Overview of Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a picturesque destination known for its vibrant coconut groves, scenic boat tours, and rich cultural experiences. Nestled in the heart of Hoi An, this forest offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and traditional way of life.
Where is Bay Mau Coconut Forest?
- Address: Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An, Quang Nam
This forest is also known as Bay Mau Coconut Forest. Situated approximately 3 kilometers east of Hoi An’s city center, this peaceful oasis can be easily reached by road or waterway via Hoi An’s ferry terminal.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest Hoi An is nestled amidst the verdant greenery of palm groves, where visitors can explore historical sites, serene rice fields, and traditional handicraft production, and remnants of a once fierce battleground. It has been hailed as a land of steel by the local people of Quang Nam Province.
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What is Bay Mau Coconut Forest famous for?
- Time-honored culture
Bay Mau Coconut Forest offers a remarkable opportunity to immerse oneself in the unique and authentic local culture. The residents of Cam Thanh Coconut Village engage in various traditional crafts to sustain their livelihoods, including fishing net weaving, basket boat making, coconut handicraft production, palm house construction, and bird nest harvesting. The knowledge of these crafts has been passed down through generations since the 15th century. Among these time-honored crafts, the art of building palm houses is unique to Cam Thanh, with 30 families still preserving this tradition today.
- Eco tourism
For those visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest for the first time, their first impression will undoubtedly be the vast expanse of coconut forests stretching for hundreds of hectares. Here, you can not only immerse yourself in the lush greenery of Hoi An but also discover a diverse range of flora and fauna. What could be more fascinating than taking a boat ride to enjoy the pristine nature, with fish swimming beneath the coconut groves and storks nesting above? You can also stroll along the narrow paths to fully embrace the fresh atmosphere and learn about the local people’s way of life.
Best things to do in Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Take a basket boat ride
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is nestled within the Coconut Village in Hoi An. Here, you can take a unique basket boat ride along the river, contemplating the picturesque view of lush coconut groves on both riverbanks. The ticket prices for this activity range from 150,000 VND to 180,000 VND per boat for 2 people, in addition to the Cam Thanh Coconut Village ticket price of 30,000 VND. Besides, you can witness the thrilling basket boat dance performed by skilled boat rowers, observe the locals as they cast fishing nets, try your hand at catching fish, or learn to make handmade souvenirs from coconut leaves.
Participate in a Vietnamese cooking class
After exploring the coconut forest in Hoi An Coconut Village, travelers can enhance their experience by taking a cooking class, where they can learn authentic Vietnamese recipes and indulge in delicious dishes. These classes not only teach a variety of local delicacies but also provide opportunities to engage with the local community.
Attend a handicraft workshop
Concealed within the lush greenery of Bay Mau Coconut Forest is an area for coconut painting, a cultural space that attracts both domestic and international visitors. Here, tourists can enjoy the peaceful atmosphere surrounded by the natural beauty of plants and water. They can witness the skilled artisans at work and directly participate in the coconut painting process, gaining a deeper understanding of this ancient traditional craft.
Try paddling a kayak or stand-up paddleboard
Outdoor enthusiasts should try kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding to explore every nook and cranny of Bay Mau Coconut Forest. You can either rent a kayak and navigate at your own pace, discovering any preferred spots, or opt for a guided tour. Some remarkable experiences while kayaking in Bay Mau Coconut Forest include paddling at sunrise, exploring the palm forest, immersing in the local life experience, and admiring the stunning sunset views.
Go on a bike tour around Cam Thanh Village
Exploring Cam Thanh Water Coconut Village on a bike will be a captivating adventure. As travelers pedal along the roads, they will encounter peaceful hamlets adorned with verdant gardens, rice fields, and graceful palm groves. This immersive experience unveils various facets of the local daily life, providing abundant photo opportunities. For example, enthusiastic farmers toil in the paddies alongside their beloved buffalo, fishermen skillfully cast their nets in the waters, and women diligently harvest the crops, painting a vibrant picture of the village’s bustling activities.
Experience buffalo riding
Hoi An Coconut Village offers a unique and thrilling experience: buffalo riding. This exciting activity allows you to explore the serene countryside while mounted on a majestic buffalo, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings and engaging with the friendly locals working on the fields. Alternatively, you can embrace a day as a local farmer, stepping into the fields, engaging in rice cultivation, and trying your hand at fishing. These experiences will surely create unforgettable memories during your visit here.
What to eat in Cam Thanh Village Hoi An?
Hoi An is renowned for its delicious dishes, including Quang noodles, fish ball noodles, Nam O fish salad, crispy pancakes (banh xeo), and more. Visiting Cam Thanh Coconut Village, you will have an opportunity to enjoy these mouth-watering specialty dishes at reasonable prices. Additionally, you can savor seafood dishes made from crabs and fish freshly caught by the local fishermen.
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When is the best time to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest?
Hoi An experiences four distinct seasons. To enjoy the coconut forest to the utmost, you should check out Hoi An weather by season:
- January to June: The weather is cool and slightly chilly, perfect for exploration and outdoor activities.
- July to September: This is the summer season with hot weather. You can visit Coconut Village in Hoi An in the morning or late afternoon, when the weather is cooler and less sunny.
- October to December: The weather is cool but it is prone to rain and flooding, so travel plans should be considered carefully.
How to get to Bay Mau Coconut Forest?
There are two ways to reach Coconut Village in Hoi An from the city center.
- By road: You can start from Tran Phu Street, turn onto Nguyen Duy Street, then Tran Nhan Tong Street, and continue towards Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
- By waterway: The fastest way is by taking a boat trip along the river from Bach Dang Pier at Hoi An Market to reach Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
For travelers who want to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest with private transport, you can book private tours from Vietnam Shore Excursions. Professional and knowledgeable tour guides will share profoundly many interesting stories about Bay Mau Coconut Forest, as well as the local life of local people during the tour. Here are some Hoi An Tours which customers can find out and book for you and your group.
In conclusion, Hoi An Coconut Village stands as a captivating destination that enchants visitors with its lush coconut groves, rich cultural heritage, and unique experiences. From exploring the serene waterways by boat, witnessing traditional crafts like coconut painting, to engaging in outdoor activities like buffalo riding and kayaking, there is something for every traveler to enjoy. Pack your bags and head to this beautiful ecotourism destination right away!
