Cam Thanh Coconut Village – More Than Basket Boats

When people talk about Cam Thanh Coconut Village in Hoi An, the first thing that comes to mind is usually the basket boat ride. You may have seen videos of round boats spinning on the water, with tourists laughing and taking photos.

But Cam Thanh has much more to offer. It is a riverside area with nipa palm forests, fishing traditions, small villages, and peaceful countryside roads.

If you have some extra time in Hoi An, it’s worth exploring beyond the basket boat activities.

1. Where Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village?

Cam Thanh is located around 4–6 km from Hoi An Old Town, depending on your starting point. The area is known for its waterways and the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, also called the Cam Thanh Water Coconut Forest.

Although people often call it a coconut village, the trees here are mainly nipa palms, known in Vietnamese as dừa nước. They are different from the tall coconut trees you may see along the beach.

Nipa palms grow along rivers and brackish waterways, where freshwater mixes with seawater.

2. The Nipa Palm Forest Is the Heart of Cam Thanh

The green nipa palm forest is one of the most interesting things about Cam Thanh. Its leaves grow close to the water, creating narrow passages and quiet corners along the river.

The forest is more than a place for tourists to take photos. Nipa palms are part of the local environment and have been useful to people living near the waterways for generations.

Like other wetland plants, nipa palms provide habitat for small aquatic animals and help support the river ecosystem.

3. Fishing and Life on the Water

Fishing has long been part of daily life in the rivers and waterways around Cam Thanh.

Local people use small boats, fishing nets, and simple tools to catch fish, crabs, and other aquatic animals. Some of these traditional methods are also shown to visitors during basket boat tours.

You may see a rower casting a net or showing guests how to catch small crabs near the nipa palm roots. These demonstrations are a simple introduction to local fishing traditions, although they are not included in every tour.

Remember that Cam Thanh is also a place where people live and work. If you want to photograph fishermen or residents up close, it’s polite to ask first.

4. Why Are Basket Boats So Popular Here?

A basket boat, called thuyền thúng or thúng chai in Vietnamese, is a traditional round boat usually made from woven bamboo.

Along Vietnam’s central coast, fishermen still use basket boats for fishing near the shore and travelling between the beach and larger fishing boats. Some larger boats also carry basket boats out to sea so fishermen can work in the surrounding waters.

In Cam Thanh, local families use these boats to take visitors through the coconut forest.

A typical ride may include peaceful waterways, crab fishing, coconut leaf crafts, or spinning performances, depending on the operator and package.

If you’re planning your first ride, read our complete Hoi An basket boat guide. You can also check our prices, best time, and booking tips before you go.

5. Traditional Uses of Nipa Palm Leaves

For local families, nipa palms have practical uses beyond tourism.

The large leaves have traditionally been used for roofing and making simple household items. They can also be woven into small decorations and toys.

During a basket boat ride, you may see local rowers making rings, flowers, or other small souvenirs from the leaves.

These simple crafts are a nice way to learn how people use materials from the surrounding forest.

6. Explore the Countryside Around Cam Thanh

Cam Thanh is also a good place for a slow bicycle ride or a short countryside trip.

Away from the busiest boat stations, you can find village roads, local houses, fields, and views of everyday life around Hoi An.

You don’t need to visit many attractions. Sometimes, riding through the countryside and stopping for a few photos is already enjoyable.

If you’re cycling or riding a motorbike, stay on public roads, watch for local traffic, and respect private homes and farmland.

7. Combine Cam Thanh with a Cooking Class

Cam Thanh is a popular area for Vietnamese cooking classes. Some programs combine a market visit, a basket boat ride, and a hands-on cooking session.

This is a good option if you want to spend more time in the area and learn about Vietnamese food as well as local waterways.

Another option is to combine the basket boat ride with a countryside bicycle tour. Depending on the route, you may pass rice fields, small farms, and nearby villages.

Allow around 3–5 hours for a combined half-day trip, depending on the activities and travel time.

8. How to Get to Cam Thanh

Cam Thanh is a short trip from Hoi An Old Town. You can get there by:

• Bicycle: A nice choice if you enjoy exploring at a slower pace.
• Motorbike: Convenient if you are legally permitted and comfortable riding in Vietnam.
• Electric car (e-car): An option where the route and service are available.
• GrabBike: Useful for solo travellers; check availability in the app.
• Taxi or GrabCar: Convenient for families and small groups.
• Organized tour: Some tours include transportation and hotel pickup.

If you’ve booked a basket boat ride or cooking class, ask for the exact meeting point. There are several departure areas and operators around Cam Thanh.

9. When Is the Best Time to Visit?

Early morning and late afternoon are usually more comfortable for outdoor activities. The light can also be better for photos.

Midday may be hot, especially in open areas or on the water.

Hoi An’s rainy season generally falls between September and December. Heavy rain, strong winds, thunderstorms, or flooding can affect boat rides and other outdoor activities.

During unsettled weather, check conditions with your operator before travelling.

10. A Few Useful Tips Before You Go

• Choose your activities: Decide whether you want a basket boat ride, cooking class, countryside trip, or a combination.
• Research boat operators: Read recent reviews and choose a local family or operator before arriving.
• Be careful with roadside offers: Some offers may not match the activities or prices promised. Go to your chosen operator and confirm the total cost in advance.
• Ask about the route: Some boat areas are lively, while others are quieter.
• Bring sun protection: A hat, sunscreen, and drinking water are useful.
• Respect the environment: Don’t leave rubbish in the waterways or damage the nipa palms.

11. Is Cam Thanh Worth Visiting Without a Basket Boat Ride?

Yes, especially if you enjoy nature, local culture, and quiet countryside scenery.

The basket boat ride is the best-known activity, but it’s not the only reason to visit. You can explore the village roads, learn about fishing traditions, join a cooking class, or simply enjoy the landscape.

If you have only a short time in Hoi An, a basket boat ride may be the easiest way to see the coconut forest. If you have half a day, combining it with another activity can give you a better understanding of Cam Thanh.

12. Another Interesting Story: Nipa Palm Nectar

Most visitors know nipa palms for their green leaves and the coconut forest scenery. But these palms have another interesting use: their flower stalks can be tapped to collect naturally sweet nectar.

At Hoa Arika Hoi An, we use fresh nipa blossom nectar, together with coconut and arenga blossom nectars, to sweeten our drinks without refined sugar.

It’s one of the stories we enjoy sharing about the plants and people of the Hoi An region. Learn more at Hoa Arika Hoi An.

Final Thoughts

Cam Thanh Coconut Village is more than a place for basket boat spinning. It is a riverside community with a special landscape and traditions connected to the water.

Whether you come for a short boat ride or spend half a day exploring, try to look beyond the main tourist activity. The nipa palm forest, local crafts, fishing traditions, and countryside are all part of what makes Cam Thanh interesting.

Explore Hoi An with Hoa Arika — A sweet story from Hoi An.