Experience the feeling of spinning on a basket boat in Hoi An

An artist is performing a basket boat dance. Photo: Duy Hau

Different from the ancient features of Hoi An ancient town, visitors will be surprised to see the wild, green beauty of Bay Mau coconut forest in group 2, Can Nhan village, Cam Thanh commune, just 10 minutes drive from the city center.

"Miniature West" in the heart of Hoi An

About 4 km from Hoi An city towards Cua Dai beach, Bay Mau coconut forest (also known as Cam Thanh coconut forest) is an eco-tourism area that gives visitors the feeling of being lost in the river delta of the West.

Up to now, the coconut forest has a history of about 200 years. According to local people, when migrants from the Southwest region came here, they brought and planted water coconut trees. Due to the suitable climate, water coconut trees quickly grew and formed a forest of about 7 hectares. Since then, people have called this area Bay Mau coconut forest. The coconut trees here have continuously grown. Up to now, the coconut forest has an area of ​​up to 100 hectares.

Coconut forest takes tourists "lost" in the river delta of the West. Photo: Duy Hau

Bay Mau Coconut Forest quickly became an attractive destination for visitors after being exploited for tourism with an entrance fee of 30,000 VND/person.

The highlight of this place is the experience of riding a basket boat along the river. The ticket for the boat ride and participating in entertainment activities is 150,000 VND/boat. Each boat can carry 2 passengers.

Basket boats are a familiar means of transport for residents of Cua Dai beach, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province. Currently, there are more than 1,000 basket boats serving tourists in the coconut forest. Most foreign tourists are excited when they first see the round-shaped boats typical of Quang Nam.

Vast coconut forest seen from above. Photo: Duy Hau

The simple but sturdy and safe boats will take you along the cool road on the clear blue water, with coconut forests stretching out into the middle of the river on both sides, creating a Western scene in the heart of Hoi An.

Try your hand at the basket boat "dance"

The most attractive point at Bay Mau coconut forest is probably the experience of "dancing" with fishermen here. This game is no different from the adventure games in the park.

The boatmen use their skillful skills to make the basket boat spin "dizzyingly". The spectators feel nauseous just by witnessing it. However, this game attracts visitors because of its uniqueness and stimulating desire to conquer.

To participate in this game, visitors need to have physical strength and balance skills, especially not for the "faint-hearted" or seasick.

Canadian tourist Alex Andria called this the "craziest" experience she had while visiting Vietnam. She excitedly shared a video recording the moment of "partying" enthusiastically on a rotating basket boat, which delighted many people.

Alex is one of the few tourists who can keep a cheerful look after "spinning" with the basket boat. Photo: Alex Andria

"It only cost me 120,000 VND to go on a basket boat tour and participate in this game. It was the most valuable 5 USD I spent in Vietnam," Alex said.

However, not all visitors can easily overcome this basket spinning challenge. In 2019, Miss Korea Pacific Ham So Won fell out of the basket boat while playing. Thanks to her life jacket and the shallow water level, So Won did not suffer any injuries. This "half-crying, half-laughing" moment of hers attracted many people interested in trying it in Hoi An.

The beauty of fishermen catching fish and shrimp. Photo: Duy Hau

In addition, visitors will have many other interesting activities in the coconut forest such as watching fishermen perform fishing net casting, making handicrafts from pandan leaves, participating in folk games and enjoying delicious specialties at local homes.