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Outperforming thousands of strong contenders from across the continents, Cam Thanh Village (located in Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province) became the only representative from Vietnam to be honored by the prestigious American magazine Forbes, ranking 20th in the Top 50 most beautiful villages in the world in 2025.
This recognition is not only a source of pride for Vietnamese tourism but also a strong affirmation of the unique appeal of the green and sustainable tourism model that Cam Thanh has persistently pursued. Located at the confluence of the river and the sea, Cam Thanh is a very different "Hoi An": lush green, tranquil, and full of life.
Ink painting
Cam Thanh village boasts a unique geographical location and ecosystem unlike anywhere else. Situated at the confluence of three major rivers – Thu Bon, Truong Giang, and Lo Canh Giang – before they flow into the East Sea, this area has formed a rare brackish water ecosystem. With a total area of nearly 937.16 hectares, of which 348.69 hectares are water surface and canals, Cam Thanh appears like a vibrant ink painting with its poetic rivers, lush green rice fields, bamboo groves, and vast coconut palm groves.
The absolute highlight, considered the "green lung" of the entire area, is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Although the name Bay Mau (approximately 7 hectares) refers to the original area about 200 years ago, when migrants from the Southwestern region brought nipa palm trees to plant, the coconut forest has now expanded to nearly 100 hectares. This forest not only regulates the climate but also serves as a buffer zone for the Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An World Biosphere Reserve. This coastal estuary mangrove ecosystem is also home to many aquatic species, with high biodiversity, especially the unique seagrass beds found only in tropical regions, creating a large livelihood area for the local community.
Cam Thanh is not only notable for its natural beauty but also for its unique historical value. During the years of the resistance war against the US, the Bay Mau coconut forest became a safe revolutionary base, witnessing many glorious victories of the revolutionary forces of Hoi An. Based on these indelible marks, the Bay Mau coconut forest was officially recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural relic site in 2007.
Over time, the local community has bonded together and maintained its life based on the river ecosystem, creating a community rich in cultural identity. This peaceful, prosperous, and rustic atmosphere forms a solid foundation for a sustainable tourism development model.
The Forbes recognition highlights Cam Thanh's sustainable community-based tourism development model. Instead of chasing the trend of concrete construction, the people of Cam Thanh have skillfully transformed local values into unique tourism products, attracting over 1 million domestic and international visitors annually and creating stable jobs for approximately 1,500 local workers.
The most unique experience is undoubtedly paddling a basket boat through the winding canals surrounded by lush green coconut groves. Sitting in a charming round basket boat, visitors will hear fascinating stories about the coconut forest, enjoy exciting basket boat performances and races, or admire the simple yet skillful net-casting techniques of the fishermen. Visitors can even receive handcrafted souvenirs made from coconut leaves, such as watches, rings, or tribal hats.
Furthermore, Cam Thanh offers local cooking classes and rustic, friendly homestay services, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the beautiful, tranquil atmosphere of the vast rice fields. In particular, the crafting and selling of handicrafts made from coconut trees has become a stable source of income, improving the livelihoods of the people while reducing pressure on natural resources. This harmonious combination of heritage preservation, community livelihood development, and unique experiential tourism has helped Cam Thanh surpass thousands of competitors to affirm its position as one of the most beautiful and livable villages globally.
