Driving about 3 km from Hoi An, to Cam Thanh commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province, you will be amazed by the immense scenery of Bay Mau coconut forest, considered a miniature of the Mekong Delta in Vietnam with an area of more than 100 hectares. Bay Mau coconut forest is also known as Hoi An coconut garden, Cam Thanh coconut forest.
Located about 3 km southeast of Hoi An center, Bay Mau coconut forest is more than 100 hectares wide, surrounded by a dense river system.
Rowing a basket boat on the river
Not only attracting tourists by the green natural picture, calm canals or rowing rustic basket boats, this place also has many unique experiences that make tourists excited when they set foot here.
Mr. Nguyen Cong (52 years old), a local who has been providing basket boat rowing services at Bay Mau coconut forest for 10 years, shared with Travellive: "During peak season, I sometimes receive thousands of visitors a day, both Vietnamese and Western. There are many interesting activities for tourists here. But in my opinion, the experience of catching crabs at the base of a coconut tree always creates excitement for foreign visitors."
Mr. Nguyen Cong (52 years old), has been providing basket boat rowing services at Bay Mau coconut forest for 10 years.
Coming here, you will feel like you are lost in a river countryside of the West with green rice fields and winding small canals.
International tourists are excited about the peaceful space in the coconut forest.
Local people tell each other that the Bay Mau coconut forest has existed for about 200 years. At that time, migrants from the Southwest brought water coconut trees and planted them in this area. With suitable water and soil, the trees gradually grew and developed into a large forest of about 7 acres (7 hectares). That is why the name Bay Mau coconut forest also started from there. Taking advantage of the natural beauty of the large coconut forest, the local people have exploited it to become a well-known eco-tourism area and one of the famous tourist destinations in Hoi An.
Bay Mau water coconut forest is located next to three rivers De Vong, Thu Bon and Hoai right at Cua Dai area, which flows into the sea. Being a brackish water area, this place is very suitable for water coconut to grow.
Local people say that the Bay Mau coconut forest has existed for about 200 years.
The time to travel by basket boat is usually about 40 minutes - 1 hour. The attraction is the rustic but very sturdy basket boats. Every day, the coconut forest opens for visitors from 7am - 5pm, the entrance fee is 30,000 VND/person (foreign visitors 60,000 VND/person). The price to rent a basket boat ranges from 120,000 VND - 200,000 VND/boat/2 adults, 1 child. Visitors should book in advance through local people or travel agencies to get a good price.
The price for renting a basket boat ranges from 120,000 VND - 200,000 VND/boat/2 adults, 1 child
Besides enjoying the fresh air amidst the lush green nature, visitors can also participate in interesting activities on the river. You will be taken by local people in a basket boat to all the corners of the coconut forest. The boatman will introduce the history of development and the 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, which will definitely be an unforgettable experience during the trip.
On the boat, the locals always have fishing rods ready for visitors to experience crab fishing. Because the water is brackish, visitors who want to catch crabs must move into the dense water coconut roots, bait with meat or shrimp and patiently wait for them to bite.
The shouts on the shore combined with the strong movements of the artists and the constant movement of the boat on the water created a bustling atmosphere.
When the boat reaches the middle of the river, you will see this place as a stage on the water. The people of the coconut land will perform beautiful net casting on the river. In addition to walking and sightseeing, you can also enjoy interesting basket boat performances and boat racing. What makes tourists equally amazed is the performance of boat dancing and skillful water riding in front of the balance ability of the skilled rowers here, creating a joyful atmosphere throughout the river area.
Fishing nets are a lively performance that many people look forward to when coming to Hoi An coconut forest. You will be able to see with your own eyes the image of the fishermen here skillfully and simply fishing nets.
Friendly local boatmen often give visitors souvenirs from water coconut leaves. Their skillful hands make grasshoppers, rings, necklaces, roses or even hats from coconut leaves... Although they are just small gifts, they show the enthusiasm and simplicity of the people of Quang. The uncles and aunts will also guide you so that you can make your favorite items yourself.
Most of your fun activities and experiences in Bay Mau coconut forest take place on basket boats and underwater, so you should wear comfortable clothes.
Coconut people prepare sun hats for tourists before departure.
The image of an artisan sitting on a basket boat moving the oars, making the boat and the surrounding water move, will probably be unforgettable to you.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is known as the second river delta of Vietnam.
