Discover Cam Thanh village Hoi An
Cam Thanh Village, located just outside the center of Hoi An, is a hidden gem of Vietnam’s central countryside. Known for its vast nipa palm forests stretching as far as the eye can see, this village offers visitors a peaceful escape where nature and traditional culture come together harmoniously.
Cam Thanh village and how to get there
If you’re looking for a peaceful, nature-filled escape just a few kilometers from Hoi An Ancient Town, Cam Thanh Village is the perfect spot. Unlike the bustling Old Town, Cam Thanh offers a more local and hands-on experience, riding basket boats through lush nipa palm forests, learning about the lives of river fishermen, and tasting home-cooked specialties in a village setting.
Cam Thanh is located in the southeast of Hoi An, in Cam Thanh Commune. It’s best known for its expansive Bay Mau nipa palm forest, covering more than 80 hectares. The area has long been home to generations of river-based communities and was once a strategic base during the Vietnam War. Today, it’s developed into a popular ecotourism destination, attracting both Vietnamese and international travelers.
From Hoi An Ancient Town, getting to Cam Thanh is easy with several transportation options:
- Bicycle: A great option for those who enjoy a leisurely ride and want to take in the countryside. The ride takes about 15–20 minutes on flat, scenic roads.
- Motorbike or electric buggy: A quicker option, taking around 10–15 minutes via Tran Nhan Tong or Vo Chi Cong Street.
- Taxi or ride-hailing service: Convenient for families or groups. The fare typically ranges from 50,000 to 80,000 VND (around $2–3.5 USD) per trip.
Read more: Kim Bong carpentry village: “Museum” of Vietnamese Woodcraft
What to do in Cam Thanh Village Hoi An?
When you visit here, you’ll have the chance to experience exciting activities, from rowing traditional basket boats through the nipa palm forest, cycling along lush green rice fields, to learning how to make lanterns or cook local specialties. Each activity offers an authentic and deep insight into the countryside life of Hoi An, making your trip more meaningful and unforgettable.
Experience a basket boat ride through the coconut forest of Cam Thanh
When you visit Cam Thanh Village, you must try riding a traditional basket boat called a “thung chai”. The boat is round and handmade from woven bamboo. It is very light and easy to control. You will sit comfortably inside the boat while a local guide paddles you through narrow canals. These canals run through the large coconut forest in the Bay Mau area.
The boat ride usually lasts between 45 minutes and one hour. This time allows you to enjoy fresh air and the green scenery. Thousands of tall coconut trees line both sides of the canals. The best time to join the tour is early morning or late afternoon. During these times, the weather is cooler. You can avoid the strong midday sun and have a more pleasant experience.
During the ride, you can learn how to hold the paddle. You can also try to steer the basket boat yourself. The guide will teach you carefully. The guide often performs impressive tricks. He spins the boat skillfully on the water’s surface. This show attracts visitors of all ages.
Remember to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to protect yourself. You should also bring a camera or phone. These devices help you capture special moments. You will see the natural beauty and simple life of the local people.
The ticket price for the boat ride is about 150,000 to 200,000 VND per person. The price depends on the tour and the time you visit. This activity is gentle and enjoyable. It helps you understand the traditional fishing life. It also shows how the people of Cam Thanh village live close to the river.
Ride a bike through rice fields
Many travelers come to Vietnamese villages simply to enjoy the peaceful and rustic atmosphere. In Cam Thanh Village, they can ride bicycles along winding narrow paths that weave through vast green rice fields, soaking in the simple beauty of the countryside around Hoi An.
Along the way, you will see rice fields alongside hardworking farmers tending their crops. This creates a vivid and friendly rural scene. The fresh scent of the earth, the chirping of birds, and the gentle breeze rustling through the coconut leaves combine to form a tranquil environment perfect for relaxation and recharging.
You can stop anytime to take beautiful photos or chat with the locals, who are often happy to share stories about their daily life and farming traditions. Cycling here not only offers good exercise but also a deeper insight into the simple, friendly lifestyle of the people of Cam Thanh.
Kayaking experience through Cam Thanh’s coconut forest
Kayaking is a fresh and exciting activity for those who enjoy exploring and light exercise amidst nature. At Cam Thanh Village, you can rent a kayak and paddle yourself through the narrow waterways winding among the vast coconut forest.
Unlike the traditional basket boats that are rowed by locals, kayaking gives you the freedom to steer and explore every hidden corner of the area at your own pace. The journey usually lasts about an hour, giving you enough time to breathe the fresh air, admire the lush greenery, and listen to the birds singing in the forest.
Before starting, you will receive guidance on paddling techniques, safety instructions, and a life jacket will be provided. To fully enjoy the experience, wear comfortable and lightweight clothes, and don’t forget to bring a hat, sunscreen, and water to stay hydrated throughout the trip.
This activity suits groups of friends or families, especially young travelers who love sports and want to try something new. Kayak rental prices usually range from 150,000 to 250,000 VND per session, depending on the duration and included services.
Immerse yourself in the simple life of Cam Thanh Villagers
At Cam Thanh Village, you’re not just a visitor, you have the chance to become a true fisherman by taking part in activities closely tied to the local river life. Try casting fishing nets alongside the locals, a traditional technique that requires skill and patience and has been their livelihood for generations.
You will be carefully guided on how to hold and cast the net to catch fish effectively, then pull it up together, filled with fresh fish and shrimp. The thrill of harvesting your own “catch” is exciting and unforgettable.
Beyond fishing, you can also join in catching crabs right by the riverbank, wading through the soft mud under the shade of towering coconut trees. Additionally, participating in planting fresh vegetables in villagers’ gardens is another enjoyable experience that helps you understand how locals deeply connect with their land, making use of every inch to sustain their families.
Discover the traditional coconut shell art at Cam Thanh Village
The traditional coconut shell art is a unique cultural craft and a highlight of Cam Thanh Village that draws many visitors. These coconut shell artworks are not only delicate handicrafts but also the result of local artisans’ skill, patience, and creativity.
Here, you can witness the entire process of making coconut shell art, starting from carefully selected coconut shells. The artisans cut, carve, smooth, and assemble the pieces into beautiful artworks featuring diverse themes such as landscapes, flowers, animals, and cultural symbols of Central Vietnam.
The craftsmen will warmly guide you through each step, helping you understand the artistic value and meaning behind this traditional craft. Visiting and learning about coconut shell art is a wonderful way to feel the close connection between the people of Cam Thanh and nature, as well as to appreciate the distinctive cultural beauty of Hoi An.
Lantern making experience
Hoi An lanterns are more than just colorful decorations; they are a symbol of spirit and the soul of this ancient riverside town. When you visit Cam Thanh Village, you’ll have the unique opportunity to explore and immerse yourself in the intricate and delicate traditional process of lantern making.
Each lantern is crafted not only by skillful hands but also through the love, dedication, and patience of experienced artisans. You will receive careful guidance at every step, from bending the soft bamboo frame, applying thin silk paper, to painting detailed patterns that reflect the distinctive cultural identity of Hoi An.
Throughout the creative process, you will feel a harmonious blend of traditional art and everyday life; the serene beauty of nature and the simple, sincere spirit of the Vietnamese people here. Making lanterns is a meaningful cultural experience that allows you to carry a piece of Hoi An’s soul in your heart.
Read more: Experience lantern making workshop Hoi An
Join cooking class
If you love Vietnamese cuisine and want to gain a deeper understanding of the local culture, the cooking class in Cam Thanh Village is definitely an experience not to be missed. Here, you won’t just be watching, you’ll step into the kitchen and prepare flavorful Central Vietnamese dishes yourself, under the guidance of friendly local chefs.
The class usually begins with a visit to a local market or vegetable garden, where you’ll be introduced to fresh ingredients, essential components of a traditional Vietnamese meal. After that, you’ll return to a rustic kitchen and start preparing regional specialties like banh xeo (Vietnamese savory pancakes), fresh spring rolls, braised fish, or sour soup. The cooking space, set in a natural, peaceful environment, adds a warm and relaxing touch to the entire experience.
Throughout the class, you’ll not only learn the techniques of cooking but also discover the stories and cultural meanings behind each humble yet significant dish. At the end, you’ll sit down with everyone to enjoy the dishes you’ve created yourself. This is sure to be an experience that delights both the eyes and the palate, and one that will leave you with lasting memories of your time in the tranquil countryside of Cam Thanh.
If you don’t have much time to visit Cam Thanh Village but still want to experience an authentic Hoi An cooking class, Bliss Hoi An Beach Resort & Wellness is the perfect choice. Here, you can join a friendly and intimate cooking class guided by experienced local chefs. Before cooking, you’ll have the chance to explore a local market to learn about fresh, regional ingredients. This is an ideal experience for those who want to quickly and conveniently learn about Hoi An’s culinary culture right at the resort.
Must try local delicacies in Cam Thanh Village Hoi An
Thanks to its location near the sea and the nipa palm forest, Cam Thanh offers a wealth of fresh ingredients that make up the region’s distinctive Central Vietnamese dishes. Here are some must-try specialties when visiting this tranquil village.
Fresh seafood
Seafood in Cam Thanh Village is incredibly fresh thanks to local catches from the nearby mangrove forest and coastal waters. You can enjoy firm, succulent shrimp, rich and flavorful crabs, and plump clams prepared simply to preserve their natural sweetness. Dishes like pandan leaf-steamed crab, lemongrass-steamed shrimp, and rich caramelized fish stew will satisfy your palate from the very first bite. This is a rare chance to taste authentic coastal flavors that are both fresh and nutritious.
Nipa palm sweet soup
This is a traditional sweet soup made from the fruit of the nipa palm, which grows abundantly in the mangrove forests around Cam Thanh Village. The fruit is soft, slightly chewy, and has a mildly sweet flavor that blends perfectly with the creamy coconut milk used as the soup’s base. The dessert is usually cooked with mung beans and sweetened with rock sugar, creating a harmonious balance of textures and tastes.
Served chilled or at room temperature, The soup is a refreshing and light treat that helps cool you down in the tropical heat. Its natural ingredients make it both delicious and healthy – a must-try specialty when visiting Cam Thanh.
Rice paper with coco flesh
Rice paper with coco flesh is a beloved local snack that brings back the rustic taste of Vietnamese countryside life. Made from rice flour mixed with finely grated fresh coconut flesh, the thin sheets are sun-dried and then grilled over hot coals. When eaten, the rice paper is crispy, fragrant with natural coconut aroma, and offers a subtle sweet and creamy flavor. This snack pairs perfectly with a hot cup of tea and makes a wonderful souvenir for friends and family.
Cam Thanh Village is not only appealing for its fresh and green natural landscapes but also as a place that preserves the rich cultural heritage of Hoi An. The close-to-nature experiences, engaging activities with local people, and diverse cuisine will make your trip truly memorable. If you are looking for a peaceful, educational, and immersive destination, Cam Thanh Village is the perfect choice for your Hoi An adventure.
