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Coconut Village Hoi An Location

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People in round bamboo boats on a river in Cam Thanh Village, surrounded by lush greenery.

Cam Thanh Coconut Village (Bay Mau Forest) lies just 3-6 km southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town—depending on where you are. You can get there quickly by bike, car, taxi, or as part of a guided tour. Everyone chooses based on comfort, budget, or the kind of experience they want before the ride.

Hoi An to Cam Thanh Coconut Village: Time & distance

Boats docked at Bach Dang Wharf, Hoi An Ancient Town, with yellow buildings and palm trees.

From Hoi An Ancient Town: 5–7 km southeast

  • Taxi/car/rideshare: 10–15 minutes (many tours include hotel pick-up and drop-off)
  • Motorbike/bicycle: 10–15 minutes by motorbike via Tran Nhan Tong or Vo Chi Cong Road; 15–20 minutes by bicycle
  • Walking (if staying nearby): 30–40 minutes from closer points on the edge of town
  • By Boat (select tours): Scenic river transfer from Bach Dang Wharf in Hoi An to the coconut forest

Guided tours with transport included

Booking a coconut boat tour that includes hotel pick-up/drop-off saves you time and planning. No need to find the pier yourself or worry about return transport. These tours bundle transfers, tickets, and sometimes extras like snacks or village walks, making the whole experience smoother.

  • Skip DIY logistics: Hotel pick-up/drop-off eliminates navigating to Cam Thanh Village on your own.
  • All-in-one packages: Transfers plus boat ride, and often crab-fishing demos or cooking classes.
  • Time savings: Direct transfers mean you start on the water faster.
  • Local context: Guides share stories about the mangroves, fishing culture, and village life.
  • Peak-hour ease: Pre-arranged vans avoid the hassle of finding taxis when crowds build.

Time: ~10–15 minutes once picked up

  • Cost: Higher than self-travel; varies by private vs shared
  • Best for: Travelers who want a seamless, stress-free day
  • Cons: Fixed schedule; less flexibility

By motorbike, e-bike, or bicycle

Public e-bike sharing station with parked bikes in Madrid, Spain.

Independent travelers can reach Cam Thanh Coconut Village under their own steam, following rural roads past rice fields. It’s the cheapest and most flexible option, but you’ll need to plan around heat or rain.

  • Route: From Hoi An Ancient Town via Trần Nhân Tông or Võ Chí Công Road to Cam Thanh piers (about 5–7 km).
  • Duration: ~10–15 min by motorbike/e-bike; ~15–20 min by bicycle.
  • Cost: Low — daily bike or scooter rentals are widely available in Hoi An.
  • Last mile: Park near the riverside piers; some tours have designated bike parking.
  • Pain points: Midday sun, occasional slippery patches after rain, limited shade.
  • Tip: Set off before 9 am or after 3 pm for cooler weather and lighter traffic.

By car, taxi, or rideshare

Family in car driving to travel destination, smiling and pointing ahead.

Driving or hiring a car/taxi is the fastest way to reach Cam Thanh Coconut Village, but you’ll need to factor in parking and occasional traffic.

  • Route: Follow Trần Nhân Tông or Võ Chí Công Road southeast from Hoi An Ancient Town to Cam Thanh (about 5–7 km).
  • Duration: ~10–15 minutes in normal conditions.
  • Cost: ~80,000–150,000 VND one way by taxi/rideshare; self-drive adds fuel + parking fees.
  • Parking: Limited near the riverside piers — expect to park a short walk away or pay a small fee.
  • Traffic: Gets heavier on weekends and late mornings; add buffer time in high season.
  • Detour ideas: Combine the trip with stops at nearby markets or rice-field cafés along the route.

By boat

Woman enjoying basket boat tour on a lush green lagoon in Hoi An.

A few operators swap the road for water, letting you arrive at the coconut forest by scenic river transfer instead of driving.

  • Boarding point: Bach Dang Wharf in Hoi An Ancient Town, with direct boats down the Thu Bon River.
  • Duration: Depends on tide and route — typically 15–30 minutes; slower than road but more atmospheric.
  • Cost: Usually an add-on or included only in certain premium tours; check before booking.
  • Experience factor: Peaceful ride past riverside villages and fishing boats — a great photo opportunity.
  • Limitations: Not always available year-round; departures tied to tide/water levels and tour schedules.

Getting Around Cam Thanh Coconut Village

  • Walking: Most canals and coconut groves are accessible on foot. Paths are narrow and shaded—perfect for a leisurely stroll between boat docks, craft stalls, and local houses. Wear comfortable shoes; some routes may be muddy after rain.
  • Boat: The primary way to explore the village is via the iconic basket boats or traditional rowboats. Boats navigate narrow canals, letting you see villages, rice paddies, and wildlife up close. Always follow your rower’s guidance—waterways can be tight.
  • Cycling: Some trails through the village and surrounding rice fields are bike-friendly. Short, scenic loops connect homestays, local markets, and pier access points. Best for active visitors comfortable with uneven terrain.
  • Local Interactions / Walk + Boat Combo: Many experiences combine short walks to farms, craft stalls, or cooking classes with boat rides, making walking essential between stops.
  • Tips: Stick to marked paths and avoid stepping into private farmland. Carry small change for snacks or tips along the way. Peak hours (late morning) can be busy at popular docks, so early or late visits are quieter.

Things to do in Hoi An

Aerial view of basket boats on a river surrounded by lush greenery in Hoi An, Vietnam.
Person paddling a traditional blue bamboo basket boat in Vietnam.
Aerial view of Hoi An fishing net activity with round boats on green water.
Women releasing lanterns on Hoi An river at night, Vietnam.
Street view in Hoi An ancient town, Vietnam, with colorful lanterns and vibrant flowers.
Group enjoying lunch at a riverside restaurant in Hoi An, Vietnam.
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Coconut boat ride

Glide through shaded canals in iconic round basket boats rowed by locals. A signature Hoi An experience offering immersive views of rice paddies and village life.

Spinning boat trick

Watch skilled rowers spin and maneuver their boats in a crowd-pleasing performance. Perfect for fun photos and memorable moments.

Crab fishing demo

Learn traditional net-casting and crab-catching techniques from local villagers. Hands-on cultural insight into rural life along the waterways.

Lantern release tour

Evening rides let you float colorful lanterns on the river, creating magical reflections. Iconic for photography and a serene atmosphere.

Cam Thanh Village walk

Explore local markets, palm-roof houses, and rice farms on foot. A glimpse into daily village life and traditional craftsmanship.

Cooking class in the village

Join a hands-on session preparing Vietnamese dishes after your boat ride. Enjoy your creations as a fresh, local meal.

Your Hoi An tinerary

Aerial view of basket boats navigating through lush coconut water palms.

Morning

  • Depart Hoi An Ancient Town around 8:00–8:30 am.
  • Arrive at Cam Thanh Coconut Village and start your basket boat ride through the shaded canals.
  • Stop for photo opportunities among the iconic coconut groves and learn about traditional rowing techniques.
Tan Ky House in Hoi An with yellow facade and colorful lanterns reflected in the water.

Midday

  • Watch a crab fishing demonstration led by local villagers.
  • Take a short village walk to explore local markets, palm-roofed houses, and daily life.
  • Enjoy a local snack or lunch either on-site or in a nearby café.
People enjoying a vibrant coconut basket boat ride through lush palm trees in Vietnam.

Afternoon

  • Continue your ride, trying the spinning boat trick for a fun, interactive experience.
  • Optional bicycle ride through the surrounding rice paddies for more photo opportunities and scenic views.
Girl holding paper lantern by Hoi An river at night.

Evening

  • Join a sunset lantern release tour along the river for magical photos.
  • Some tours may include a Vietnamese cooking class or dinner experience afterward.

Tips for a smoother experience during your Coconut Boat ride 

  • Travel timing: Aim for early morning or late afternoon rides to avoid midday heat and weekend crowds.
  • Road & bike safety: If renting a bicycle or motorbike, check road conditions—especially during the rainy season.
  • Transfers: Confirm in advance whether your tour includes hotel pick-up/drop-off; otherwise, arrange taxis, rideshares, or bikes.
  • Cash & payments: Bring enough cash for snacks, tips, or craft stalls—ATMs are limited near the piers.
  • Sun & insect protection: Pack a hat, sunscreen, water, and bug spray for comfort.
  • Waterproofing gear: Use a waterproof pouch or case for your phone or camera; boats can get wet.
  • Clothing: Light, quick-dry clothes are ideal for comfort and ease during the boat ride.
  • Accessibility & balance: Boats require balance to board—keep this in mind for kids, elderly travelers, or anyone with mobility concerns.
  • Local etiquette: Ask permission before photographing villagers or their homes to show respect.
  • Navigation: Use Google Maps or local mapping apps; some piers are accessed via small village roads.

Frequently asked questions about planning your coconut boat ride in Hoi An

What’s the fastest way to reach Cam Thanh from Hoi An?

Taxi, rideshare, or private transfer is the quickest—about 10–15 minutes from the Ancient Town. Motorbikes and e-bikes take slightly longer but are flexible and scenic.

Is a guided tour worth it?

Yes—tours solve common DIY challenges like arranging transport, timing the boat ride, and including activities such as crab fishing or cooking classes. They also often include hotel pick-up and skip local queues.

Can I ride a bicycle or motorbike to the village?

Absolutely. The route is short (~10–20 minutes) and scenic through rice paddies. Be mindful of sun exposure, slippery roads in the rain, and local traffic.

Do I need to book the boat in advance?

It’s highly recommended, especially for sunset rides or weekend visits. Morning and late afternoon slots tend to be less crowded.

Are children or elderly travelers able to enjoy the coconut boat ride?

Yes, the rides are generally gentle. Private or guided transfers help minimize walking, but consider mobility limits for small boats or spinning tricks.

Can I combine the visit with other Hoi An attractions?

Yes—Ancient Town, cooking classes, lantern release tours, and night markets are all nearby, making it easy to plan a half- or full-day itinerary.