Bay Mau nipa palm forest in Cam Thanh Commune, three kilometers from Hoi An City, is a popular attraction known for its coracle rides.
Truong Van Quy, founder of Sabirama Hoi An, said Cam Thanh residents once made a living from fishing and making roofs from nipa palm leaves.
In the narrow waterways, they used round basket boats.
Basket-boat tours first appeared in 2009 and started growing in popularity after 2012. The most popular activity is the "basket boat dance", where rowers spin their boats in circles to entertain visitors, upon request.
Visitors often tip the performers to say thanks.
A standard package, including admission and a basket-boat ride for two adults and a child, costs from VND180,000 ($7).
Tours last 45 to 60 minutes, and take visitors into the coconut forest to watch basket-boat performances, observe net casting, and try crab fishing.
A basket-boat dance performance at Bay Mau nipa palm forest. Video by VnExpress/Anh Tu
But in the last two years, some visitors have complained about being charged as much as VND400,000 ($15).
Tourism operators warn that unlicensed brokers and unofficial taxi drivers sometimes lure tourists with offers, but the itinerary is shortened to 20 - 25 minutes.
To avoid scams, locals recommend booking through platforms such as Klook, Traveloka, Viator, and GetYourGuide, licensed travel agencies, or tour operators.
Visitors can buy tickets at official counters inside Bay Mau forest or at the Da Nang Tourism Promotion Center in Hoi An.
Crab fishing is another activity that draws visitors to the coconut forest.
The site receives thousands of visitors daily.
Sabirama Hoi An said basket-boat tours operate year-round except during storms and heavy rains.
American tourist Chris (R) said the forest is beautiful and the waterways seem pristine. He was however not enamored of the loud karaoke singing in some places.
Three to four karaoke spots operate around the forest's central area. Performers often receive tips from tourists, and visitors can also join the singing by boarding the boats themselves.
Quy said tour routes vary depending on visitors' preferences.
Boats carrying American and European tourists avoid karaoke areas, focusing instead on sections featuring crab fishing and traditional net-casting demonstrations.
On the other hand, South Korean, Chinese, and Vietnamese visitors often enjoy the entertainment, making karaoke stops one of the most popular activities.
