Cam Thanh – One of the Top 50 Most Beautiful Villages in the World

In 2025, when Forbes announced its list of the “Top 50 Most Beautiful Villages in the World,” Vietnamese people were filled with pride: Cam Thanh Village in Da Nang was named, ranking 20th on the list. This milestone is not only a remarkable achievement for Vietnam’s tourism industry but also a powerful affirmation that the charm of riverside villages—where centuries-old traditions and natural rhythms are preserved—can truly capture the hearts of international travelers. Among tens of thousands of villages worldwide, Cam Thanh stands out as a symbol of harmony between nature and humanity, between the past and the present.

This honor is more than just a title. It is living proof of the cultural and ecological values that Cam Thanh has worked tirelessly to protect. At the same time, it serves as an invitation for travelers from across the globe to come and witness its beauty, experience its lifestyle, and listen to the timeless stories of a rustic yet poetic Vietnamese countryside.

Selection Criteria

Forbes’ list was not created at random. Villages that make it into the ranking must meet a series of strict criteria, reflecting not only their visible beauty but also their intangible values.

Natural landscapes come first. A village must possess a rare, distinctive environment where nature remains pristine. Cam Thanh fulfills this with its vast Bay Mau coconut forest, rich mangrove ecosystem, and winding waterways that resemble a living watercolor painting.

Cultural heritage and architecture are equally essential. A beautiful village is not only defined by scenery but also by the soul of its traditions—houses, customs, and ways of life. In Cam Thanh, this heritage is reflected in the unique basket boats, the age-old practice of fishing, the folk chants of Quang region, and authentic cooking classes showcasing local flavors.

Visitor experience is another key factor. Travelers should not just look but immerse, try, and remember. In Cam Thanh, guests can paddle basket boats, cast fishing nets, enjoy a countryside meal, and listen to stories shared by locals.

Environmental sustainability is indispensable. In today’s era of mass tourism, a village can only be celebrated if it protects its identity and preserves both nature and culture. Cam Thanh has embraced a path of eco-tourism and community-based tourism—welcoming visitors while safeguarding the coconut forest and sustaining local livelihoods.

Finally, there is the symbolic appeal. To be named among the most beautiful villages in the world, a place must embody the spirit of its land. Hallstatt in Austria represents Europe’s lakeside villages, Shirakawa-go in Japan evokes steep-roofed farmhouses, while Cam Thanh shines as Vietnam’s quintessential “water village”—peaceful, rustic, yet irresistibly charming.

Cam Thanh Among the World’s Top 50

Amid the dazzling villages of Europe, America, and Japan, Cam Thanh emerges as a gentle green note from Central Vietnam. Its greatest highlight is the vast Bay Mau coconut forest—a thriving mangrove ecosystem that acts like the “green lungs” of the village. From afar, endless rows of nipa palms stretch along the banks of the Thu Bon River, their reflections painting a soft and harmonious landscape.

But Cam Thanh is more than just its coconut forest—it preserves the riverside fishing lifestyle of generations. Here, the round basket boat has become an icon. Once used by locals to weave through narrow waterways, cast nets, and catch fish, today these boats also take travelers on unique journeys. Sitting inside a spinning basket boat, surrounded by lush palms while listening to the boatman sing traditional folk songs, is an experience unlike anywhere else.

What makes Cam Thanh truly special is its balance between tradition and eco-tourism. The village does not try to stage artificial performances. Instead, it gracefully integrates its authentic landscapes, daily life, and local cuisine into meaningful tourism experiences. Visitors don’t just observe—they connect, empathize, and contribute to sustaining the community’s way of life.

Visitor Experiences in Cam Thanh

A day in Cam Thanh Village often begins with a basket boat ride through lush coconut canals. Each paddle takes you deeper into the green waterways, where sunlight sparkles on the water, birds sing from the treetops, and the wind whispers through the nipa palms. Sometimes, the boatman spins the basket in circles, sending waves of laughter from delighted travelers.

Onshore, visitors can join a cooking class. In a cozy kitchen, you’ll roll fresh rice paper with river fish, pick organic herbs from a garden, and listen to heartfelt family stories shared through each dish. These small, intimate experiences reveal the warmth of local hospitality and the simple yet genuine spirit of Quang Nam people.

As evening falls, the Thu Bon River turns golden under the sunset. Small fishing boats drift lazily, children’s laughter echoes along the shore, and travelers find themselves immersed in a moment of pure peace—washed free of the city’s noise, returning to nature’s quiet embrace.

Local Cuisine of Cam Thanh

No trip to Cam Thanh is complete without savoring its local cuisine, rooted in the rivers and traditions of Central Vietnam. Each dish is a blend of rustic flavors and refined simplicity.

• Grilled fish in banana leaves: Freshly caught from the river, marinated with spices, wrapped in green banana leaves, and grilled over hot charcoal. When unwrapped, the fragrant aroma fills the air, while the tender fish bursts with flavor.

• Rice paper rolls with fish: A simple yet elegant dish—fresh fish, crisp herbs, and rice paper dipped in savory mam nem sauce—that leaves visitors longing for more.

• Hoi An specialties: Local favorites such as cao lau and mi Quang. Enjoying a steaming bowl of turmeric-flavored noodles topped with crispy rice crackers in a countryside setting makes the experience even more authentic.

• Fresh river and seafood: From shrimp and crabs to clams freshly caught at the estuary, each dish is prepared immediately to preserve the natural sweetness of the ocean.

Cam Thanh’s cuisine is not just about eating—it’s about connecting with the land, the river, and the people who have nurtured these flavors for generations.

Connection – The Deeper Meaning of Cam Thanh

In the eyes of international travelers, Cam Thanh Village is more than just a beautiful place. It is a symbol of harmony between nature, people, and Vietnamese culture. Every coconut palm, winding canal, and traditional folk song tells a story: the resilience of Central Vietnam’s people, a lifestyle deeply connected to the natural world, and the quiet ambition to reach the world through the most authentic simplicity.

Being recognized among the Top 50 Most Beautiful Villages in the World not only creates opportunities for sustainable tourism in Cam Thanh but also brings Vietnam’s cultural identity closer to global travelers. In the vibrant mosaic of world villages, Cam Thanh stands out as a refreshing green highlight—rustic, unique, and deeply imbued with the Vietnamese soul.

And perhaps, as you sit in a basket boat surrounded by endless nipa palms, listening to the wind sing and watching the sunset drift across the Thu Bon River, you’ll realize that the true beauty of Cam Thanh lies not only in its scenery but in the profound sense of peace and belonging that makes every visitor want to return.

Phong Nha Việt