com