Traveling to Hoi An coconut forest: 5 Things to Know Before You Go
The Coconut Forest is a famous eco-tourism destination in Hoi An old town. Here, you can experience riding traditional basket boats through lush coconut groves in a serene environment, enjoy performances of basket boat dancing, boat racing, and savor local specialties.The Forest is a must-visit spot for many travelers exploring Hoi An. It promises to offer you numerous unique and exciting experiences. To make your trip complete, here are 5 important things to know before exploring this lush coconut forest.
Where is the Hoi An Coconut Forest Located, and How Far Is It from Hoi An?
Address: Group 2, Can Nhan Village, Cam Thanh Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province Opening hours: Daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM Ticket prices for the Seven Maidens Coconut Forest:
- Entrance ticket: 30,000 VND per person
- Basket boat rental: 150,000 VND – 200,000 VND per boat
The Seven Maidens Coconut Forest, also known as Cam Thanh Coconut Forest, is approximately 3 kilometers from Hoi An City. This eco-tourism area is renowned for its natural waterways, coconut groves, and traditional basket boats.
History of Hoi An Coconut Forest
According to local stories, Cam Thanh Coconut Forest has a history dating back around 200 years. At that time, migrants from the Mekong Delta brought coconut seeds and planted them in this area. Thanks to suitable soil and water conditions, the coconut trees thrived and eventually formed a vast forest covering about 7 hectares (now expanded to 100 hectares). The name “Seven Maidens Coconut Forest” originated from this historical period.
During the resistance war, this coconut forest served as an important revolutionary base, contributing to many victories against the enemy. Today, it has been developed into a well-known eco-tourism destination and is one of the famous attractions in Hoi An.
What to Do in Hoi An Coconut Forest?
The eco-tourism area of the Seven Maidens Coconut Forest offers various services to provide visitors with unique and enjoyable experiences, including:
- Basket Boat Ride: Sitting in a traditional basket boat and gliding through lush coconut groves while enjoying the fresh and serene atmosphere is a unique and popular experience. There are two types of basket boats available, with small ones accommodating 2 passengers and larger ones for 4 passengers. During the boat ride, you’ll hear interesting stories about the coconut forest and may even enjoy traditional Quang folk songs in the distance.
- Basket Boat Dancing and Racing: In addition to leisurely boat rides, visitors can enjoy exciting performances of basket boat dancing and racing. You’ll be amazed by the agility and skills of the “artists” on the wobbling basket boats, performing fast and impressive maneuvers. Don’t forget to cheer for the boat racers to boost their spirits!
- Fishing with Nets: Witness a lively demonstration of fishing with nets, showcasing the rustic and skillful techniques of the local fishermen.
- Making Souvenirs from Coconut Leaves: During your tour of the Seven Maidens Coconut Forest, local boat operators will often offer you handmade souvenirs crafted from coconut leaves, such as bracelets, rings, grasshoppers, and tribal hats. These small gifts not only represent the warmth and hospitality of the people of Quang Nam but also allow you to learn how to create your favorite items.
- Cycling to Cam Thanh Village: After exploring the lush coconut forest, you can rent bicycles and explore Cam Thanh Village. This journey immerses you in the beautiful, rustic scenery of endless rice fields and lets you breathe in the fresh air filled with the aroma of ripe rice.
- Savoring Hoi An Local Specialties with Locals: During your adventure in the Seven Maidens Coconut Forest, don’t hesitate to accept the invitation for a meal from the local residents. This will provide you with the most authentic experiences of the simple life in this region. You’ll be treated to delicious local dishes such as spring rolls, sweet and sour shrimp salad, banana flower salad, and Central Vietnamese savory pancakes. Additionally, you can also enjoy these delicacies at the on-site restaurant in the coconut forest.
Tips for Visiting Hoi An coconut forest To ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit to the Seven Maidens Coconut Forest, here are some useful tips:
- Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to visit the coconut forest is during the dry season, from January to September. During this period, Hoi An enters its summer season, and the weather is sunny and pleasant. If you visit around August or September, you can witness the coconut forest at its most beautiful stage and savor the delicious sesame salted coconut dishes. However, you can still visit the forest during other months, with the exception of the rainy season, especially in October and November.
- Directions to the Seven Maidens Coconut Forest: In recent years, the Seven Maidens Coconut Forest has become a well-known stop for travelers exploring the Danang – Hue – Hoi An route. As a result, the road system is well developed, and you can easily reach the forest by boat or by land. There are two main routes:
- By River: You can take a boat ride from Bach Dang Wharf in the Hoi An Old Town. The boat will take you upstream along the Thu Bon River to reach the coconut forest.
- By Road: Starting from the city center of Hoi An, head towards Tran Nhan Tong Street, cross Cua Dai Bridge, and continue for another 500 meters to reach the destination.
- By car: Explore Hoi An by car
By following these tips, you can make the most of your visit to Hoi An coconut forest and enjoy a memorable and immersive experience in this charming eco-tourism destination.
Now that you have a better understanding of Hoi An coconut forest and what to expect, you can plan your trip and look forward to a fantastic adventure in this beautiful natural setting.