Hoi An, a town steeped in history and tradition, has more to offer than just enchanting lantern-lit streets, ancient architecture, or the local cuisine. Join me on a journey as we wander off the beaten path and discover the timeless artistry of Hoi An's craft villages. From the rhythmic clinking of metal in Phuoc Kieu village to the delicate strokes of the brush in Thanh Ha pottery village, each village tells a story of centuries-old traditions and craftsmanship.

So, grab your hat, lace up your walking shoes, and embark on a cultural journey through these 5 traditional craft villages in Hoi An.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Situated right by the Thu Bon River, approximately 2 km west of the ancient town, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a longstanding traditional craft village in Hoi An, dating back to the 16th century. Back then, its products were acclaimed as "national specialties" and were exclusively used by the king.

While pottery from Tho Ha (Bac Giang) is made from blue clay and Bat Trang (Hanoi) from white clay, Thanh Ha pottery is made entirely from brown clay along the Thu Bon River, for its high plasticity and adhesion. The main products of Thanh Ha artisans are daily household items such as bowls, plates, jars, vases, and flower pots, with diverse shapes, colors, and notably lighter weight compared to pottery from other regions.

Coming to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, visitors can try their hands at pottery, with guidance from artisans, and take their own creations home! Don't forget to explore Thanh Ha Brick Park—the largest pottery museum nationwide—and its collection of miniature pottery recreations of world-famous architectural structures.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village welcomes visitors from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM daily. Ticket prices are 15,000 VND for children and 35,000 VND for adults.

Tra Que Vegetable Village​

Tra Que Vegetable Village in Hoi An is nestled alongside the Co Co River, just about 3km from the ancient town center and 20km from Da Nang.

Tra Que vegetables have a freshness and unique flavor that cannot be found elsewhere, partly because of a fertilizer made from algae extracted from the Co Co River and mainly because of the locals’ manual approach to farming.

Beyond a mere agricultural village, Tra Que is also an ideal tourist destination, particularly for those who enjoy the tranquility of a rural village and delicious dishes made from locally sourced ingredients.

With just 35,000 VND, you can witness firsthand the farming process of local farmers; engage in activities such as watering, fertilizing, or harvesting vegetables; try Tra Que’s chia tea; and join cooking classes to learn how to prepare delicious Quang Nam specialties using fresh ingredients from the farm. And the best part is that you can indulge in dishes prepared from fresh and crisp vegetables that you harvested yourself.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Kim Bong Carpentry Village in Hoi An is renowned for its rich tradition of woodworking and craftsmanship, dating back over 500 years. The village is home to generations of skilled artisans who have mastered the art of woodworking, including carving, shaping, and constructing intricate wooden structures. Kim Bong artisans are highly respected for their craftsmanship and attention to detail, creating everything from furniture and household items to temples and pagodas.

For centuries, the village has been known for producing traditional wooden boats, which are not only functional but also works of art, with intricate designs and meticulous craftsmanship. You can also recognize Kim Bong’s carpentry scattered across Hoi An, in temples, old houses, on doorways, windows, and roof beams.

Visiting Kim Bong Carpentry Village, you’ll get to witness the woodworking process firsthand, observing artisans at work in their workshops and learning about traditional techniques and tools. Because it’s free to visit Kim Bong village, you can help support the artisans and keep the craft alive by getting a souvenir.

Hoi An Silk Village

Hoi An Silk Village is a must-visit among the traditional craft villages in Hoi An. This 300-year-old craft village is also where traditional silk weaving techniques dating back to the Champa-Dai Viet period are preserved.

Upon stepping into the silk village, you’ll get to admire the traditional Ruong houses, where a wide array of silk products are displayed, including a collection of traditional áo dài of 54 ethnic groups across Vietnam. Visitors also have the opportunity to visit ancient mulberry trees dating back to the Champa period. These trees were brought from Que Son to the silk village in 2012. The final stop in the exploration of Hoi An Silk Village is the buffet restaurant, where visitors can recharge after a long journey and indulge in Hoi An dishes such as Cao Lau, Pancakes, Quang Noodles, Banh Beo, etc.

Short tour:

Ticket price: 100,000 VND per person

Tour duration: 45 minutes with a guide

Visitors will get a brief overview of the silk-making process.

Long tour:

Ticket price: 560,000 VND per person

Tour duration: 4 hours with a guide

Visitors will have an in-depth understanding of the silk-making process and techniques and get hands-on weaving experience. The tour concludes with lunch or dinner at the restaurant, featuring traditional dishes and local specialties.

Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village

Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village is one of the oldest craft villages in Hoi An. Situated along the road from the ancient town to the holy site of My Son, Phuoc Kieu village is famous for its diverse range of products, such as musical instruments, feng shui items, gongs, and ceremonial objects.

To create the highest quality products, skilled craftsmen undergo numerous stages such as clay molding, mold casting, metal alloying, ornamentation, and sound testing. Each step requires meticulousness, skill, and special inherited secrets unique to Phuoc Kieu village's 400-year-old history of bronze casting.

When mentioning this traditional craft village, one cannot overlook the monumental Dai Hong Chung bell located in the cemetery of Dien Ban town, Quang Nam province. Crafted by over 40 talented artisans, this bell has a diameter of 1.3 meters and weighs over 2 tons. It is the largest bronze alloy bell, imbued with the profound cultural significance of the people of Quang Nam. 

The Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village is free to visit. You can also combine the tour with the villages mentioned above.

=> Hoi An Ancient Town Must-See Attraction