A few kilometres east of Hoi An Ancient Town, the village of Cam Thanh sits where the Thu Bon River meets the sea. Its waterways are lined with nipa palms, known locally as water coconuts, and the traditional way to explore them is in a thung chai, a round basket boat woven from bamboo.
What to expect
A local boatman or boatwoman paddles you through narrow channels between the palms. Along the way you may try paddling yourself, watch fishermen cast their nets, fish for small crabs with a bamboo rod, and receive a ring or grasshopper folded from palm leaves. A ride usually lasts between forty-five minutes and an hour.
Some boatmen perform spinning tricks to music in the wider stretches of water. It is lively and fun, but if you prefer a quiet ride through the palms, tell your operator when you book and ask to avoid the busiest section.
Tips for a good visit
- Go early in the morning or late in the afternoon for cooler weather and fewer boats.
- Bring sun protection. Conical hats are often provided, but the water reflects a lot of light.
- Keep phones and cameras in a waterproof pouch.
- Combine the ride with a cycling trip through the rice fields or a cooking class, as many tours do.
- Check the weather between October and December, when heavy rain and high water can cancel rides.
Getting there
Cam Thanh is roughly five kilometres from the Ancient Town, around fifteen minutes by taxi or half an hour by bicycle on mostly flat roads. It also lies conveniently between the town and Cua Dai Beach.
