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Mangrove forests and saltmarshes are recognized for their roles in wave and current attenuation, although a comparison of in situ observations between woody and herbaceous plants is needed in order to understand the different mechanisms of bio‐physical interaction within coastal wetlands. The aim of our study was to compare the mechanisms of flow reduction and energy dissipation by mangrove trees and saltmarsh grass in a subtropical area where tidal currents dominate. Fieldwork was conducted to measure the hydrodynamic processes occurring at the boundaries between a bare mudflat and vegetated tidal flat, as the flow transitions from a bare mudflat to either mangrove or saltmarsh. Synchronous acoustic Doppler velocimetry (ADV) measurements at three sites revealed that the mangrove was more effective than the saltmarsh grass at flow reduction. In addition, a considerable rotation in flow direction …