What's driving Bay Mau nipa palm forest's growing appeal?
DNO - The Bay Mau nipa palm forest, one of Da Nang’s most popular tourism attractions, has become a peace-time eco-tourism hotspot famous for coracle tours.
Bay Mau nipa palm forest's rise to global recognition
This venue is undergoing a series of improvements aimed at elevating its visitor experience while preserving its unique ecological and cultural identity.
Located near the Hoi An centre, the historic and cultural site has become a standout destination for both domestic and international travelers.
As of June 2026, the attraction welcomed more than 771,000 visitors, including over 691,000 international tourists, generating more than VND 23.1 billion (approximately US$890,000) in revenue.
The figures underscore the growing appeal of eco-tourism, community-based tourism and river experiences in central Vietnam.
The success of the Bay Mau nipa palm forest is the result of a remarkable transformation. Two decades ago, the area was little more than a small, self-organized tourism village on the outskirts of Hoi An Ancient Town.
Over the years, its maze of waterways shaded by water coconut palms and its vibrant local culture have attracted an increasing number of visitors.
In 2025, the Cam Thanh Village which is home to the Bay Mau nipa palm forest, gained international recognition after being listed among the world’s 50 most beautiful villages by the Forbes magazine.
Today, the tourism area is home to 64 tourism businesses operating approximately 1,400 basket boats. Visitor numbers average between 5,000 and 6,000 people per day, rising to as many as 9,000 during major holidays and peak travel periods.
Foreign tourists usually wear the non la (Vietnamese conical hats) under the hot sun as they take a coracle tour of the nipa palm forest.
Locals say their ancestors brought nipa palm trees from the Mekong Delta 200 years ago. Over the years, as people noticed their ability to protect the coast from erosion, strong waves and winds, more nipa palm trees were planted.
Upgrading services to elevate Bay Mau experience
In an effort to accommodate growing demand and improve visitor management, local authorities have introduced measures to enhance operations at the site.
Since June 1, 2026, the local authorities have expanded the ticketing area with two new ticket booths located at the Dinh River terminal and Xa Tiep Garden.
The additional facilities are expected to ease congestion, distribute visitor flows more effectively and improve overall service quality.
These upgrades are viewed as part of a broader effort to develop Bay Mau nipa palm forest into a sustainable tourism destination capable of handling increasing visitor numbers while maintaining its environmental and cultural values.
Alongside its natural beauty, this tourist attraction offers visitors an immersive experience in Da Nang’s cultural heritage.
Traditional folk songs, call-and-response singing performances, and Bai Choi folk art presentations provide a glimpse into local life and customs.
One of the most popular activities is the traditional fishing net-casting performance on the river, which has become a favourite among tourists seeking authentic cultural experiences.
These cultural elements complement the forest’s ecological attractions and help distinguish Bay Mau nipa palm forest from many other tourism sites in Vietnam.
In the context of Da Nang strengthening its tourism portfolio, the Bay Mau nipa palm forest is emerging as a model for integrating environmental conservation, community participation and cultural preservation.
With continued investment in infrastructure and visitor services, this tourist attraction is well-positioned to further enhance its appeal and reinforce its status as one of central Vietnam’s leading eco-cultural tourism attractions.