Traditional craft villages in Hoi An are offering visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage through handmade pottery, woodwork, and lanterns.
When you visit Hoi An, it’s hard not to fall in love with its rich cuisine, timeless architecture, and the pride that locals carry for their pottery and fabrics. But have you ever wondered why the food is so flavorful, the old houses so well preserved, or the artistry so impressive? The answer lies just beyond the charming alleys of the Old Town — in the traditional craft villages surrounding Hoi An Vietnam.
These villages are home to generations of skilled artisans, farmers, and craftsmen who have quietly passed down their knowledge through the ages. Each village has a story to tell, a product to showcase, and a way of life to admire.
Let’s take a journey through 7 traditional craft villages in Hoi An, Vietnam — places that reflect the soul of the region and its people.
1. Cam Ha Kumquat Village: A Burst of Citrus and Tradition
Located just a few kilometers from Hoi An’s center, Cam Ha Kumquat Village is a haven for lovers of natural beauty and gardening. With nearly 1,000 kumquat gardens covering more than 200 hectares, this village is known for producing some of the highest-quality kumquats in Central Vietnam.
These trees are not just cultivated for fruit — they are shaped into intricate, artistic forms by the talented hands of Cam Ha artisans. Visiting during the Lunar New Year season is especially magical, as the entire village turns into a sea of golden-orange kumquat trees, symbolizing prosperity and happiness.
Here, you can tour beautiful gardens, meet local growers, and taste countryside delicacies made from kumquats: from tangy candies and juices to kumquat wine and jam. Pair that with traditional dishes like Cao Lau, Quang noodles, and Banh Xeo, and you’ll experience a true Hoi An feast.
2. Hoi An Silk Village: Where Threads Tell Ancient Tales
Just 1km from the Old Town lies the Hoi An Silk Village — a living museum of silk weaving that dates back over 300 years. This village preserves the traditional techniques of the Champa culture and the Dai Viet era, offering a hands-on insight into one of Vietnam’s oldest textile crafts.
From silkworm farming and cocoon spinning to weaving exquisite fabrics, you can follow every step of the silk-making process. The village also houses beautiful Ruong houses, traditional wooden homes that reflect 19th-century Vietnamese architecture and Eastern philosophy.
After the tour, browse the display area for delicate silk scarves, dresses, and handmade accessories — perfect gifts or personal keepsakes from your journey through Hoi An’s textile heritage.
3. Thanh Nam Fishing Village: Where Sea and Life Intertwine
Tucked beside the breezy shores of Cua Dai Beach, Thanh Nam Fishing Village is a picturesque and peaceful place where the rhythm of the sea sets the pace of daily life.
Here, visitors can witness traditional fishing methods in action — or even join local fishermen for a hands-on experience, casting nets and rowing basket boats. The village’s sandy streets are lined with yellow-painted houses and yards full of drying fish, anchovies, and squid, adding to its authentic charm.
Of course, no visit is complete without savoring the freshest seafood, cooked right by the water, as you take in the salty breeze and golden sunsets of the coast.
4. Tra Que Vegetable Village: The Garden of Hoi An
Located just 3km from town in Cam Ha, Tra Que Vegetable Village is where much of Hoi An’s fresh produce comes from. It’s not just a farming area — it’s a green paradise that welcomes travelers to immerse themselves in a slower, earthier way of life.
For a small entrance fee (about 30,000 VND), you can tour the lush vegetable beds, participate in farming activities like planting and watering with traditional tools, and enjoy the clean countryside air.
What makes Tra Que vegetables special? They are grown using only organic methods, with seaweed fertilizer from the nearby Co Co River. The result is herbs and greens with unmatched flavor — the kind that gives dishes like Banh Xeo or Mi Quang their authentic zing.
The name Tra Que itself comes from a story involving a Nguyễn Dynasty king, who was so impressed by a spicy-scented herb that he renamed the village after it — a name still proudly carried today.
5. Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Crafting the Heart of Hoi An
Across the Thu Bon River in Cam Kim, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is where the soul of Hoi An’s architecture comes to life. This centuries-old woodworking village is responsible for many of the sturdy, intricate wooden houses you see in the Ancient Town today.
Visitors are welcomed into open-air workshops where you can see artisans chiseling away at wood, shaping everything from fine furniture and boats to decorative panels and religious statues. If you’re feeling adventurous, try your hand at carving under the guidance of a master craftsman.
Kim Bong is not just about preserving woodwork — it’s about preserving heritage. Each beam, joint, and pattern tells a story of devotion to craft and community.
6. Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village: Forging Music and Memory
Located in Dien Ban District, along National Highway 1A, Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village has a history of more than 400 years. Although it’s a bit farther from central Hoi An, it’s well worth the journey — especially when combined with a visit to the My Son Sanctuary.
Phuoc Kieu is famed for its traditional gong instruments, which hold deep cultural significance in Vietnam’s Central Highlands. At the village, you can watch artisans craft bronze items by hand, using age-old techniques passed down through generations.
Even more captivating is hearing the gongs in action — their deep, resonant tones seem to echo with the history of the village itself. From incense burners and decorative statues to spiritual instruments, every item carries the pride of its maker.
7. Thanh Ha Pottery Village: A World Molded by Clay
Last but certainly not least, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is one of the most iconic traditional villages near Hoi An. Situated along the Thu Bon River, the village is over 500 years old and still active today, with families working together to shape clay into art.
Visitors can watch skilled potters mold bowls, teapots, and vases by hand — or try the wheel themselves in a fun and educational workshop. The nearby Thanh Ha Terracotta Park is a unique attraction that displays miniature ceramic versions of famous world landmarks and Vietnamese architectural wonders.
It’s a visual feast that blends creativity with culture, showing just how much history can be held in a humble handful of earth.
Among 7 Traditional Craft Villages in Hoi An, Which Village Will You Explore First?
Each of Hoi An’s traditional craft villages offers something unique – whether it’s the zesty fragrance of kumquats, the whisper of silk, the scent of fresh vegetables, or the clang of bronze. You don’t have to choose just one during the unforgettable Vietnam tour. Explore them all, and you’ll walk away not only with beautiful souvenirs, but also with a deeper appreciation for the generations of skill, love, and labor that keep these crafts alive.
So, what do you want to try first? Pottery? Silk weaving? Fishing? Or maybe all of them? No matter your choice, adventure and discovery await just outside the heart of Hoi An.
