Global Spotlight: Cẩm Thanh Village Shines with International Recognition

In a heartwarming moment for Vietnamese tourism, Forbes has named Cẩm Thanh village in Hội An as one of The World’s 50 Most Beautiful Villages 2025 — the only representative from Vietnam. This honor celebrates not only the village’s serene landscape and cultural richness but also highlights its dedication to eco-tourism and sustainable development. With its lush coconut forest, winding waterways, and warm-hearted locals, Cẩm Thanh is now stepping confidently from quiet charm to global recognition.


 

From Local Village to Global Recognition

The announcement on October 3, 2025, marked a proud milestone for Hội An. During a ceremony at Thanh Tâm port, local authorities unveiled both the Forbes recognition and a new inland waterway tourism hub — a symbol of how the village is shaping its future through responsible growth.

Chosen from among thousands of entries, Cẩm Thanh ranked 20th worldwide, standing beside iconic destinations from Europe and Asia. Forbes described it beautifully: “Woven between coconut groves and tidal creeks, Cẩm Thanh hums with the rhythm of river life. Bamboo basket boats swirl through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest — their skippers casting nets in the shade of swaying fronds.”
This poetic imagery perfectly captures the essence of Cẩm Thanh — a place where time slows down, and the gentle rhythm of water and wind guides each day. For visitors, this means an opportunity to experience authenticity, connection, and calm amid Vietnam’s fast-developing tourism scene.

Exploring the Heart of Cẩm Thanh: The Coconut Forest & Basket Boats

Only 3–5 kilometers east of Hội An Ancient Town, Cẩm Thanh lies along the Thu Bồn River delta, where freshwater meets the sea. At its heart is the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, a green labyrinth of waterways, mangroves, and nipa palms stretching across 100 hectares. Often called the “green lung of Hội An,” this ecosystem shelters fish, crabs, and countless bird species, while providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking a glimpse of rural river life.

The quintessential Cẩm Thanh experience is the basket boat ride, locally known as “thúng chai.” These small, round bamboo boats gently glide through narrow channels, often guided by local fishermen whose skills turn the ride into a lively performance. Visitors can try their hand at crab fishing, casting nets, or even learning boat-spinning techniques, a playful art that delights both adults and children.

For a deeper connection, eco-tours often include coconut-leaf handicraft workshops, lantern-making, or cooking classes featuring Hội An specialties. Some tours expand into cycling routes through coconut groves and rice paddies, revealing scenes of buffalo grazing and farmers tending their fields. Early morning and late afternoon rides are especially enchanting, when sunlight dances through the palms and the air cools with the sea breeze.

Beyond Cẩm Thanh: The Hội An Eco-Cultural Circuit

Cẩm Thanh is part of a vibrant network of cultural and natural attractions surrounding Hội An — ideal for travelers seeking diversity in a compact area.


 

• Hội An Ancient Town: Just minutes away, this UNESCO World Heritage site glows at night with lanterns, tea houses, and reflections along the Thu Bồn River. Many tours blend a morning basket boat ride with an afternoon heritage walk.
• Trà Quế Vegetable Village: Known for its organic farming and herbal foot baths, this charming village offers hands-on gardening experiences — a perfect complement to Cẩm Thanh’s river charm.
• Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary: A scenic hour’s drive away, the ancient Cham ruins add a spiritual layer to any itinerary, connecting Vietnam’s modern eco-tourism with its historical roots.
• An Bàng & Cửa Đại Beaches: For a relaxing break, soft sands and seafood stalls await just beyond the town’s edge.
• Marble Mountains & Non Nước Village (Đà Nẵng): On the way to or from Hội An, visitors can stop by to explore caves, temples, and stone-carving workshops.

Together, these destinations create a seamless flow between nature, culture, and relaxation — all within an hour’s travel radius.

The Meaning Behind the Recognition

Forbes’ inclusion of Cẩm Thanh is not merely a headline; it’s a reflection of how local heritage and sustainability can coexist beautifully. The village’s new Thanh Tâm tourism port represents a commitment to organized, eco-friendly travel that benefits both visitors and residents. The recognition also inspires local artisans, boat operators, and families to continue preserving their land and traditions — ensuring that the coconut forest remains as pristine and soulful as ever.

For travelers, Cẩm Thanh offers something rare: a place where one can float through shimmering green corridors, listen to the songs of cicadas, and feel an unhurried rhythm of life that modern cities often forget. It’s not about sightseeing alone, but about connection — to the land, to the people, and to the moment.

A New Chapter for Hội An’s Green Tourism

As Cẩm Thanh rises on the global stage, it carries with it the story of Hội An’s evolving identity: a blend of history, nature, and sustainability. Whether you are drifting on a basket boat, walking through lantern-lit streets, or sharing laughter with local fishermen, the experience leaves a quiet imprint — one of gratitude, serenity, and inspiration.

In the years to come, as travelers from around the world trace the curves of the Thu Bồn River to this small village of palms, Cẩm Thanh will continue to shine — not just as one of the world’s most beautiful villages, but as a living example of how harmony between people and nature creates beauty that endures.