The coconut forest has been growing for 200 years. The variety of coconut, which was brought by southwestern immigrants, perfectly fit the favorable soil and water conditions of the central region. From only a few hectares, the coconut trees have naturally grown into a forest with a total area of over 100 hectares.
Rowing basket boats to take visitors to Cam Thanh coconut village. Photo: Tat Son A boat trip under coconut trees relaxes visitors. Photo: Tat Son Cam Thanh water coconut village is a great destination for visitors to Hoi An. Photo: Tat Son Visitors join locals in catching crabs – a local specialty. Photo: Cong Dat Cam Thanh water coconut forest is over 100 hectares large. Photo: Cong Dat |
For generations, the coconut forest, which is home to numerous aquatic species, has protected Cam Thanh villagers from waves from the sea and safeguarded the world biosphere reserve Cham Islands.
Just for VND 150,000 (roughly USD 7), one can rent a basket boat for two visitors with a friendly boatman to discover the wild beauty of the coconut forest.
Two hours in the basket boat rowing through small channels under green coconut trees, visitors will experience the pleasure of listening to sweet folksongs sung by the boat rower and seeing locals catching fish and crab. They will enjoy the adventure of sitting in the constantly swinging and shaking basket boat skillfully rowed by the boatman. Visitors will have to hold tightly to the boat to avoid falling out of it, which gives both fear and excitement.
According to Do Van Tien, a member of the basket boat team, his village, Van Thanh, alone has over 300 basket boats. In summer, the village may host a thousand visitors who come mostly from South Korea, China and some European countries.
Ananimal madefrom coconut leaves. Photo: Cong Dat Agirl with a local gift made from water coconut leaves. Photo: Tat Son Traditional fishing method of locals in Cam Thanh. Photo: Cong Dat A visitor learns how to use a fishing net. Photo: Cong Dat |
After the journey to discover the wild coconut forest, visitors can stay at the wharf, enjoying coconut milk and watch the whole immense water area with green coconut forests. This peaceful scene gives a sense of relaxation visitors can never forget as well as a desire to come back.
