Hoi An’s prominent ecotourism destination, which receives a lot of love from almost all tourists, is Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village.
Traveling to Hoi An without stopping by this gripping entertainment spot is considered to have lost a part of the trip’s joy.
>> Please check a tour from Da Nang to visit Cam Thanh.
1. Tickets to Cam Thanh Coconut Village
You have to pay an entrance fee when going to the main section of this village and doing boat activity.
- Address: Bay Mau Coconut Village, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, Vietnam
- Sightseeing ticket price: 30,000 VND/person
- Price for basket boat: 150,000VND – 250,000VND/boat for 2 guests
- Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm
- Parking: Yes, spacious one
Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village is also known as the Bay Mau Coconut Forest because this coconut forest has an area of about 7 hectares ( Bảy Mẫu in Vietnamese). To date, the forest has reached around 100 hectares. However, indigenous people still use the name Bay Mau in parallel with the name Cam Thanh coconut forest.
Historically, the Bay Mau was a secret base of local guerrillas. A few war remnants are still preserved and protected within the vast area of the coconut forest.
2. The methods to travel to this village
Located north of the Thu Bon River downstream, Cam Thanh Coconut Forest is about 3km east of the center of Hoi An ancient town. Currently, all roads to this tourist destination are convenient, including all means of transportation of bicycles, motorbikes, cars, or boats.
Car/taxi is the easiest to this place while many travel agents organizing Hoi An daily tours offer bicycles or motorbikes for their guests. Boats take a longer time, but interesting to see more activities of the locals on rivers when traveling to the village.
3. The best time to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest
The best time during the day to have fun in Cam Thanh coconut forest is the morning. In the morning, fewer tourists come here, so you have more space to enjoy the view and activity of the village.
However, if you like a bustling atmosphere, 2 pm to 5 pm is suitable for you. At this time, many large tourist groups are gathering here. Therefore, you can immerse yourself in a crowded and exciting space.
The best time of the year is from February to September when the weather lasts from spring to the end of summer. In particular, the coconut forest enters its luxuriant season with lush green branches and leaves, creating beautiful scenery from February to May.
On the contrary, in October, November, and December, the rainy season comes to Cam Thanh, and the weather becomes humid, with erratic winds and rain. You need to check the weather forecast carefully before traveling to this village if your trip to Hoi An falls during this period.
4. Outstanding activities in Cam Thanh Coconut Village
4.1. Visit the coconut forest by basket boat
Basket boat, one type of round boat used to move on the sea, is loved by local fishermen and is a unique transportation for tourists to explore the coconut forest. A basket boat can carry two passengers and is rowed by a local person.
The round bamboo boat floating precariously on the water always wins the sympathy of friends everywhere when they come here. It looks like a miniature moon to take you traveling through the cool green coconut groves like vast clouds in the sky.
4.2. Watch the performance of basket boat control
Most basket boat rowers are fishermen who take advantage of their time after sea trips to earn extra income by serving tourists. Therefore, they have the ability to control basket boats professionally because they often use this means to overcome the waves at sea.
With their inherent talent, they will show you artistically adventurous moments. The basket rotates and falls on the water’s surface as if it wants to soar into the air. The entire water surface seems to be sucked in and splashed up in the endless rotation of the basket. What a fun and captivating performance! The performer’s talent will make you wow when you see it.
If you are willing to experience this activity, pay the basket performer about 100,000 VND to get on it. The fisherman will help you enjoy the adventurous feeling of spinning around in the vastness of water, surrounded by cheers and excitement.
Of course, this game is not recommended for people with cardiovascular or blood pressure diseases. At the same time, be aware that you can be thrown into the water at any time if you cannot stand the feeling of spinning continuously at a fast speed.
Turning the basket boat is truly a great activity. An experience full of art mixed with adventurous touches is exciting and fun. Every swaying rhythm of the basket boats attracts you in the loud cheers and applause. This unforgettable experience can enrich your exciting trip.
4.3. Go fishing and catching crabs
If the basket-shaking performance brings great excitement and fun, going fishing helps you learn the harmonious life of Cam Than people with nature.
The activities of casting nets, dragging fish traps on open water, or catching crabs in coconut forests attract participants. You will have the waiting feelings, then pull your hook and burst into excitement when you reap the rewards. Join this activity to see how nature here is gentle, close, and lovely!
4.4. Learn to make beautiful small decorations
From nipa palm leaves, the boatman will show you how to make cute little toys, such as grasshoppers, watches, glasses, or stylized hats.
In just a few minutes, you will have a funny gift, helping to increase the enjoyable trip when exploring the Bay Mau coconut forest.
4.5. Buy souvenirs and countryside gifts
Along the road to the boat station, you will see people selling souvenirs such as embroidered handbags, leather bags, hats made of coconut, silk scarves, and keychains.
In particular, Vietnamdrive’s members are excited about the countryside gifts just harvested from their gardens, cheap and fresh, sold along the way, such as honey bananas, pineapples, mangoes, and peanut candy.
5. Notes when visiting Cam Thanh Coconut Forest
+ Choose the right time of day to get the most complete experience.
+ Although round basket boats are difficult to sink, you should wear a life jacket to ensure safety before getting on it.
+ When stepping on shore or getting on the basket boat, you need to pay attention carefully because the boat has a strong sway, which can lead to slipping and falling.
+ You should book the service in advance and go with a tour guide for better service.
+ When taking photos, remember to wear a camera strap on your hand to avoid falling into the water while you are on the boat.
The top unique difference in Cam Thanh coconut forest is the exciting and thrilling feelings when swaying with each rowing rhythm of the round basket boats.
Please come and feel it and then admire “fun like in Cam Thanh coconut forest!”
