Bay Mau Coconut Forest Hoi An: Experiencing a Miniaturized Mekong Delta in the Heart of the Ancient Town

Bay Mau Coconut Forest (also known as Cam Thanh coconut forest) is located in Vong Nhi hamlet / Group 2, Can Nhan hamlet, Cam Thanh commune, Hoi An city, former Quang Nam province (now Da Nang city). This area is only about 3-5km southeast of Hoi An ancient town center, situated along the Hoai, Thu Bon, and De Vong rivers where the three streams converge before flowing into Cua Dai.

With an area of over 100 hectares, the lush green nipa palm forest creates a "miniature Mekong Delta" right in the heart of Central Vietnam. You can travel easily:

• From Hoi An: Motorbike, bicycle, or taxi takes only 10-15 minutes via Tran Nhan Tong Street or by boat from Bach Dang wharf down the Hoai River.
• From Da Nang: About 30-31km, crossing Cua Dai Bridge (Vo Nguyen Giap – Lac Long Quan – Tran Nhan Tong route).

Contact Hotline: 0985 402 302 or website rungduabaymau.vn to update the latest information.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest has a history closely tied to the land of Cam Thanh, which was once an important revolutionary base during the anti-French and anti-American resistance wars. The name "Bay Mau" (Seven Mau) originates from the initial area of about 7 mau of land (approx. 3.5 hectares) planted with nipa palms in the 1960s-1970s. During the war, this coconut forest served as a shelter and shield for local guerrillas and villagers, contributing to national victory. After peace was restored, the area was preserved and developed into an eco-tourism destination starting in the 2000s, thanks to the efforts of local authorities and the community.

Naturally, Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a vast wetland forest with over 100 hectares of nipa palm, a familiar plant of the Central Vietnam river regions. The forest helps prevent riverbank erosion, purifies the water source of the Thu Bon River, and serves as a habitat for many species of birds, fish, crabs, and aquatic life. In addition, nipa palm is also used by locals to make handicrafts and food. Facing changes in weather and climate, the coconut forest plays a crucial role in mitigating flooding and protecting riverbank soil, becoming a model of eco-tourism linked to environmental protection in the Cu Lao Cham – Hoi An area.

The weather in Hoi An is tropical monsoonal, making the ideal time to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest from March to August, when the weather is sunny, rainfall is minimal, and temperatures range from 25-32°C. This is the peak tourism season, suitable for outdoor activities like boat paddling or exploring the forest. In particular, May to July is when the nipa palms are at their greenest and the water is calm, offering an authentic "Mekong Delta" experience.

If you want to avoid crowds, plan your visit in the early morning (from 8 AM to 10 AM) or late afternoon (from 3 PM to 5 PM), when the sunlight is gentle and the air is cooler. Avoid the rainy season from September to December, as flooding or humid weather may interrupt your activities. Nevertheless, the coconut forest is open year-round from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM, allowing flexibility according to your schedule.

According to the latest 2026 updates, the entrance fee to Bay Mau Coconut Forest is 30,000 VND/adult, and free for children under 1m tall. This ticket includes entry to the general area and some basic activities such as watching folk performances.

For the main experience of riding a basket boat, ticket prices range from 150,000 to 280,000 VND per boat (for 2 adults and 1 child under 1m). Higher prices usually include a local guide, fresh coconut water, and extra activities like basket shaking. If traveling in a large group, you can rent private boats to save costs.

Other incidental expenses:  

• Food & Dining: Rustic dishes like Vietnamese savory pancakes (banh xeo), grilled fish in coconut leaves around 50,000-100.000 VND/portion.
• Renting traditional costumes or photo props: 20,000-50,000 VND.
• Group tour from Hoi An: 550,000-800,000 VND/person, including round-trip transfer and meals.
• Transportation: Taxi from Hoi An is about 100,000 VND/one way.

Note: Prices may vary during peak seasons, so please check directly at the counter. 

Riding a basket boat is the "signature" activity of Bay Mau Coconut Forest, bringing the feeling of being immersed in the Mekong Delta waterways. You will sit in a round basket boat rowed by local people, winding through intricate canals under the lush green canopy of coconut palms. The rowers are often local fishermen who share stories about history and river life, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere.

The highlight is the thrilling basket boat spinning performance, where the rower spins the boat 360 degrees at high speed, creating a mix of excitement and laughter amidst splashing water. You also have the chance to try rowing the boat yourself, catching crabs, fishing, or picking fresh coconuts right on the river. The entire journey lasts 45-60 minutes, ending with a cool glass of coconut water to help you relax and connect with nature in a truly authentic way.

Cuisine at Bay Mau Coconut Forest features rich riverfront flavors blended with the distinct characteristics of Hoi An food culture. Dishes here are usually prepared from fresh, rustic ingredients yet packed with flavorful tastes, providing a delightful culinary experience for visitors exploring the eco-site.

• Banana flower salad: Shredded banana blossom tossed with shrimp and pork, sweet and tangy.
• Sweet and sour shrimp salad & spring rolls: Fresh and flavorful, wrapped with fresh herbs.
• Grilled fish (pomfret, stingray): Charcoal-grilled, served with Cam Thanh dipping sauce.
• Banh xeo & wet rice paper rolls with grilled pork: Crispy, savory, and rich.
• Coconut specialties: Nipa palm sweet soup, coconut rice with salted sesame, crispy toasted coconut cake.
• Other dishes: Grilled chicken in corn leaves, baby clams with rice crackers.

Visitors can enjoy these dishes at local homes or small eateries within the coconut forest area at quite affordable prices, usually ranging from 50,000 to 150,000 VND per dish. Additionally, many tour programs to Bay Mau Coconut Forest also include a lunch with local specialties, making the experience even more complete.

If you are exploring Bay Mau Coconut Forest for the first time, preparing a few small tips in advance will make your trip smoother, safer, and more enjoyable, especially when participating in the signature river activities here.

• Transportation and booking: From Hoi An, rent a motorbike (around 100,000 VND/day) for freedom of exploration. If traveling in a group, book a join-in tour to save money and have a guide.
• Costumes and items: Wear comfortable, cool clothing, and non-slip footwear suitable for river terrain. Do not forget sunscreen, a hat, insect repellent, and a water bottle.
• Visiting time: You only need about 2–3 hours to experience most of the activities in the coconut forest.
• Money-saving tips: Book tickets or tours in advance through reputable providers for better prices. When visiting, prioritize sightseeing, taking photos, and soaking in the river atmosphere over excessive shopping.
• Safety and sustainability: Always wear a life jacket when boarding the boat, and do not litter to protect the environment. If traveling with children or elderly people, choose a gentle tour pace.

By keeping these tips in mind, you can fully enjoy the beauty of the coconut forest, avoid unnecessary hassles, and turn your visit into a truly memorable experience in Hoi An.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest Hoi An is not only an eco-tourism attraction, but also a place preserving the rustic values of Central Vietnam river life, where people, nature, and culture blend harmoniously. Amidst the quiet pace of the ancient town, the moment of sitting in a basket boat gliding through green coconut groves, listening to Quang Nam folk songs echoing over the water, transforms the trip from mere "sightseeing" into a touching experience. If you are looking for a complete itinerary when visiting Hoi An, Bay Mau Coconut Forest is the perfect piece to connect with the ancient town, Hoai River, Cam Thanh countryside, and authentic local cultural experiences. Choosing a Bay Mau Coconut Forest tour combining Bay Mau Coconut Forest not only helps you save time and costs, but also ensures guided arrangements, a well-planned itinerary, and genuine experiences that are hard to fully feel on a self-guided trip.