There is another side of Hoi An beyond its yellow-painted historic houses, lantern-lit streets and bustling Old Town.
It is the Hoi An of waterways, green water coconut palms and a slower pace of local life.
Located in Cam Thanh, not far from Hoi An Ancient Town, Bay Mau Coconut Forest offers visitors a chance to experience this side of the city from the water. Sitting in a traditional round basket boat, visitors can travel through the waterways surrounded by water coconut trees and discover a quieter side of Hoi An.
Vietnam Tourism lists Cam Thanh and Bay Mau Coconut Forest among the places where visitors can experience Hoi An’s river and waterway culture by traditional basket boat.
🛶 Experience Hoi An from a basket boat
One of the most memorable experiences in Cam Thanh is a ride in a traditional Vietnamese basket boat.
As the boat moves away from the shore, the scenery gradually changes. The streets and buildings of Hoi An give way to waterways, green vegetation and rows of water coconut palms.
The experience offers a different perspective on Hoi An — one that is slower, greener and closer to the natural environment.
Depending on the experience or tour you choose, you may also have opportunities to learn about local fishing traditions, handicrafts and everyday life in the area.
🌿 More than a sightseeing trip
The coconut forest is not simply a place to take photographs.
The waterways and water coconut ecosystem are part of the natural landscape of the lower Thu Bon River area and have long been connected with the lives and livelihoods of local communities.
For visitors, this makes a trip to Cam Thanh an opportunity to experience a different part of Hoi An — away from the busy streets of the Ancient Town.
📸 When should you visit?
A morning visit can be a comfortable way to explore Cam Thanh before continuing with other activities around Hoi An.
A simple day itinerary could be:
Morning:
Cam Thanh → basket boat ride → explore the coconut forest → experience local life.
Lunch:
Return toward Hoi An and enjoy local specialties such as Hoi An chicken rice or Cao Lau.
Afternoon:
Visit Tra Que Vegetable Village or explore the countryside around Hoi An.
Evening:
Return to the Ancient Town, walk along the Hoai River and enjoy Hoi An after sunset.
❤️ Discover a greener Hoi An
Hoi An is famous for its ancient houses, lanterns and narrow streets.
But Hoi An is also a place of rivers, countryside and waterways.
A trip to Bay Mau Coconut Forest allows you to step away from the busy streets and experience a quieter side of the city.
A greener Hoi An.
A slower Hoi An.
A Hoi An shaped by water and local life.
If you are visiting Hoi An, consider setting aside a few hours to explore Cam Thanh.
You may discover a completely different memory of Hoi An.