Many people call Cam Thanh Coconut Village the “Little Mekong Delta” of Central Vietnam. It’s a perfect blend of peaceful nature, thrilling fun, and a genuine connection to our local culture and history. It’s a place where you can laugh out loud as your boatman spins you in a dizzying dance, learn to catch crabs with a simple bamboo rod, and feel the incredible warmth of Vietnamese hospitality. This guide will cover everything from the famous basket boat rides to the village’s surprising wartime history, making it a perfect addition to your custom Vietnam tour package.
What is Cam Thanh? Location, Ecosystem, and Deep history
Before we glide through its serene canals, let’s understand what makes this place so special.
Location and Unique ecosystem
- Where is Cam Thanh Coconut Village located? It is situated just about 5 km southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town. This close proximity makes it an incredibly easy and popular half-day trip. You can reach it via a short taxi ride or, my personal recommendation, a beautiful, scenic bicycle ride through lush green rice paddies.
- Alternate names: You will hear locals call it Bay Mau Coconut Forest (which means “Seven Hectares Coconut Forest,” although it has now grown to be much larger) or simply the Water Coconut Village Hoi An.
- Ecosystem description: The village is defined by its vast, dense forest of Nipa palms, also known as water coconuts. These unique palms thrive in the brackish water where the river meets the sea, creating a stunning, labyrinth-like network of peaceful canals. This ecosystem is not just beautiful; it’s a vital habitat for a rich diversity of fish, crustaceans, and birds.
Historical significance: The “Green Wall”
This tranquil paradise has a surprisingly heroic past.
- Wartime Shelter: During the Vietnamese wars, the dense, maze-like canals of the coconut forest served as a crucial strategic base for local soldiers and villagers. It was a secret refuge, a hiding place, and an operational base that the enemy forces found nearly impossible to penetrate. Because of its protective role, it earned the nickname “The Green Wall.”
- Village traditions and Local resilience: For centuries, the people of the Cam Thanh traditional craft village have relied on the coconut palm for everything. They used its trunks for building houses, its leaves for weaving intricate thatched roofs, its fruit for food and drink, and its fronds for making fishing tools. This deep, sustainable relationship with nature is a tradition that has been preserved and passed down through many generations.
The must-do experience: Basket boats, Performances, and Fishing
This is the heart of the Cam Thanh adventure and what makes it so famous!
Traditional basket boat rides (Thung Chai)
The star of the show is the ride in a Thung Chai, a traditional round basket boat woven from bamboo and sealed with resin. A friendly local boatman (or boatwoman!) will skillfully paddle you through the narrow, winding channels of the forest. It’s an incredibly peaceful and immersive experience, gliding silently through the cool, green shade of the palms.
But it’s not just a quiet ride! Your boatman will share stories, and you’ll get some fun, hands-on experiences. You can try your hand at catching small crabs that cling to the palm roots and learn the traditional Cam Thanh fishing net casting technique, where a local fisherman throws a large net in a beautiful, circular motion—a truly graceful art form.
The tof the boat dance performance
Get your cameras ready for the highlight of the tour: the Vietnamese Basket Boat Dancing Performance! A highly skilled boatman will take his round boat to an open area of water and, to the sound of loud, energetic music, perform a spectacular spinning and balancing act. He will rock, spin, and paddle the boat with incredible speed and precision. It’s a dizzying, hilarious, and utterly unforgettable show of skill that will have you cheering and laughing. This is the perfect spot for capturing unique, vibrant photos and videos!
READ MORE: Places to visit in Hoi An: The ultimate guide to UNESCO Heritage, beaches, and cultural shows
Cultural immersion: Crafts, Culinary, and Adventure
Cam Thanh offers so much more than just the boat ride. It is a hub of eco-tourism and cultural immersion.
Local culinary exploration and Cooking classes
Many tours to Cam Thanh include a wonderful culinary component. You can join a Cam Thanh cooking class where you will learn to prepare famous local dishes. Using fresh, local ingredients, you might learn to make regional Hoi An specialties like Mì Quảng (Quang Noodles), fresh spring rolls, or crispy Bánh Xèo (Vietnamese pancakes). It’s a delicious way to connect with the local culture.
Traditional crafts and Souvenir making
- Coconut leaf handicrafts: This is a delightful activity for all ages. Your boatman or a local artisan will show you how to fold and weave the green coconut leaves into fun souvenirs. In just a few minutes, they will create intricate grasshoppers, beautiful rings, watches, and even whimsical crowns for you to wear. It’s a simple but charming tradition.
- Bamboo workshops: You can also visit nearby workshops to see the incredible art that locals create from bamboo, another sustainable and vital local resource.
Adventure and Relaxation opportunities
- Adventure: For a more active and personal exploration of the forest, you can opt for kayaking or paddleboarding through the Cam Thanh forest. This allows you to explore the quieter channels at your own pace.
- Rural village tours: The journey to and from the village is an experience in itself. I highly recommend a cycling or walking tour through the surrounding rice fields and hamlets to get a peaceful glimpse into Vietnamese rural life.
- Relaxation: After your activities, some tours offer a chance to unwind with a relaxing Cam Thanh foot massage from a skilled local therapist, a perfect way to end your adventure.
Visitor practicalities and Planning your trip
Here is all the practical information you need for a smooth and enjoyable visit.
Entrance fees and cost
- How much does a basket boat ride cost in Cam Thanh? The basic ticket for entry and a shared basket boat ride is typically in the range of 90,000 VND to 150,000 VND per person.
- Package pricing: Most visitors book a tour package, which offers great value. These packages usually include hotel transfers from Hoi An, the boat ride, a welcome drink, and often a cooking class or a set lunch. These tours can range from $20 USD to $40 USD per person.
- Tips: While not mandatory, it is a very kind gesture to give a small tip to your boatman for their hard work and wonderful entertainment.
Accessibility and timing
- Getting there: The easiest options are a taxi or Grab (our ride-hailing app). However, the most scenic and enjoyable way is by bicycle, which takes about 20-25 minutes from the Hoi An Ancient Town.
- Recommended duration and Best time to visit: Plan to spend 2 to 4 hours here to enjoy the boat ride and one or two other activities without rushing. The best times to visit are in the morning (8:00 AM – 11:00 AM) or the late afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) to avoid the strong midday heat.
- Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village family-friendly? Yes, absolutely! The gentle boat ride, the fun crab fishing, and the coconut-leaf crafts make it an ideal and engaging activity for travelers of all ages, from young children to grandparents.
Nearby attractions and tour integration
Cam Thanh is perfectly located to be combined with other rural attractions for a wonderful full-day eco-cultural tour. You can easily create an itinerary that includes a morning at Tra Que Vegetable Village, an afternoon at Cam Thanh, and perhaps a stop at the Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
Conclusion
Cam Thanh Coconut Village offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, thrilling adventure, and a genuine connection to our local culture and history. It’s an experience that will fill your camera with amazing photos and your heart with warm memories.
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