Bay Mau Coconut Forest: Basket Boat Adventure in Hoi An's Waterways

Bay Mau Coconut Forest sits in Cam Thanh commune, just 3km east of Hoi An ancient town — a 100+ hectare nipa palm forest along the Thu Bon River. Once a revolutionary base during wartime, it's now one of Central Vietnam's most captivating eco-tourism destinations, famous for its unique basket boat experience.

Basket Boat Rides — The Forest's Signature

Sitting in a round bamboo basket boat, local boatmen navigate through towering nipa palm corridors. The highlight is the boat spinning (360° rotation) — incredibly fun as skilled boatmen show off their spinning technique while tourists cheer and laugh.

Bay Mau Coconut Forest — basket boat adventure on the waterways

Activities & Experiences

Basket boat ride through the forest: Weave through narrow channels, admiring the mangrove ecosystem.
Boat spinning: Watch (and try!) the viral TikTok-famous boat spinning on water!
Cast net fishing: Learn how local fishermen cast nets and catch fish the traditional way.
Coconut leaf crafts: Weave hats, bracelets, and grasshoppers from palm leaves — take them home as souvenirs.

💡 Mẹo: Visit early morning (7-8am) or late afternoon (3-4pm) to avoid heat and crowds. Life jackets are provided free — always wear them.

Best Travel Season

Bay Mau Coconut Forest is beautiful year-round, but the ideal time is February to August. The rainy season (Sep-Dec) may affect basket boat rides with higher water levels, but the forest becomes extraordinarily lush and green.

ℹ️ Basket boat tour: 100,000-200,000 VND/person (~30-45 min). Combo tour with boat + fishing + crafts: 250,000-350,000 VND.

Getting There from Da Nang

From central Da Nang to Bay Mau Coconut Forest is about 30km (~45 min by car). Combine with a Hoi An ancient town visit — the forest is just 10 min by car or a lovely 20-min bike ride through rice paddies from the old town.