Joanna James
A visit to some of the traditional handicraft towns in Hoi An is one of the finest means of getting an idea into the life of local people to understand the traditions and importance they place on their land. Try visiting some of these handicraft townlets in Hoi An, to make your trip special!
Across the Thu Bon River from the town of Hoi An, you will discover Kim Bong Carpentry Village. For over 600 years, this village has supplied top-notch woodworks throughout the country. The woodwork has been uncovered in royal tombs in Hue and on big city high-rise buildings in Hanoi and Saigon. The style is supposedly the finest variety of Japanese, Chinese, Japanese and Cham styles.
Kim Bong village has 3 levels of artisans: shipbuilding, ancient architectural building, and civil wooden furniture.
An entrance fee is not required to enter the village, and it takes merely a 10-minute boat ride to get to Kim Bong village from Hoi An.
The village has been in operation for over 400 years. First founded by proponents of feudal noble Lord Nguyen Hoang. The village was extended in order to create weapons, and objects utilised in regal rituals and state seals. Presently, the village occupies 20 families and around 100 labourers. They have cast more than 4000 gongs for the ethnic minority villages living on the highlands. The artisans in this village have created bells, incense burners, religious items, antique vases, gong-like musical devices, lamp holders and much more.
It is located 9 kilometres from the old town and is easily accessible via bike or motorbike.
In the ancient town of Hoi An, you may witness the colourful lanterns adorned at night. All of them are creations of the Xa Duong Lantern Village; this is where the striking lanterns are constructed by hand. It is considered the best village for lantern making. Over 400 years of lantern making, its designs have only enhanced and diversified. The lanterns come in many shapes and sizes, tetragon, hexagon, diamond, oblong, and circular cylinders.
You can see numerous lanterns on the lanes of the ancient town, which is a symbolic part of Hoi An and enhances the beauty of the town.
Tra Que is the most well-known traditional village in Hoi An. The name means "cinnamon tea" and was established around 300 years ago. The village was occupied by fishermen at first, but after discovering how fertile the soil is they planted herbs and vegetables. All of the produce is harvested by using organic materials, sourced from the seaweed manure at Tra Que Lagoon. The farmers abstain from harsh chemical fertilisers and pesticides. Around 200 families live in this lush and peaceful agricultural village. This small village provides fresh produce to multiple restaurants and families in Hoi An.
Over 41 types of herbs and vegetables such as winter melon, turmeric, and water spinach are cultivated here.
To reach this village you have to hop on a bus or boat from Hoi An. The villagers of Thanh Ha village, have a long-established history and have preserved the art of pottery through generations.
It comes into prominence in the late 15th century when people from the North migrated here to start a new life. The craft underwent dynamic growth in the 18th century.
The craftsmen make clay pottery by sticking to their traditional methods. These procedures have been handed down for over 6 centuries. Discover some exquisite ceramic works here, the village is sure to captivate you from the moment you enter it. Many a 5 Star hotel in Hoi An, the likes of Anantara Hoi An Resort, are among the favourite options of tourists visiting here.
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