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A coconut boat ride is one of the most unique experiences in Vietnam. You can give it a try in Hoi An, the most famous destination offering this activity.
A coconut boat ride is one of the experiences that sounds simple until you’re actually spinning across the water, laughing harder than you expected. In Hoi An, the best place to try it is Bay Mau coconut forest in Cam Thanh Village — only about 5 km from the ancient town, tucked inside a quiet mangrove ecosystem.
This guide covers everything you need to know for your coconut boat ride in Hoi An, including ticket prices, the best time to visit, what to expect, and tips to make the most of it.
About a coconut boat ride
A coconut boat, also known as a basket boat, is a traditional, round-shaped vessel of local fishermen in Vietnam. Made from coconut and bamboo, it is an extraordinary water-based mode of transportation mostly found in Hoi An (Da Nang city), Ly Son Island (Quang Ngai), Quy Nhon, etc. In recent years, a coconut boat ride has been listed as one of the best and unmissable activities for travelers in the S-shaped nation.
If you want a ride through a graceful river surrounded by a cool mangrove ecosystem, the Bay Mau coconut forest, only around 5 km from Hoi An ancient town, will be your ideal stop. Please note that it is not just for fun, it will also give you a glimpse of the city’s culture and life. Interested? Scroll down to know every detail about the ride.
How to embark on a coconut boat ride in Hoi An
Head to the Bay Mau coconut forest
The well-known forest is located in Hamlet 3, Hoi An Dong ward, Da Nang city, Vietnam. It’s only about 5 km from the Bridge Pagoda (or Chua Cau) in the ancient town of Hoi An, making it convenient and quick for a highly anticipated boat ride.
Here are the popular ways to get there:
By motorbike: Just a 10-minute ride from downtown will take you to the Bay Mau coconut forest. However, not many foreigners can use this vehicle, so make sure you have a license and experience. Do not forget to wear a helmet and be careful, as the streets sometimes are chaotic.
By bicycle: You can reach this tourist attraction in about 20-30 minutes. Cycling is quite easy, and international visitors really love it. They have a chance to immerse themselves in the picturesque countryside, do a little exercise, and contribute to sustainability. Moreover, this will help budget travelers save a lot.
By walking or running: This might be tiring and exhausting, but for runners, 5 km doesn’t matter at all. Take your time along the roads and let your legs take you to your next fun activity.
By taxi: If a motorbike or bicycle does not work for you, catch a traditional or technology-based taxi such as Grab, Green SM, or Be to the coconut groves. The price is also affordable, and even cheaper when you travel in groups.
In addition, there is no need to worry about how to get to the forest if you have booked a tour package from a local agent, which includes a round-trip transport.
Opening hours and the best time of day
The Bay Mau coconut forest with boat tours opens daily from 7 AM to 5 PM. The opening time can be affected by unpleasant weather. If there is heavy rain, a typhoon, or a flood, cancel your coconut boat ride in Hoi An.
As I observe, the early morning (before 9 AM) is the best time for the ride when there are not too many people and the atmosphere is really nice. Besides, after 4 PM is great for watching a magnificent fishing net-throwing performance or the scenic sunset. Other time periods are quite hot and crowded.
What to do during your coconut boat ride
Sit still in the boat and enjoy every moment: For a tranquil and comfortable feeling, just sit there and go with the flow. Feel free to talk to the boatmen during the ride. You will hear many interesting things.
Take part in the boat spin: Test your brain and ability to handle balance or thrills. The boatmen will spin the boat round and round very quickly. You can choose to watch only or spin with them. It looks so scary, so I have never tried.
See the performances by locals: Boat-spinning, net-throwing, and boat racing are the popular acts at the Bay Mau coconut forest. Do not miss them!
Fishing by net: This activity is made for those who want to experience a fisherman’s skill. It’s exciting and worth participating in once in a lifetime.
Savor specialties, particularly seafood, take a lot of beautiful pictures, and seeing the sunset will complete your adventure.
Coconut boat ride ticket prices in Hoi An
Entrance fee per person:
- Adult: 30,000 VND (~1.1 USD);
- Kids aged 5-9: Discount of 50% (or 15,000 VND)
- Kids under 5: Free
Fares for a 70- to 90-minute coconut boat ride:
- Adult: 100,000 – 125,000 VND/person (3.8 – 4.7 USD)
- Kids aged 5-9: Discount of 50%
- Kids under 5: Free
The best time of the year to try a coconut boat ride in Hoi An
The best time to visit Hoi An and experience a boat ride is from February to August.
From February to April, the weather is perfect with cool wind, light sunshine, and no rain. It’s often hotter from May to August with sudden rain. However, this is the best for beachfront and underwater activities. Summer is the peak tourist season in Vietnam. You will see millions of people flocking here, especially in Central.
From October to November, storms, heavy rains, and floods usually occur. Therefore, you should avoid this period of time. December to January is the festive season, also a suitable time to visit, but the prices can be much higher than usual, and the sky is not very clear.
Tips for a memorable coconut boat ride
Keep in mind the following tips for a stress-free and unforgettable excursion on a coconut boat.
- Wear a life vest for your safety.
- Update the weather forecast before the journey.
- Vietnam’s midday sun can be intense, especially between 10 AM and 3 PM, so wear a hat or umbrella and apply sunscreen to protect your skin and health.
- Prepare some cash in case you want to tip the boatmen or buy something super cheap.
- Carry your ID documents for checking if needed.
- Bring along some refreshment or snacks to have a little taste while admiring the charming landscapes.
- Do not embark on the coconut boat ride if you feel unwell. Some people might get seasick on this kind of vessel.
- Dress in light, neat, and comfortable clothes.
To conclude, a coconut boat ride is a must-try experience in Hoi An, Vietnam. With only a few US dollars, you can spend more than 1 hour amidst the lush greenery, enjoying a range of incredible activities. Immerse yourself in peace, local culture, and thrill at the same time. Believe me, you will be surprised by this small and simple-looking thing.
For more unique and helpful information for your trips in Vietnam and seek experiences like a local, view Jackfruit Adventure’s blog. We also offer city tour experiences with Jackfruit Adventure in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi with so much fun at reasonable prices. Look forward to accompanying you to discover the beauty of these wonderlands.
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