Bay Mau Coconut Forest: Hoi An’s Basket Boat Ride and How to Get There

Spinning boats, palm-lined waterways and plenty of laughter — the Hoi An basket boat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest is one of the town’s most fun and photogenic experiences. Best of all, it’s just a short ride from the Ancient Town.

What is the coconut basket boat ride?

In the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, near Cam Thanh village, local boatpeople paddle round bamboo basket boats through dense rows of water-coconut palms. Expect gentle cruising along the waterways, fishing and crab-catching demonstrations, and the famous spinning “basket dance” that has visitors holding on and grinning. It’s a window into a genuine local way of life on the estuary where the Thu Bon River meets the sea.

Where it is and how far

Bay Mau sits in Cam Thanh, just southeast of Hoi An — only about 3–5 kilometres from the Old Town, or a 10–15 minute ride. That closeness is exactly why it pairs so well with your own transport.

How to get there by motorbike

The easiest, most flexible way to reach Cam Thanh is on two wheels. A motorbike rental in Hoi An gets you there in minutes, lets you arrive early to beat the crowds, and means you can continue to An Bang Beach or the rice fields afterwards. The flat, scenic ride out is half the fun.

Going green suits this eco-experience perfectly — an electric scooter or bicycle from hoianit.com handles the short, level ride to the coconut forest with ease.

Tips for the best experience

Boats run daily from around 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM, with activities from about 8:00 AM; visit before 10:30 AM for a quieter, cooler ride. Agree the price and what’s included before you board, bring small cash for tips, and keep phones secure during the spinning finale.

FAQ

How far is the coconut basket boat ride from Hoi An?

The Bay Mau Coconut Forest in Cam Thanh is only about 3–5 km from the Old Town — roughly a 10–15 minute ride by motorbike or bicycle.

What is the best time for the Hoi An basket boat ride?

Before 10:30 AM is quietest and coolest. Tours generally run daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM with activities starting around 8:00 AM.

Tips for a Great Hoi An Basket Boat Ride

Planning a Hoi An basket boat ride is easy once you know the basics. Tours run all day in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, but the light is softest in the late afternoon, when the water glows and the tour buses have gone.

Wear light clothes, bring sun protection and keep your phone in a waterproof pouch, because the boatmen love to spin the round bamboo boats and you will get splashed. A typical ride lasts around 30 to 45 minutes and includes fishing demonstrations, crab catching and a little music.

Cam Thanh village sits only a short hop from the UNESCO-listed Hoi An Ancient Town, so a Hoi An basket boat ride pairs perfectly with a half-day loop through the rice paddies. Renting a scooter lets you arrive early and carry on to the beach afterwards — rent a scooter in Hoi An to explore at your own pace.

How much does a Hoi An basket boat ride cost? Most tickets run between 150,000 and 200,000 VND per person, and the boatmen usually expect a small tip for the spinning show. You can book at the pier in Cam Thanh or ask your hotel to arrange it the night before.

Explore Hoi An your way

Ready to explore Hoi An on your own terms? Rent a motorbike, electric scooter, electric bike or bicycle at hoianit.com — free delivery to your hotel and 24/7 support!

Part of our complete guide: Motorbike Rental in Hoi An — The Complete 2026 Guide.