What and Where is Cam Thanh Coconut Village?
Cam Thanh is a rural commune in Hoi An made up of several small villages, rice fields, and water channels. It’s also home to a growing number of boutique homestays and eco-resorts, especially in the areas closer to the river and beach. When people talk about Cam Thanh Coconut Village—also called the Water Coconut Village—they usually mean the eastern part of the commune, near the Bay Mau nipa palm forest.
The forest was planted more than 200 years ago by settlers from southern Vietnam who brought water coconut seeds with them. During the Vietnam War, the dense palms and canals provided cover for resistance fighters, making it an important revolutionary base. Today, the area has transformed into a popular eco-tourism zone, offering basket boat rides, palm-shaded water tours, cooking classes, and local homestays surrounded by lush greenery.
The village sits along the Thu Bon River, just a few kilometers from Hoi An’s Ancient Town. Its surroundings include rice paddies, palm groves, and quiet backroads that connect it to the beaches and countryside.
Things to do in Cam Thanh Village
There are plenty of things to do in Cam Thanh Village that make it more than just a quick stop. From touristy basket boat rides to peaceful countryside cycling, this part of Hoi An offers a mix of experiences that suit both relaxed and active travelers. Below are some of the most popular activities you can try.
1. Take a Coconut Basket Boat Ride
This is by far the most famous activity in Cam Thanh Coconut Village. You’ll hop into a round bamboo basket boat and float through narrow canals lined with nipa palms. It’s not a quiet nature tour—expect a lively atmosphere with boat spinning tricks, loud music from group tours, and guides showing off their net-throwing or palm leaf crafting skills. It’s fun and unique, especially for families or first-time visitors, but definitely geared toward tourists. For a deeper look, check our dedicated basket boat guide.
You can read more about prices, how to book, what to expect, and pro tips in our full Coconut Basket Boat Ride guide.
2. Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding
If you want a more peaceful way to explore the coconut groves, kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding is a good alternative. You can rent equipment or join a small guided tour to paddle along the same water channels used by the basket boats—but at your own pace. Sunrise and sunset trips are especially scenic, with golden light filtering through the palm trees and fewer crowds on the water. It’s also a better option if you’re into quiet nature and light exercise.
3. Cycle through Cam Thanh countryside
Away from the water, Cam Thanh’s quiet roads and rice fields are ideal for cycling. You’ll pass small homes, vegetable gardens, water buffalo in the fields, and palm-covered trails. Many visitors cycle here from the Ancient Town or beach areas, then continue exploring the backroads through the commune. Late afternoon is a great time to go—cooler temperatures, softer light, and fewer tour groups make it more enjoyable. You don’t need a guide, just a good map or a local SIM card for directions.
4. Join a Cooking Class in the village
Cam Thanh is also a great spot to take a Vietnamese cooking class, often in a peaceful garden or among the coconut palms. Some classes start with a short boat ride or even a hands-on fishing experience before the actual cooking begins.
One of the best-known options is Coconut Fragrance Cooking Class, a top-rated experience combining a warm local atmosphere with professional instruction. Other good choices inside the village include the Sabirama Cooking Tour, which often adds extras like buffalo cart rides or foot massages, and the more low-key but friendly Papa’s Cooking Class. These classes are a fun way to learn Hoi An-style dishes in a quiet, natural setting.
If you’re considering a cooking class, check out our full Hoi An Cooking Classes Guide for more options around the city and a breakdown of what each experience typically includes.
5. Try folk games or coconut leaf craft
If you’re on a group tour, you might also get to try simple folk games or learn how to make crafts from coconut leaves. Local guides often show how to fold palm leaves into shapes like rings, birds, or flowers—a playful and creative souvenir to take home. These activities are short but entertaining, especially for kids or anyone curious about traditional crafts.
6. Visit a local house or harden
Some tours also include a stop at a local house or garden in Cam Thanh, where you might be offered fresh coconut juice, tea, or a light snack. It’s a nice way to experience the quieter, more personal side of the village beyond the tourist areas. In a few places, you can even watch how coconuts are harvested from the trees—then drink one straight from the shell. It’s simple but memorable and adds a human touch to your visit.
How to get to Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Cam Thanh Coconut Village is located about 4–6 kilometers southeast of Hoi An Ancient Town, depending on which part you’re heading to. It’s also a short ride from beach areas like An Bang or Cua Dai.
Cycling
Cycling is the best way to reach Cam Thanh if you’re staying in the Ancient Town, Cam Chau, or near An Bang Beach. The roads are flat and pass through some of Hoi An’s most scenic rice fields and countryside lanes. It usually takes around 15–25 minutes depending on your starting point. You don’t need a guide—just follow Google Maps (offline version works fine) or use mobile data if you have a Vietnamese SIM card. The ride is as much a part of the experience as the destination itself.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps
If you prefer convenience or are short on time, taking a taxi or using Grab or Xanh SM is easy. Drivers are generally familiar with Cam Thanh and will likely recognize a photo of the basket boats if you show it. Drop-off points might not be clearly marked, but most drivers will know where to stop. Finding a return ride is usually not a problem—just open your app again when you’re ready to leave. If you’re unsure, you can also ask the driver to wait for you.
Cam Thanh eco & village tours
If you don’t want to arrange the trip yourself, joining an organized tour is an easy and hassle-free way to visit Cam Thanh Coconut Village. Most tours include hotel pickup and drop-off in Hoi An, and combine one or more activities like a basket boat ride, cooking class, or cycling through the countryside. Some tours also include stops at other places around Hoi An, such as Tra Que Vegetable Village, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, or local fishing communities.
You can choose between group tours or private tours, depending on your travel style:
- Group tours are cheaper and more social, but usually follow a fixed itinerary and set departure time.
- Private tours cost more, but give you flexibility to choose exactly what you want to do—like skipping the boat ride and just joining a cooking class, or adding other countryside experiences.
Food and Restaurants in Cam Thanh
Cam Thanh has a few small local eateries where you can stop for a meal if you’re in the area around lunch. Most places serve simple Vietnamese dishes, but there are some spots catering to international tastes as well. The Basket Boat Café & Restaurant is a popular choice if you’re looking for something more comfortable, with a mix of Vietnamese food and Western items like hamburgers or smoothies.
If you’re in the mood to try something local, look out for grilled river fish, banana flower salad, or a refreshing coconut sweet soup made from the local nipa palm fruit. Many basket boat tours and cooking classes include a meal or snacks as part of the experience, so you might not need to plan lunch separately.
If you want more variety or a more polished dining setting, you’ll find plenty of great restaurants nearby in An Bang, or along the road heading back toward Hoi An Ancient Town.
Tips for visiting
Combine with a scenic bike ride
Getting to Cam Thanh by bike isn’t just practical—it’s one of the highlights. The ride takes you through peaceful rice paddies, quiet village roads, and palm-lined canals. It’s a great way to enjoy Hoi An’s countryside before or after your visit to the coconut village.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is in the early morning, when it’s cooler and less crowded. By late morning or midday, the basket boat area can get busy with tour groups, some of which play loud music or sing karaoke on the boats. If you prefer a quieter experience, avoid visiting around lunch hours.
What to bring
Bring sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses), plenty of water, and a camera or phone for photos. Wear light, comfortable clothing and sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet. During the rainy season, a light rain poncho is also a smart addition. Don’t forget some cash for drinks, snacks, or small purchases—card payments aren’t widely accepted.
Respect local spaces
Even though parts of Cam Thanh are now very touristy, it’s still a real neighborhood where people live and work. Stick to the main visitor zones for louder activities, and keep things low-key if you’re cycling through the quieter backroads. A little respect goes a long way.
Is Cam Thanh Coconut Village worth visiting?
If you’re looking for light, interactive activities and a break from the historic streets of the Ancient Town, Cam Thanh Coconut Village is worth a visit. It’s especially fun for families with kids, or anyone who enjoys boat rides, cooking classes, and a bit of countryside scenery.
That said, don’t expect a deeply local or untouched village—this area has grown into a busy eco-tourism spot, and parts of it feel quite commercial. But for what it offers—nature, culture, and playful experiences—it’s still a fun and worthwhile stop.
It fits well as a half-day trip and pairs nicely with cycling, nearby villages, or even the beach, depending on your travel style.
