Experience the Authentic Basket Boat Ride in Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Cam Thanh Coconut Village, a serene pocket of Hoi An in Quang Nam Province, is famous for its unique basket boat experience. As a local from the Hoi An region, I can affirm that a visit here is one of Vietnam’s most memorable eco-adventures.
Step-by-step guide to experiencing a basket boat tour:
- Booking your tour: You can book your tour online through local providers like Ovuigo.com or directly at the village. We recommend choosing guided tours led by villagers.
- Arrival location: Head toward Cam Thanh Coconut Village on Google Maps.
- Meeting your guide: Upon arrival, local resident guides will provide a safety briefing and background on the coconut forest.
- Boarding the basket boat: These rounded bamboo boats are an iconic symbol of traditional Vietnamese watercraft. Constructed from bamboo and waterproofed with resin derived from the cashew tree, they are an ingenious historical solution for navigating shallow, muddy waters.
- Navigating the water coconut forest: With your local guide paddling, glide through narrow channels lined with water coconut trees (Nipa palm). These trees create a lush canopy and calm environment far removed from the noise of urban traffic. During the ride, you’ll see demonstrations of traditional fishing gear and may even try spinning the boat – a fun activity loved by children and adults alike.
- Learn traditional fishing techniques: Guides often demonstrate traditional fishing methods using nets and traps, showcasing how villagers historically relied on these methods to earn a living.
Beyond leisure, the basket boat ride contributes to eco-tourism and supports local livelihoods in Cam Thanh. The basket boat, also known as “thúng chai,” is more than transportation—it’s a cultural narrative passed through generations.
Explore more about the eco-tour cam thanh coconut village on Ovuigo.com and contact a guide directly via WhatsApp.
👉 Book your authentic basket boat tour via WhatsApp
Explore the Eco-Tourism Activities in Cam Thanh Village Near Hoi An
Eco-tourism thrives in Cam Thanh Village through deeply immersive and sustainable experiences. Nestled just 5 kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town, this village provides visitors a chance to connect with nature and Vietnamese heritage.
What activities to expect:
- Crab fishing: Tourists are taught how to catch small crabs using traditional nets. You’ll learn that timing the tides is crucial. It’s interactive, hands-on, and suitable for all ages.
- Coconut weaving workshop: Participate in a hands-on activity with local artisans to weave items like hats, animals, or jewelry from dried coconut leaves. This activity supports local women and preserves traditional crafts.
- Cooking experience: While not always included in basic tours, some operators provide cooking classes that use local herbs and vegetables. These sessions reflect the farm-to-table culture of Central Vietnam.
- Eco rides and green pathways: Ride bicycles along shaded paths framed by coconut palms to explore the inland scenes of rural life. Here, machines are few, making it peaceful and refreshing.
Cam Thanh’s focus on environmental sustainability defines its tourism. Local guides practice waste reduction, tour providers collaborate with villagers, and boats do not use engines in most of the tour. This emphasis preserves the quiet natural sounds of birds, rustling palms, and paddling water.
The eco-tourism structure in this area has set a strong example of community-based development. As a native, I also appreciate how eco-tourism here pays homage to our heritage instead of replacing it.
👉 Plan an immersive eco-adventure tour via WhatsApp
Learn About the Cultural and Historical Heritage of the Nipa Palm Forest
The Nipa palm forest, locally known as Bay Mau Coconut Forest, is the lifeblood of Cam Thanh. It has been instrumental in shaping the daily life and community culture for generations.
Understanding the historical role:
During the Vietnam War, this dense palm forest served as a hiding place and tactical zone for the Viet Cong due to its thick undergrowth and water-networked routes. Local fishermen guided troops through narrow channels, avoiding enemy detection while maintaining their fishing lifestyle.
Post-war, the Nipa palm forest returned to being a resource hub, offering materials for housing and crafting. The leaves provide roofing that keeps homes cool in the tropics. Even today, locals use them for fences, baskets, and decorations for festivals. This tradition has become a part of the coconut village cultural experience in Vietnam.
Moreover, the forest helps prevent coastal erosion and supports aquatic life. Its roots trap sediment, while its canopy shelters fish and crabs. This ecosystem is now being revitalized with increased awareness about conservation.
Key cultural features of Bay Mau Coconut Forest include:
- Folk tales and fishing legends shared by elders.
- Annual fishing festivals and boat races.
- Using the forest as part of rituals for good fortune before sea fishing seasons.
Government and community efforts have turned this forest into a model for sustainable tourism and environmental education.
Explore the Nipa palm forest location here.
👉 Ask a local guide about history & eco-tours via WhatsApp
Discover What Makes Cam Thanh Coconut Village a Family-Friendly Eco Destination
Cam Thanh is ideal for travelers seeking peace and cultural immersion. Unlike urban cities dominated by skyscrapers and concrete roads, this village offers quiet water trails, shaded hammocks, natural soundscapes, and family-friendly activities.
Why families love it:
- Gentle boat rides and calm waters: Parents can enjoy basket boat therapy experiences while children are entertained by fun boat dances and interactive fishing games.
- Educational experiences: Children and adults get to playfully learn how traditional fishing gear works, how nipa palms grow, and why conservation matters.
- No loud traffic or overstimulation: With narrow countryside lanes and no heavy vehicles, children can roam safely, and parents can relax.
- Rest stations and refreshments: Many tour packages offer breaks with fresh coconut water, lunch portions, or snacks.
The tours here typically run for half a day, which fits well into a day trip while visiting Hoi An or the surrounding attractions. Plus, it is close to Tra Que Vegetable Village — visitors often combine both for a well-rounded cultural day.
For families staying in Da Nang or Hue, it’s also accessible as a day trip given the proximity (30-90 minutes drive).
👉 Get family tour recommendations via WhatsApp
Plan Your Eco Tour to Cam Thanh: How to Get There and What to Expect
Directions to Cam Thanh Coconut Village:
- From Hoi An Ancient Town: 10 minutes by motorbike/taxi (4.5km). Use this Google Map link.
- From Da Nang: 40 – 45 minutes by car/motorbike.
- From Hue: Around 3 hours by car, best combined with a longer Hoi An visit.
What to Bring:
- Sunscreen and hat (Vietnamese conical hats often provided on-site).
- Insect repellent.
- Water bottle (refill stations available on-site).
- Camera or phone for photos.
Sample Half-Day Itinerary:
- 8:30 AM: Arrival and registration.
- 9:00 AM: Start basket boat ride with fisherman guide.
- 9:45 AM: Traditional crab fishing and nipa palm demo.
- 10:30 AM: Coconut weaving and refreshments.
- 11:30 AM: Return to dock. Optional lunch with local villagers.
Other nearby places for extending your trip:
- Tra Que Vegetable Village (organic gardening & cooking class)
- Thu Bon River boat rides.
- Cua Dai Beach for an afternoon swim.
Cam Thanh will continue to lead sustainable eco-tourism innovations. Discover how local stories, sustainable practices, and first-hand experience converge in this coconut-covered retreat.
👉 Chat with a local trip advisor on WhatsApp
