More than 200 years ago, Hoi An brought nipa coconut varieties from the West to plant. Today, where those nipa palm trees are planted, it has become a favorite tourist destination known as the water coconut forest – the other name of Bay Mau Coconut Forest.
Location of water coconut forest
Regarding the name of this place, before being expanded, the forest only had about 7 acres of nipa palms, so it was called that way. Today, along with tourism development, the area of nipa palm trees has also expanded, not only 7 acres as before. 4km southeast of Hoi An, water coconut forest looks like a corner of the Western region of the river. Water coconut forest is in Van Lang, Thanh Tam Tay, Thanh Tam Dong, Thanh Nhut, and Con Nhan in Cam Thanh commune, Hoi An city. At the same time, it is surrounded by rivers, so it is very convenient for guerrilla warfare.
In 2008, the People’s Committee of Quang Nam province recognized the water coconut forest as a historical and cultural relic site, put into management and protection. Since then, the coconut grove has grown in popularity as a tourist destination in Quang Nam. Today, Bay Mau is an ecological region with a charming flooded forest system. This is also the home of many aquatic species, including shrimp, crabs, and mollusks. The Bay Mau mangrove ecosystem also acts as a filter, accumulating and decomposing waste and purifying the water source before flowing into the sea.
Tourists visiting water coconut forest – Bay Mau Coconut Forest are surprised by the vast number of nipa palm trees hidden by many low-roofed houses made from coconuts. Visitors can sit on basket boats rowed by local people to enjoy the beauty of the river. Below are schools of fish swimming freely; above are storks nesting in coconut trees.
The circle boats bobbing on the water, skillfully rowed by boatmen, are very safe for tourists. Visitors can also experience an extraordinary basket dance performance. There are also exciting folk games such as beating rice in pots blindfolded, tug of war, boat racing… The food here also becomes a highlight with many attractive dishes: grilled fish, banana flower salad, coconut water tea… The water coconut forest is open from 7:00 am – 5:00 pm. The entrance fee is 30,000 VND/person, and basket boat rental is 150,000 – 200,000 VND/boat.
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What is in water coconut forest?
Today, water coconut forest is a place to visit and a unique eco-tourism area, with a river system, water bamboo forests, and countless animals and plants that combined with richness and charming nature. When visiting the water coconut forest, many tourists are taken aback and fascinated by the rows of nipa palms interspersed with low-roofed cottages characteristic of Vietnamese communities.
What’s more interesting than rowing a circle boat on the canals, enjoying the fresh air and pure nature, watching schools of fish swimming freely, and groves of storks nesting above. In particular, the locals live and serve tourists visiting and exploring the coconut forest. This is a sort of community tourism that promotes sustainable development. Both production and daily labor are carried out through fishing and artisan weaving. Most foreign tourists love this place, especially those from Korea and European countries.
How to get to water coconut forest?
Located on the outskirts of Hoi An ancient town, moving 3.5 km east in the same direction as Cu Lao Cham tourist island, and the seven-acre coconut forest is 37 km from Da Nang city center and 37 km from Vinpearl Nam Hoi amusement park. Visit Bay Mau Coconut Forest – Water Coconut Forest from Hoi An central. Proceed to Cua Dai Beach, then turn right onto Le Thanh Tong Street and continue straight for 2 kilometers to Cua Dai Bridge, which has a water coconut forest in front of it.
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Vehicles travel from Hoi An to the water coconut forest
- Wooden boat: departs from Bach Dang Pier then go to the tourist area about 30 minutes
- Car: With the above suggested directions, getting to water coconut forest by taxi is easy.
- Motorbikes are the most handy and inexpensive mode of transportation for young individuals who enjoy exploring.
- High-speed canoe : After finishing the Cu Lao Cham tour, the high-speed canoe will take you to the Bay Mau coconut forest ecological area.
- Electric car: moving from Hoi An city center, connecting passengers to the seven-acre coconut forest, the electric car in the seven-acre coconut forest can carry 15 people.
Travel to water coconut forest from Da Nang
From Da Nang city: Go straight east to Cu Lao Cham – go to Cua Dai beach intersection , turn right – go straight 700 m – turn left at Be Doi Chuong intersection – go straight 1.5 km to reach the area.
Go to the Bay Mau coconut forest from South Hoi An
From Vinpearl Nam Hoi An: Go straight 12 km north of Cua Dai Bridge – turn right at the intersection of Cam Thanh Bay Mau coconut eco-tourism area
Travel to the water coconut forest with a 1-day Cu Lao Cham group tour
The Cu Lao Cham tour itinerary combines exploring the water coconut forest in 1 day, creating favorable conditions for travel and sightseeing. Journey with vehicles such as cars, speedboats, wooden boats, and basket boats. Will help you gain new and interesting experiences during your trip.
What time does water coconut forest open?
Summer
The water coconut forest opens to guests at 7:30 a.m every day, and closes at 6:30 p.m.
Winter
In winter, the water coconut forest opens to guests 30 minutes later than in summer, from 8:00 a.m until 5:00 p.m during the day. We recommend that you travel early in the morning or after 4:00 p.m., this is the most beautiful and quiet time to explore this place.
The water coconut forest is a popular spot for young people to enjoy various services and shoot selfies. You should come between 09:00 – 11:30 or 3:30 – 5:30 p.m to watch the sunset gradually. The service activities of the water coconut forest are open almost all day, you can come at any time of the day. If you have the opportunity, you must try the basket dance service once in your life!
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