Coconut Boat Ride in Hoi An (10/10 Would Spin Again)
As I mentioned in my latest article on Authentic Vietnamese Coffee, I’m currently writing a series on my journey through Southeast Asia, and we’re still unpacking Vietnam. I’m sharing another fun experience I had in Hoi An. There are some travel experiences you plan for, such as visiting sacred temples, enjoying beach days, and trying the must-try street food. And then there are the ones that sneak up on you and have you cracking up before you even know what hit you.
While in Hoi An, I was reconnecting with a good friend I had met in Mexico City, and was looking for something laid-back for us to do. Enter: the coconut boat ride. I’d heard about it in passing as it’s one of the top tourist attractions in the ancient and charming town; so I decided to snag a few tickets via Get Your Guide (my go-to provider for booking excursions). Something about round bamboo boats, maybe a river, perhaps a little sightseeing…all sounded peaceful. Tranquil, even.
But picture this— my partner, good friend, and I hop into what looks like a giant salad bowl. We’re met by the sweetest Vietnamese auntie who greeted us with the warmest smile but the arm of a WWE wrestler.
The ride started smoothly and was relaxing (just as I expected) as we made our way through hundreds of nipa palms, taking in the sights of several bamboo boats and tourists from all over the world. But within minutes, we were SPINNING. Not a gentle twirl. Not a calm paddle. Full-on dizzying, laugh-till-you-can’t-breathe, hold-on-to-your-hat kind of spinning. It was pure joy.
It was a good reminder to not take life so seriously, to give myself the freedom to be silly, to let myself play.
No agenda. No overthinking. Just letting my inner kid take the wheel for a hot second. There was something kind of magical about it. And look, I know I tend to make every deep but I do think as we get older we forget how fun it is to just be silly.
Sometimes, the best moments are the ones that are unexpected and fun.
So, if you ever find yourself in Hoi An. Say yes to the boat.
When’s the last time you did something just for fun? Something that made you feel like a kid again? Tell me below!
