Location & Visitor Information
- Where: Cam Thanh Commune, about 5 km (12 minutes by car) from Hoi An Ancient Town
- Opening Hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
- Entrance Fee: 30,000 VND per person
- Basket Boat Ride: 150,000 – 200,000 VND per boat (approx. 1-hour experience, usually fits 2–3 people)
Covering nearly 100 hectares of lush greenery, the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest is a tranquil escape from Hoi An’s lively streets. Shady canals wind through towering nipa palms, creating a peaceful waterworld where visitors can glide along in traditional basket boats. The setting feels worlds away from the bustling Ancient Town, making it an ideal spot for relaxation, eco-tourism, and photography.
Bit of History
The origins of this forest go back about 200 years, when migrants from Southwest Vietnam brought water coconut seedlings to Hoi An. Thriving in the fertile soil and brackish water, the coconuts spread into the sprawling forest that exists today.
Beyond its natural charm, the forest also holds historical significance. During the Vietnam War, it served as a revolutionary base and safe shelter for local resistance forces, who used its dense canopy and waterways for protection and supply routes.
Today, the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest has been transformed into one of Hoi An’s most popular eco-tourism sites. It blends natural beauty, cultural heritage, and fun activities, offering visitors a unique way to experience both the region’s environment and its history.
Top 6 Activities in Hoi An Coconut Palm Forest
- Glide on a Basket Boat Ride
Climb into a traditional round bamboo basket boat—a symbol of central Vietnam’s fishing culture—and drift along narrow waterways shaded by coconut palms. As you float through the calm canals, local boatmen may sing folk songs, share stories about the forest’s wartime past, or demonstrate their expert paddling techniques. It’s a serene yet cultural journey that feels both relaxing and authentic.
- Watch Basket Boat Dancing & Racing
Get ready for a lively show! Local rowers often perform “basket boat dancing”—spinning their boats rapidly in circles with astonishing agility and balance. Some tours even include fun basket boat races, where you can cheer for your rower or join in yourself. This unique performance always brings laughter and is often the highlight of the trip.
- Learn Traditional Fishing
Fishing is at the heart of village life in Cam Thanh. During your visit, you may witness fishermen casting their giant round nets into the river, a technique passed down through generations. Some tours let visitors try casting the net themselves—an unforgettable chance to connect with the local way of life and capture amazing photos.
- Make Handicrafts from Coconut Leaves
Locals are skilled at turning simple coconut leaves into beautiful little souvenirs. Children and elders alike often craft rings, hats, grasshoppers, or bracelets, offering them as keepsakes to visitors. You can watch the process or try weaving one yourself—an interactive way to take home a handmade memory of Hoi An.
- Cycle Through Cam Thanh Village
Beyond the waterways, the surrounding countryside of Cam Thanh is equally charming. Rent a bicycle and ride past emerald rice paddies, vegetable gardens, and tranquil village paths where buffalo graze lazily. It’s the perfect way to slow down, breathe in the fresh air, and experience the everyday rhythm of rural life.
- Taste Local Dishes with a Host Family
No trip to the Coconut Forest is complete without enjoying Hoi An’s home-cooked flavors. Many tours end with a family-style meal or a visit to a local eatery. Popular dishes include:
- Bánh xèo – crispy Vietnamese pancakes with shrimp and pork
- Shrimp cooked with coconut – a regional specialty that highlights the forest’s bounty
- Fresh spring rolls – light, refreshing, and perfect after a boat ride
Sharing a meal is more than just eating—it’s a cultural exchange and a chance to connect with the warm hospitality of Cam Thanh’s residents.
Best Time to Visit
- January – September (Dry Season):
The most ideal period for a basket boat ride and outdoor activities. The weather is warm and sunny, with calm waters perfect for exploring the canals.
- August – September (Peak of Greenery):
The forest is at its lushest and most vibrant, offering magical scenery for photography. This is also the time when locals often prepare coconut rice with sesame and salt, a rustic specialty you can try during your visit.
- October – November (Rainy Season):
Expect heavier rains and occasional storms. While the forest takes on a misty, mysterious atmosphere, boat rides may be limited. If you visit during this season, bring rain gear and check weather conditions in advance.
💡 Tip: Mornings are the best time to visit, as the forest is quieter and temperatures are cooler. Afternoons can be warmer but offer softer light for photos.
How to Get There
- By Boat (Scenic Route):
From Bach Dang Wharf in Hoi An Ancient Town, you can take a boat trip along the Thu Bon River, passing by peaceful villages and rice paddies before reaching the Coconut Forest. This option is slower but more scenic—perfect if you want to soak in Hoi An’s riverside charm.
- By Road (Fastest Route):
From Hoi An town center, follow Tran Nhan Tong Street, cross the Cua Dai Bridge, and continue about 500 meters to reach the forest entrance. You can get there by taxi, motorbike, or bicycle, with travel time of just 10–15 minutes.
💡 Tip: If you want convenience and local insight, book a guided tour that includes both transport and a basket boat experience.
Suggested One-Day Hoi An Itinerary
Morning: Van Lang Fishing Village & Coconut Forest
- Start your day early with a visit to Van Lang Fishing Village, where you can watch fishermen cast their traditional nets and learn about the community’s river-based lifestyle.
- Continue to the Coconut Palm Forest in Cam Thanh, and take a basket boat ride through the shady canals. Enjoy lively boat dancing performances or even try your hand at traditional fishing techniques.
Lunch: Home-Cooked Meal with a Local Family
- After your morning adventure, join a local host family for a rustic lunch. Dishes often feature fresh seafood, coconut-infused specialties, and countryside classics like crispy banh xeo and fresh spring rolls. It’s not just a meal, but also an authentic cultural exchange.
Afternoon: Cycle to Tra Que Vegetable Village
- Rent a bicycle and ride through peaceful rice paddies and village paths to reach Tra Que Vegetable Village, famous for its organic herbs and traditional farming methods.
- Meet local farmers, try your hand at gardening activities such as planting, watering, or fertilizing with seaweed, and learn how these herbs play an essential role in Hoi An cuisine.
💡 Tip: End the day with a relaxing foot soak in fragrant herbal water at Tra Que—perfect after cycling and farming activities.
Conclusion
The Coconut Palm Forest in Hoi An is more than just a tourist stop—it’s a chance to reconnect with nature, explore unique traditions, and enjoy authentic local hospitality. Whether you’re gliding on a basket boat, cycling through peaceful villages, or sharing a meal with locals, this eco paradise promises an unforgettable experience in Central Vietnam.
