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Hey everyone! Welcome to the VietGo Vietnam Travel Editor's Attraction Unboxing Column!
When you visit Hoi An on a free trip, if you only look at the yellow-walled old houses and lanterns in the ancient town, that would be a real pity! Are you brave enough to challenge yourself to sit in a bamboo basket boat that looks like a giant bowl and spin wildly on the water with a Vietnamese uncle? Located in Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An, the Bay Mau Coconut Village (also known as Rừng dừa Bảy Mẫu), is an absolutely must-visit hotspot in Central Vietnam tourism in recent years! Today, I’ve organized the most complete guide to enjoying Bay Mau Coconut Village, covering ticket prices, transportation, must-see highlights, and tips on gratuities!
About Bay Mau Coconut Village: From Wartime Hideout to Water Wonderland
Bay Mau Coconut Village is located in the delta area where the Thu Bon River flows into Cua Dai. This area is ideal for the growth of Nypa Palm due to the confluence of salt and fresh water. Initially, this coconut forest covered only about 7 acres, hence the name "Bảy Mẫu"; after decades of conservation and expansion, the ecological area now spans over 100 hectares, with lush green waterways.
During the French-Vietnamese War and the Vietnam War, this tangled water jungle was a crucial revolutionary base and hideout for the people of Hoi An, with concealed channels making it difficult for enemy forces to enter easily. [HoiAnHeritage]
Hoi An Cultural Heritage Management Center: Historical and Cultural Site of Bay Mau Coconut Forest ↗
As Hoi An's tourism industry flourished, the Cam Thanh Coconut Forest ecological area, along with the surrounding wetlands and Cham Islands, was designated a World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO in 2009. [UNESCO] Local fishermen transformed their everyday round bamboo basket boats (Thuyền Thúng, commonly known as bowl boats) into passenger-carrying sightseeing tools, creating a unique water ecological tour filled with laughter and natural beauty.
UNESCO - MAB Biosphere Reserve Directory: Cu Lao Cham - Hoi An ↗
Main Features and Must-See Highlights of Bay Mau Coconut Village
1. Round "Bowl Boat" Water Jungle Adventure
Hop on a round bamboo basket boat, coated with resin for waterproofing, and glide slowly into the narrow waterways covered by towering coconut leaves, skillfully paddled by the boatman. Sunlight filters through the leaves onto the water's surface, a gentle breeze brushes your face, and the occasional chirping of birds makes you feel like you’re in a mini version of the Amazon rainforest, where every snapshot is a stunning masterpiece.
2. Signature Performance: Water Disco and Bowl Boat Extreme Spins
This is the highlight of the entire experience! In the wider central river, the exceptionally skilled boatman will play energetic electronic dance music (often featuring Mandarin pop songs), and then spin the bowl boat 360 degrees at an incredible speed, staging a "water coffee cup" performance! If you're brave enough, you can request to experience the thrill of spinning; if you prefer to quietly watch, you can enjoy the lively atmosphere while clapping and taking photos from the side.
3. Traditional Fisherman Experience: Catching Small Crabs and Net Fishing
As you approach the roots of the coconut trees, the boatman will take out a simple bamboo pole with small pieces of meat tied to it and teach everyone how to catch small crabs in the mud and tree root gaps, which is very popular among families. Additionally, experienced fishermen often demonstrate traditional net fishing in the middle of the river, creating a spectacular scene as the round fishing nets are cast under the golden sunset.
4. Fun Handicrafts: Coconut Leaf Weaving Gifts
Many enthusiastic boatmen will skillfully weave rings, bracelets, and crowns from freshly picked coconut leaves during the boat ride, adorning tourists or creating cute little grasshoppers and other toys to give to children, evoking a strong sense of warmth from the Vietnamese countryside.
Who is Bay Mau Coconut Village Suitable For?
- Families with Children: The boat ride is safe and smooth, and the crab-catching and leaf weaving activities are very appealing to children, making it an excellent nature education experience.
- Couples and Friends: The scene of two people in a boat is heartwarming, and the water interactions filled with laughter can create unique travel photos.
- Photography and Video Creators: The lush coconut forest, combined with traditional conical hats and net fishing scenes, offers a rich Southeast Asian rural charm.
- Outdoor and Nature Lovers: Ideal for travelers who enjoy escaping the city's hustle and bustle and getting close to the ecological beauty of the waterfront.
Recommended Activities and Itinerary Suggestions
Bay Mau Coconut Village is only about 5 kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town, making it perfect for inclusion in a half-day or full-day itinerary:
- Classic Half-Day Tour Route: Arrive at Bay Mau at 15:00 to take the bowl boat (about 45–60 minutes) → 16:30 Return to Hoi An Ancient Town for a stroll → 18:00 Night view of the ancient town lanterns and releasing lanterns on the Thu Bon River → Enjoy Cao Lau and Chicken Rice in Hoi An.
- Full-Day Tour Route: In the morning, explore My Son Sanctuary and the Cham ruins → Return to Hoi An for lunch → In the afternoon, experience the Bay Mau Coconut Village bowl boat → In the evening, watch the Hoi An Memories Show.
Transportation and Visiting Time Arrangements
It is very convenient to travel from Hoi An Ancient Town to Cam Thanh Commune:
- Grab / Taxi: The ride takes only about 10–15 minutes, with a one-way fare of about 80,000 ~ 120,000 VND, which is the most recommended and comfortable way.
- Motorbike Riding: If you are familiar with the road conditions, you can rent a motorbike and ride southeast along Trần Nhân Tông Street, enjoying the rural scenery along the way.
- Best Visiting Times: It is highly recommended to choose 07:30–09:00 in the morning or 15:00–16:30 in the afternoon. Avoid the scorching midday sun from 11:00–14:00, and the afternoon sessions also allow you to enjoy the beautiful sunset view at the mouth of the Thu Bon River.
Visiting Tips and Gratuity Culture
- Sun Protection and Water Resistance: Although free conical hats are usually provided on the boat, it is still recommended to apply sunscreen and wear sunglasses; during the extreme spinning experience, there may be a small amount of splashing water, so please protect your camera and phone.
- Preventing Motion Sickness: If you are prone to motion sickness, please inform the boatman in advance to "not spin (No Spinning)," as simply cruising along the river is very smooth and relaxing.
- Gratuity Etiquette: The boatmen rely on their labor to row and provide services for photos, weaving, and performances, so it is customary to give each boatman a tip of about 20,000 ~ 50,000 VND at the end of the trip as a token of appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is it easy for the bowl boat to capsize?
No need to worry at all! The round bamboo basket boat has a very low center of gravity and excellent buoyancy. As long as you follow the boatman's instructions to sit in the center of the boat and avoid standing or making sudden movements, safety is very high, and each passenger will wear a life jacket before boarding.
Q2: Should I buy tickets online in advance, or is it okay to buy them on-site?
There are many different boat docks on-site, and the price can vary significantly. I highly recommend booking tickets in advance through platforms like Klook or KKday, which usually include entrance fees and boat fares, with transparent pricing that saves you the hassle of bargaining on-site.
Q3: What should I wear to experience the coconut forest?
It is recommended to wear light, comfortable, quick-drying casual clothes and sandals/flip-flops. If you want to take beautiful photos, white or brightly colored clothing stands out beautifully against the green coconut forest background!
