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Cam Thanh Coconut Village: Is It Worth Visiting in Hoi An?

By Thuy Saigon Adventure

Jul 14, 2026 11 min read

Cam Thanh Coconut Village: Is It Worth Visiting in Hoi An?

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Just a few kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Thanh Coconut Village is known for its peaceful coconut waterways and traditional round basket boats.

But is Cam Thanh Coconut Village worth visiting? For most first-time visitors, yes. It is scenic, fun and easy to combine with a half-day in Hoi An, although some areas can feel busy during peak hours.

This guide covers the basket boat experience, ticket prices, best time to visit and practical local tips to help you decide if Cam Thanh deserves a place in your Hoi An itinerary.

In 2025, Forbes included Cam Thanh among the world’s 50 most beautiful villages, ranking it 20th globally — the only village in Vietnam on the list. Forbes described it as a place where “bamboo basket boats swirl through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest,” praising its blend of coconut groves, tidal creeks and everyday river life. The recognition has put Cam Thanh firmly on the map for international travelers — but does the reality match the hype? Here’s what to expect.

Cam Thanh Coconut Village basket boat experience with tourists in Hoi An, Vietnam

What Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village?

Cam Thanh Coconut Village is a riverside community near Hoi An, best known for the waterways and nipa palms of the Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Long before basket boat tours became popular, local families relied on these wetlands for fishing, crabbing and coconut leaves used in traditional homes.

Today, tourism provides an important source of income, but Cam Thanh is still a living village rather than a purpose-built attraction. Visit early in the morning and you may see fishermen checking their nets, residents paddling through the canals and everyday village life before larger tour groups arrive.

The heart of Cam Thanh is the Bay Mau nipa palm forest, a large wetland area known for its dense nipa palms and waterways. The village sits within a network of rivers, tidal waterways and nipa palm wetlands, creating a distinctive brackish-water ecosystem within the wider Cu Lao Cham–Hoi An Biosphere Reserve.

Best Hoi An Cam Thanh Eco Tour featuring coconut forest, basket boats, local fishermen and beautiful river landscapes

What the Basket Boat Experience Is Really Like

The basket boat ride is the highlight of most visits to Cam Thanh. The journey usually begins with a gentle paddle through narrow waterways shaded by nipa palms, offering a quieter side of Hoi An just a few kilometers from the Ancient Town.

Along the way, local rowers may demonstrate traditional fishing techniques, make small coconut-leaf crafts or share stories about the round bamboo boats. Some routes also include music and the famous spinning basket boat performance.

The spinning experience is optional. If you prefer a peaceful ride through the coconut forest, simply tell your rower that you would rather skip it.

A typical basket boat ride lasts around 45–60 minutes. Besides the spinning performance, many rowers also demonstrate cast netting — a traditional fishing technique — and some routes include races between boats, which tend to draw the loudest cheers from visitors.

Travelers looking for a more hands-on experience can also combine the boat ride with a Hoi An basket boat and cooking class

Cam Thanh residents and tourists perform basket boat spinning.

Top Things to Do at Cam Thanh Coconut Village

Beyond the famous basket boat ride, there are several things to see and do around Cam Thanh Coconut Village:

1. Ride a spinning basket boat. The signature experience is a fun ride through the coconut waterways, with some rowers spinning the boat to music for a memorable photo moment.

2. Watch a cast-netting demonstration. Local fishermen show traditional fishing techniques that have been used for generations in the shallow waterways.

3. Make coconut-leaf crafts. Rowers often weave grasshoppers, flowers, rings, or small hats from palm leaves and may show you how to make one yourself.

4. Join a Cam Thanh cooking class. Some local experiences combine the basket boat ride with Vietnamese cooking, including banh xeo (crispy pancakes) and banana blossom salad.

5. Cycle the backroads. Quiet roads through rice fields and local villages offer a slower, less touristy way to explore Cam Thanh and the surrounding countryside.

6. Enjoy sunrise or sunset views. Cua Dai Bridge is a short ride away and offers views over the Thu Bon River estuary toward the coast. Sunset is especially beautiful around golden hour.

7. Try local specialties. Family-run eateries and food stalls near the boat stations serve local favorites such as crispy pancakes, banana blossom salad, and coconut rice.

Why Some Visitors Love It While Others Leave Disappointed

Cam Thanh Coconut Village receives mixed reactions largely because travelers arrive with different expectations. Visitors looking for untouched nature may find the busier boat areas touristy, especially when several groups arrive at the same time.

Those who come for the scenery, local culture and a fun basket boat experience usually enjoy it much more. For a quieter visit, go early in the morning and focus on the coconut waterways, fishing traditions and everyday village life rather than only the entertainment.

Travelers exploring Cam Thanh Coconut Forest by traditional basket boat

The Local Story Behind Cam Thanh’s Coconut Forest

The coconut forest is more than a scenic backdrop for basket boat rides. Its nipa palms help protect the riverbanks from erosion while providing habitat for fish, crabs and birds. For generations, local families have also relied on the waterways for fishing and coconut leaves used in everyday life.

Traditional round basket boats were originally practical fishing vessels, long before they became a popular Hoi An experience. Understanding this connection between the forest, local livelihoods and village traditions gives a visit to Cam Thanh more meaning than simply taking photos from a boat.

Authentic basket boat ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Village with local boatman

Cam Thanh Coconut Village: Location, Hours & Ticket Prices

Cam Thanh Coconut Village is around 3–5 km from Hoi An Ancient Town, roughly a 10–15 minute ride by bicycle, motorbike or taxi. Most basket boat experiences operate daily from around 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Typical costs include:

Village entrance fee: around 30,000 VND per person
Basket boat ride: around 150,000–180,000 VND per boat for up to two people, depending on ride duration.

Prices can vary by operator, season, ride duration and included activities. Before boarding, confirm the total price and whether fishing demonstrations, boat spinning or other activities are included.

If visiting independently, also confirm your departure point with the operator or driver, as basket boat experiences operate from different areas around Cam Thanh.

Tourists enjoying a basket boat ride at Cam Thanh Coconut Village Hoi An

Best Time to Visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village

The best time to visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village is usually in the morning, especially between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Temperatures are more comfortable, the light is better for photos, and the waterways are generally quieter before larger tour groups arrive.

Wear light, comfortable clothing and bring sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof pouch for your phone or camera. Rather than rushing through the boat ride, take time to notice the fishermen, coconut-leaf crafts and quieter sections of the waterways — these are often the most memorable parts of Cam Thanh.

Who Will Enjoy Cam Thanh Coconut Village the Most?

Cam Thanh is a good fit for travelers who enjoy local culture, nature and hands-on experiences rather than famous landmarks. Families often enjoy the gentle basket boat ride and fishing demonstrations, while couples appreciate the coconut waterways and slower pace compared with Hoi An Ancient Town.

Nature lovers will also find plenty to enjoy, especially outside peak hours. However, travelers looking for complete solitude or an untouched natural setting may find the busier sections too touristy.

Explore the peaceful waterways of Cam Thanh Eco Water Coconut Village with local basket boat activities.

So, Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village Worth Visiting?

For most first-time visitors to Hoi An, yes, Cam Thanh Coconut Village is worth visiting. The basket boat ride, coconut waterways and local fishing culture offer a very different experience from the historic streets of Hoi An Ancient Town.

The key is to arrive with realistic expectations. Cam Thanh is a popular attraction and can feel touristy during busy periods, but visiting earlier and choosing a quieter experience can reveal a more relaxed side of the village.

If you have a few hours to spare in Hoi An and want to experience something beyond the Ancient Town, Cam Thanh is an easy and worthwhile addition to your itinerary.

If you’re staying in Da Nang, a Da Nang to Hoi An tour with a basket boat experience is another convenient way to combine Cam Thanh with Hoi An Ancient Town in one trip.

Tourists learning traditional fishing techniques at Cam Thanh Coconut Village Hoi An

Explore Cam Thanh Coconut Village with a Local Guide

Want to experience Cam Thanh beyond the busiest basket boat stops? Join our Cam Thanh Coconut Village Tour to explore the coconut waterways, traditional basket boats and local culture with an experienced guide.

It is an easy addition to a Hoi An itinerary and a great way to experience a quieter side of the region beyond the Ancient Town.

Cam Thanh Coconut Village, Hoi An: Quick Facts


Location	About 3–5 km southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town
Recognition	Ranked #20 in Forbes’ World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages 2025
Coconut forest	Large Bay Mau nipa palm forest and wetland area
Opening hours	7:30 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. daily
Entrance fee	Around 30,000 VND per person
Basket boat ride	Around 150,000–180,000 VND per boat for up to two people
Ride duration	Usually around 45–60 minutes
Best time to visit	Around 8:00–10:00 a.m. for cooler weather and fewer crowds
How to get there	Bicycle, motorbike, taxi, or guided tour; about 10–20 minutes from Hoi An

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village suitable for children?

Yes. The basket boat ride is generally calm and family-friendly, and children often enjoy the round boats and fishing demonstrations. Families can also ask the rower to skip the spinning boat performance.

How long should I spend at Cam Thanh Coconut Village?

Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours at Cam Thanh Coconut Village. This leaves enough time for a basket boat ride and local activities without taking up an entire day in Hoi An.

How much is a basket boat ride in Cam Thanh?

A basket boat ride typically costs around 150,000–180,000 VND per boat for up to two people, depending on the ride duration. Prices and inclusions can vary, so confirm the total price before boarding.

Can I visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village without a tour?

Yes. You can reach Cam Thanh independently by bicycle, motorbike or taxi from Hoi An and arrange a basket boat ride after arrival. A guided tour can be more convenient if you also want local explanations or additional activities.

Do I have to do the spinning basket boat experience?

No. Basket boat spinning is optional, depending on the experience you choose. If you prefer a peaceful ride through the coconut waterways, you can ask your rower to skip the spinning performance.

What is the best time to visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village?

Morning is generally the best time, particularly between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., when temperatures are more comfortable and the waterways tend to be quieter. The dry season from February to August usually offers favorable weather.

Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village the same as Bay Mau Coconut Forest?

Not exactly. Cam Thanh is the wider riverside village, while Bay Mau Coconut Forest refers to the nipa palm wetlands within the area where many basket boat experiences take place. The names are often used interchangeably by travelers and tour operators.

Why was Cam Thanh Coconut Village featured by Forbes?

In September 2025, Forbes included Cam Thanh Coconut Village in its list of the World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages, ranking it 20th. The recognition highlighted its peaceful nipa palm waterways, traditional basket boat culture, and river-based way of life. Cam Thanh was also the only Vietnamese village included on the 2025 list.