Coconut water, bamboo baskets, big stage energy. This is a fun combo day in Hoi An: a boat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest (Cam Thanh Village) followed by the huge Hoi An Memories show at Hoi An Memories Land. You get nature time, then a major production with hundreds of performers.

I especially like the basket boat aspect. It’s small, peaceful, and family-friendly—one basket boat fits two adults and one child—so you can row through narrow channels without feeling like a giant tour bus crush. I also like that you watch a basket boat special performance done by locals, then you can take home a memento from a coconut-leaf souvenir activity.

One drawback to plan around: the timing and movement between areas can feel confusing. If you’re sensitive to schedule issues, you’ll want to ask clear questions on the day and give yourself buffer time for getting from the boat area to the show area.

Key points before you go

• Bay Mau Coconut Forest + Cam Thanh Village: Nature time in the coconut “green lung” area of Hoi An
• Basket boats fit families: Two adults and one child per boat, for a cozy experience
• A local water-side show: You’ll see a special performance linked to the boat ride
• Hoi An Memories Land is close to old town: You can pair the evening show with an easy stroll afterward
• The main show runs on set days: Hoi An Impression Theme Park and the Memories Showtime both follow a Wednesday–Monday schedule
• Bring your ID/passport: You’ll need it for on-site verification at the venue

Bay Mau Coconut Forest and Cam Thanh Village on Basket Boats

This experience starts in Cam Thanh Village, which many people describe as the green breathing space of Hoi An thanks to its dense coconut tree collection. It’s often compared with the Mekong Delta style of scenery, but here the focus is on basket boats—cute, lightweight-looking vessels that make the whole thing feel closer and more personal.

When you’re out on the water, you’ll typically move through small channels where the coconut trees crowd in from both sides. That’s the whole point: slow down, watch the water, and enjoy that green, enclosed feeling you don’t get in Hoi An’s busier streets.

Here’s what I’d mentally prepare for: it’s not a white-water adventure. It’s a gentle, scenic ride. If you’re bringing kids, this is actually a nice win. A basket boat holds two adults and one child, so you can keep your group together without awkward splitting.

Practical notes that matter:

• Bring a hat and sunscreen. You’re outdoors for a stretch, and Hoi An sun can be real.
• Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting a little warm or damp.
• This isn’t set up for wheelchair users, so if mobility is an issue, skip this option.

The coconut forest area also has clear operating hours, which helps you plan. Coconut forest opening hours are Monday–Sunday, 08:00–17:00. That matters because you’ll likely want to line up your day so you’re not rushing the boat part.

Coconut-leaf souvenirs and the local basket boat special performance

One of the smartest parts of this combo is that it doesn’t end with the ride. You’ll also see a basket boat special performance, which is tied to the locals living in the area and their boat culture.

Then there’s the souvenir-making angle. You can create a small keepsake using coconut leaves. That’s the kind of activity that feels better than just buying a mass-made postcard, because you’re taking something made by hands that work with these materials every day.

If you’re traveling as a couple, I think this is a good “shared project” moment—quick, easy to join, and light on pressure. If you’re traveling with kids, it’s a nice change of pace from sitting on benches or walking shops.

Two small tips I’d follow:

• Take your camera early. Lighting under coconut trees can change fast when clouds move.
• Don’t plan anything too tight right after. Even if the tour feels short, the activity and performance flow can add minutes.

And yes, there’s one detail worth checking: infants and children must be included in the passenger headcount for the coconut forest portion. Children under 5 are free. If you’ve got little ones, this can help you keep the plan budget-friendly.

Entering Hoi An Memories Land: Theme park time and what you’ll actually see

After the coconut forest area, you move into Hoi An Memories Land, a tourist-resort-cultural complex next to the Hoi An old town. Think of it less like a random theme park and more like a set of connected spaces, including three main clusters:

• Hoi An Memories Theater
• Hoi An Impression Theme Park
• Hoi An Memories Resort & Spa

There’s also a row of shophouses with special designs and a Moonlight Bridge highlighted in the complex.

Now, the key is when you can enter the theme park portion. The Hoi An Impression Theme Park runs Wednesday–Monday, 16:00–22:00, with the last admission 1 hour before closing. That means if you’re doing the boat ride earlier in the day, you’re probably looking at downtime before evening.

Food rules matter here. You’re not allowed to bring food and drinks into the park except for light snacks like biscuits and candies. This is one of those “save yourself hassle” rules: if you want snacks, pack the permitted type.

Also plan for ID checks. You’ll need your ID/passport for on-site verification of personal information. This is one of those things people forget when they’re on vacation-mode, so I recommend keeping it in a small pocket or day bag you always grab.

Seating works a little differently than a simple reserved theater. Seats are decided by a system on a first come, first served basis. If you buy tickets at the same price at the same time, people buying together tend to sit together.

The 500+ performer Hoi An Memories Showtime: Ao Dai, staging, and spiritual sections

The headline here is the Hoi An Memories show: Vietnam’s largest art show experience in this setting, with more than 500 performers. It’s staged outdoors, and performers take over the outdoor stage in traditional Ao Dai costumes while using modern stage techniques.

You’ll want to treat this like a performance night, not a casual drop-in. The Hoi An Memories Showtime runs Wednesday–Monday, 20:00–21:00. You should enter the venue at least 15 minutes before the show begins. After it starts, people won’t be allowed to enter.

I also like that the show isn’t only about costumes and spectacle. Part of the experience includes a traditional themed village representing the port town’s 400-year history. You’ll also encounter the spiritual side of Vietnamese culture inside the park’s Spirituality Section, which includes pagodas, temples, and shrines.

And weather is covered. In case of unfavorable weather, raincoats are prepared so you can keep watching without turning the night into an early exit.

One more reality check: if you’re prone to stress around schedules, this is the part where you’ll feel it. Getting to the show area on time is the make-or-break piece. There are cases where people have found the timeline unclear (boat pickup vs show location), so I’d rather you be the type who asks, checks, and then walks slower than you think you need to.

Price and value: is this $10 per group up to 2 a fair deal?

The price listed is $10 per group up to 2, and the duration is 1 hour. On paper, that sounds like a short experience—which it is, especially if you focus on the coconut forest ride portion.

But the real value depends on what you choose to include, because tickets and add-ons are marked as optional:

• Coconut forest ticket can be optional
• Entry park ticket and Hoi An Memories show ticket (Eco Class) can be optional
• There’s also an included entrance fee and the basket boat special performance, plus optional park/show tickets

So here’s the practical way to judge the value:

• If you want the basket boat and you’re also planning to see the evening show, you can feel like you’re paying for a neatly packaged day.
• If you’re only interested in one part (nature ride or theme park), you might compare what you’d pay separately.

Also consider what’s not included:

• No hotel pick-up/drop-off
• Meals and beverages aren’t included
• Other personal expenses are your responsibility

If you’re staying in or near old town, the lack of pick-up may not be a deal-breaker. But if your hotel is farther away, you’ll spend time figuring out transport, and that can eat into the “easy” feeling.

Finally, you’ll get the most satisfaction if you like two different styles in one day: calm nature and then a major scripted performance. If that contrast is your kind of plan, the value feels better. If not, it can feel like you’re hopping between moods.

Who should book this coconut boat + Hoi An Memories combo

This is a great fit if:

• You want a nature break in the middle of Vietnam sightseeing
• You like hands-on cultural touches like a coconut-leaf souvenir
• Your group includes at least one child (basket boat capacity makes it family-friendly)
• You’re excited by big-scale performance and want the Ao Dai staging moment

It’s less ideal if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly access (this isn’t suitable for wheelchair users)
• You hate schedule uncertainty and prefer very clear, tightly timed transfers
• You’re very sensitive to how staff interactions feel on the boat ride. There have been reports of an aggressive and rude approach that made a solo female participant uncomfortable, so if you’re going alone and you want a calm, respectful atmosphere, I’d watch how things start and ask for clarity immediately.

And for timing: the main show is only Wednesday–Monday. If your travel dates don’t match, you might end up with only parts of the experience.

Should you book? My straightforward take

If your ideal Hoi An day includes both countryside scenery and a massive evening show, I think booking makes sense. The basket boat element is simple, family-friendly, and different from the usual walking-and-snacking day. Then the Hoi An Memories portion gives you the big production payoff with 500+ performers, Ao Dai costumes, and history-and-spirituality themes in the same complex.

Book if you can do two things well: show up on time and follow instructions about venue entry. If timing confusion would stress you out, you may want to plan extra buffer and confirm what to do next once your booking is confirmed.

If you’d like, tell me your travel dates and whether you’re going solo, as a couple, or with kids, and I’ll help you match the coconut forest hours and the show schedule so the day flows.

FAQ

How long is this experience?

The activity duration is listed as 1 hour.

What is the price for this tour?

The price is $10 per group up to 2.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pick up and drop off are not included.

What time does the coconut forest open?

Coconut forest opening hours are Monday–Sunday from 08:00 to 17:00.

What days and times are the Hoi An Impression Theme Park open?

Hoi An Impression Theme Park is open Wednesday–Monday from 16:00 to 22:00, with last admission 1 hour before closing.

When is the Hoi An Memories Showtime?

Hoi An Memories Showtime runs Wednesday–Monday from 20:00 to 21:00.

Can I bring food and drinks into the theme park?

Food and drinks are not allowed in the park except for light snacks like biscuits and candies.

Will raincoats be provided if the weather is bad?

Yes. Raincoats are prepared to help you comfortably enjoy the program.

Do I need to bring my ID or passport?

Yes. You’re asked to bring your ID/passport for personal information verification on site.

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