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Driving about 3 km from Hoi An, to Cam Thanh commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, you will be amazed by the vast landscape of Bay Mau coconut forest, considered a miniature version of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam, covering an area of over 100 hectares. Bay Mau coconut forest is also known as Hoi An coconut garden or Cam Thanh coconut forest.
Located about 3 km southeast of Hoi An city center, the Bay Mau coconut forest covers more than 100 hectares and is surrounded by a complex network of rivers and canals.
Paddling a basket boat along the river.
Besides attracting tourists with its lush green landscapes, tranquil waterways, and rustic basket boat rides, this place also offers many unique experiences that excite visitors upon arrival.
Mr. Nguyen Cong (52 years old), a local resident who has been providing basket boat services in the Bay Mau coconut forest for 10 years, shared with Travellive: "During peak season, I sometimes welcome thousands of visitors a day, both Vietnamese and foreign. There are many interesting activities for tourists here. But in my opinion, the experience of catching crabs under the coconut trees is always exciting for foreign visitors."
Mr. Nguyen Cong (52 years old) has been providing basket boat rowing services in the Bay Mau coconut forest for 10 years.
Here, you'll feel like you've wandered into a rural area of the Mekong Delta with its lush green rice fields and winding canals.
International tourists are thrilled with the peaceful atmosphere in the coconut forest.
Locals pass down the story that the Bay Mau coconut forest has existed for about 200 years. At that time, migrants from the Southwestern region of Vietnam brought with them nipa palm trees and planted them in this area. The trees thrived in the right soil and water conditions, gradually growing into a vast forest of about 7 acres (7 hectares). Therefore, the name Bay Mau coconut forest originated from this. Taking advantage of the natural beauty of the large coconut forest, the locals have developed it into an ecotourism area that is well-known and one of the famous tourist destinations in Hoi An.
The Bay Mau mangrove forest is located at the confluence of three rivers: De Vong, Thu Bon, and Hoai, right at the Cua Dai estuary where water flows into the sea. Being a brackish water area, it is very suitable for mangrove growth.
Locals pass down the story that the Bay Mau coconut forest has existed for about 200 years.
The boat trip usually takes about 40 minutes to an hour. The main attraction is the rustic yet sturdy basket boats. The coconut forest is open daily from 7 am to 5 pm, with an entrance fee of 30,000 VND per person (60,000 VND per person for foreign visitors). Boat rental prices range from 120,000 VND to 200,000 VND per boat for two adults and one child. Visitors should book in advance through locals or tour operators to get the best price.
The rental price for a basket boat ranges from approximately 120,000 VND to 200,000 VND per boat for 2 adults and 1 child.
Besides enjoying the fresh air amidst lush greenery, visitors can also participate in exciting activities on the river. You will be taken by locals in a basket boat through the nooks and crannies of the coconut forest. The boatman will introduce you to the history and significance of the Bay Mau coconut forest to the people of Cam Thanh from the past to the present. Or you can also try rowing a basket boat yourself; it will surely be an unforgettable experience during your trip.
On the boats, locals always have fishing rods ready for visitors to experience crabbing. Because it's a brackish water area, tourists who want to catch crabs must move into dense mangrove swamps, use bait made of meat and shrimp, and patiently wait for them to bite.
The shouts from the shore, combined with the energetic movements of the artist and the constant motion of the boat on the water, created a lively atmosphere.
When the boat reaches the middle of the river, you'll see it's like a stage on the water. The people of the coconut region will perform spectacular net-casting demonstrations on the river. Besides cruising and sightseeing, you can also enjoy exciting basket boat performances and boat races. Equally impressive are the skillful boat dances and water-riding performances, showcasing the balance of expert rowers, creating a lively and joyful atmosphere throughout the river area.
Casting fishing nets is a lively performance that many people look forward to when visiting the coconut forest of Hoi An. You will have the opportunity to witness firsthand the simple yet skillful act of casting nets to catch fish by the local fishermen.
The friendly local boatmen often give visitors souvenirs made from nipa palm leaves. Their skillful hands create grasshoppers, rings, necklaces, roses, or even hats from these leaves... Although these are just small gifts, they reflect the warmth and simplicity of the people of Quang Nam province. They will also guide you so you can create your own favorite item.
Most of your activities and experiences in the Bay Mau coconut forest take place on basket boats and in the water, so you should wear comfortable clothing.
Locals in the coconut region prepare sun hats for tourists before they depart.
The image of the artisan sitting in a basket boat, moving the oars to create motion in the boat and the surrounding water, is likely to be something you'll never forget.
The Bay Mau coconut forest is known as the second Mekong Delta of Vietnam.
