Bay Mau Coconut Forest is one of the most popular eco-tourism spots near Hoi An Ancient Town. It attracts visitors with its peaceful river scenery, lush green coconut palms, and countryside experiences that reflect the charm of Quang Nam.
Beyond its calm riverside landscape, Bay Mau Coconut Forest also offers a closer look at local culture through basket boat rides, folk games, and activities inspired by the daily life of fishermen. If you are planning a trip to Hoi An and looking for a relaxing yet refreshing experience, this Bay Mau Coconut Forest guide will help you plan your visit more easily.
1. Where Is Bay Mau Coconut Forest and Best Time to Visit
To enjoy a smooth trip, it is helpful to know where Bay Mau Coconut Forest is located and when to visit. Choosing the right time will make it easier to plan your schedule and enjoy the natural beauty of this eco-tourism area.
1.1 Location and opening hours
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is located in Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An Dong Ward, Da Nang City, about 3 km southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town. The eco area is usually open from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day.
Situated downstream of the Thu Bon River, Bay Mau Coconut Forest is known for its lush nipa palm ecosystem, a signature landscape of Hoi An’s river region. It was also once a revolutionary base during the resistance period.
1.2 Best months to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest
The best time to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest is from February to August, when Hoi An enters the dry season. During these months, the weather is sunny, rainfall is limited, and river activities are more convenient.
August is also a great time to visit because nipa palm fruits are in season, allowing visitors to try this local specialty right in the area. In contrast, from around October to December, Central Vietnam often experiences the rainy and stormy season, which may affect transportation and outdoor activities on the river.
1.3 Morning or afternoon – when is the best time to go?
The best time to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest is in the morning before 9:00 AM or in the afternoon after 3:00 PM. These times help you avoid the harsh midday sun and enjoy a more comfortable experience.
The morning is usually cooler and more peaceful, making it ideal for sightseeing and basket boat rides. The afternoon is better for enjoying the river views and taking photos in softer sunset light.
2. How to Get to Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Thanks to its convenient location near central Hoi An, getting to the Cam Thanh eco area is easy. The roads are flat and accessible, so travelers can choose from several transportation options depending on their budget and travel style.
2.1 By motorbike (budget-friendly option)
A motorbike is a good choice for independent travelers, especially couples or groups of young friends. Motorbike rental in Hoi An usually costs around VND 100,000–150,000 per day.
From Hoi An Ancient Town, you can follow Tran Nhan Tong Street, cross Cua Dai Bridge, and continue for a short distance to reach Bay Mau Coconut Forest. The route is only about 3 km and takes less than 15 minutes.
2.2 By taxi or private car (ideal for families and groups)
A taxi or private car is more suitable if you are traveling with young children, older adults, or a larger group.
From central Hoi An, a taxi ride usually costs around VND 70,000–100,000 one way. If you travel from Da Nang to Bay Mau Coconut Forest, the fare is typically around VND 300,000–400,000 one way for a distance of about 30 km.
2.3 By boat along the Thu Bon River
Besides traveling by road, visitors can also take a boat from Bach Dang Wharf near Hoi An Market to reach Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
The journey along the Thu Bon River usually takes about 20–30 minutes and offers a more relaxing, scenic experience. Along the way, you can enjoy peaceful river views and observe the daily life of local people living along the riverbanks of Hoi An.
3. Entrance Fees and Basket Boat Tour Prices
The basic cost for one person to experience Bay Mau Coconut Forest is usually around VND 100,000–130,000. The official prices are generally listed as follows:
| Service | Price |
| Entrance ticket | VND 30,000/person |
| Basket boat rental | Around VND 150,000–200,000/basket boat |
| Capacity | Usually up to 2 adults and 1 small child |
| Tour duration | About 45–60 minutes |
The basket boat tour gives visitors enough time to enjoy signature activities such as riding through the coconut forest, watching the basket boat spinning performance, and joining traditional folk games on the river.
Note: Prices may change slightly during public holidays and Tet. It is best to ask local boat operators clearly about the rental price or book through a reliable agency before the experience.
4. Best Things to Do at Bay Mau Coconut Forest
The appeal of Bay Mau Coconut Forest comes not only from its natural scenery but also from its cultural and recreational activities, which reflect the river life of Cam Thanh.
4.1 Ride a basket boat through the coconut forest
Riding a basket boat through the nipa palm forest is the most iconic experience at Bay Mau Coconut Forest and one that most visitors want to try.
Sitting in a traditional round basket boat from Central Vietnam, you will be rowed by local boatmen through small waterways shaded by green coconut palms. The atmosphere is peaceful, with the sound of paddles touching the water and the breeze moving through the palm leaves. It feels relaxing and very different from the busy Ancient Town.
4.2 Watch the famous basket boat spinning performance
The basket boat spinning performance is one of the experiences that makes Bay Mau Coconut Forest stand out.
Local boatmen perform continuous spinning moves on the water, often accompanied by music and cheers from visitors. The high-speed spinning creates a lively atmosphere and attracts many travelers.
If you enjoy trying something new, you can even sit inside the spinning basket boat to feel the excitement more directly.
4.3 Make souvenirs from coconut leaves with local artisans
During the tour, you can try making small handmade souvenirs from nipa palm leaves with local artisans.
With just a few simple steps, coconut leaves can be shaped into rings, grasshoppers, watches, or crowns. This activity is not only fun but also helps visitors appreciate the creativity and folk culture of the Cam Thanh river region.
4.4 Try fishing like a local (casting nets and catching crabs)
Trying to cast fishing nets gives visitors a glimpse into the daily life of people in Hoi An’s river communities.
With guidance from local residents, you can try throwing a fishing net into the river like a real fisherman. This is both entertaining and memorable, especially for groups of friends or families traveling together.
4.5 Enjoy Bai Choi singing and traditional games on the river
In addition to basket boat activities, visitors may also have the chance to enjoy Bai Choi singing and join traditional folk games on the river.
The folk melodies of Quang Nam, combined with the riverside setting, create a cultural experience that feels very typical of Central Vietnam. Activities such as tug-of-war on boats and other folk games also make the visit more lively and enjoyable.
5. What to Eat Near Bay Mau Coconut Forest
After visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest, travelers can easily enjoy many Hoi An specialties and local seafood dishes.
The area around the boat wharf and the road leading into Cam Thanh has many eateries and riverside restaurants serving dishes with the flavors of Central Vietnam. The open-air setting among rows of nipa palms also makes the dining experience more relaxing.
5.1 Local dishes around the eco area
You can try many famous Hoi An specialties after the tour, such as cao lau, mi Quang, crispy Vietnamese pancakes with jumping shrimp, and local seafood.
Other rustic dishes are also popular with visitors, including grilled mussels with scallion oil, banana blossom salad with shrimp and pork, and fresh seafood. Enjoying a meal in a riverside thatched hut while feeling the cool breeze from the coconut forest is a signature experience in the Cam Thanh area.
5.2 Fresh coconut drinks
Nipa palm fruit is a refreshing treat that many visitors enjoy when visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
Unlike regular coconut, nipa palm fruit has a milky-white flesh that is slightly crunchy and pleasantly refreshing. You can try it with crushed ice or enjoy fresh coconut water right on the basket boat, especially on hot summer days, to better feel the river atmosphere of Hoi An.
6. Travel Tips for Visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest
For a more comfortable and convenient trip, it is a good idea to prepare suitable clothing and bring a few essential items.
Since most activities take place outdoors and on the water, planning ahead will help you move around more easily, take better photos, and avoid small inconveniences during the visit.
6.1 What to wear for comfort and photos
Choose light, breathable clothing that is easy to move in when sitting in a basket boat or joining outdoor activities.
For women, maxi dresses, babydoll dresses, or outfits in bright colors such as white, yellow, and red are great for photos against the green coconut forest. For men, T-shirts or tropical-print shirts paired with shorts can create a more comfortable, laid-back look.
You should also wear flat sandals or easy-to-walk-in footwear to make it more convenient when getting on and off the boat.
6.2 Essential items to bring (sunscreen, hat, waterproof bag)
Sunscreen, a hat, and a waterproof bag are important items to bring when visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
Because the weather on the river can be quite sunny, you should also bring sunglasses, a light jacket, or a wide-brimmed hat to reduce heat while moving around outdoors. A waterproof bag for your phone or camera is also useful, especially when water splashes during the basket boat ride or spinning performance.
It is also a good idea to carry a small bottle of water to stay hydrated throughout the trip.
Conclusion
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a great place for travelers who want a nature-focused experience while visiting Hoi An. From riding a basket boat through the coconut forest and watching the spinning performance to enjoying local food and learning about river culture, this destination offers a different perspective beyond the ancient charm of Hoi An Ancient Town.
If you are looking for a convenient place to stay near the Ancient Town while exploring Bay Mau Coconut Forest and enjoying a relaxing Hoi An getaway, Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa is a suitable choice for a more complete trip.
