Not far from the center of Hoi An Ancient Town, Bay Mau Coconut Forest emerges as a lush green oasis, offering visitors unique and exciting experiences. This place is not only a beautiful natural landscape but also an important part of Quang Nam’s cultural and tourism life.
About Bay Mau Coconut Forest
Bay Mau Coconut Forest, also known as Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, boasts a vast ecosystem of water coconut palms, stretching over an area of about 7 hectares (hence the name “Bay Mau,” meaning “Seven Mau”). This forest is located in Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City, and is home to various aquatic species, especially shrimp, crabs, and fish. The most distinctive feature of Bay Mau Coconut Forest is its traditional basket boats (thuyen thung) – the main mode of transportation for locals and also the “star” of tourist activities.
Unforgettable Experiences at Bay Mau Coconut Forest
When visiting Bay Mau Coconut Forest, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in nature and discover fascinating things:
Rowing a basket boat: This is undoubtedly the most anticipated experience. You’ll sit in the basket boats, skillfully paddled by local people, weaving through the small waterways amidst the coconut forest. The feeling of floating on the water, admiring the lush green coconut trees on both sides, is truly relaxing and peaceful.
Watching basket boat dancing and net casting: Many visitors will be surprised and delighted to witness the skillful and eye-catching basket boat dancing performances by the boat rowers. They can expertly spin the thung, creating beautiful swirling patterns. Additionally, you can observe locals casting fishing nets, an intriguing glimpse into their daily lives.
Savoring fresh seafood: After exploring the coconut forest, you can enjoy rustic, delicious dishes prepared from freshly caught seafood like shrimp, crabs, and fish.
Learning to make souvenirs from coconut leaves: The local people are very skillful and are happy to guide visitors on how to make cute small souvenirs from coconut leaves such as rings, earrings, or funny animal figures.
Ideal time to visit
The best time to visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest is during the dry season, from approximately February to September. At this time, the weather is dry and sunny, which is perfect for outdoor activities and basket boating. You should go early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the intense sun and capture the best photos.
Bay Mau Coconut Forest is a must-visit destination when you travel to Hoi An. It offers a peaceful natural landscape, unique cultural experiences, and will surely leave visitors with unforgettable memories.