Traditional Craft Villages in Hoi An: A Cultural Journey in Da Nang City

In 1998, the Han River Bridge began to be constructed and in 2000, the bridge was officially inaugurated and put into operation. The possibility to rotate 90 degrees is the most prominent feature of the Han River swing bridge. In the centre part of the bridge is a turning span which can pivot horizontally to create a new path for large ships to pass through.

Legend Travel Group delivers authentic Southeast Asia experiences, prioritizing sustainability and cultural immersion. Our craft village tours in Hoi An use low-impact transport like bicycles and electric shuttles, guided by local artisans who share their craft’s history. We support Minh An and Cam Ha communities and align with Da Nang City’s “Green Heritage” initiative to preserve cultural sites. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless cultural journey. Explore Hoi An’s craft villages responsibly with our curated tours—book via the links on this page!

Quang Nam Province has merged into Da Nang City, making Hoi An Minh An Ward and integrating former districts like Dien Ban (Phuoc Kieu) into wards under Da Nang’s administration. This restructuring eliminates the district level, but Hoi An’s UNESCO status and craft village tourism remain vibrant. Da Nang City is enhancing sustainable tourism with cycling paths, electric vehicles, and flood-resistant infrastructure, ensuring easy access to these cultural hubs.

Hoi An’s craft villages, rooted in centuries-old traditions, offer immersive experiences in artisanship and sustainable tourism. Below are five must-visit villages, with updated details on activities, prices, and eco-friendly practices.

1. Hoi An Lantern-Making Village (Xa Duong Village)

Overview: Originating in the 16th century, Hoi An’s lantern-making craft, centered in Xa Duong Village, is a 400-year-old tradition symbolizing luck, peace, and prosperity. Artisans craft vibrant lanterns using bamboo and silk, exported globally and iconic during Hoi An’s Full Moon Lantern Festival.
Location: Scattered across Minh An Ward, with workshops along Tran Phu and Nguyen Thai Hoc Streets, 500 m from Hoi An Market.
Activities:

• Observe artisans framing bamboo and stretching silk, creating lanterns in red (luck), yellow (peace), and blue (harmony).

• Join lantern-making workshops to craft your own ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND, 1–2 hours).

• Attend the Full Moon Lantern Festival (14th lunar day monthly) to see thousands of lanterns illuminate the Thu Bon River.
  Prices:

• Entrance: Free; workshops $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

• Lanterns: $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND) depending on size and design.

• Festival boat ride: $6–$8/boat (150,000–200,000 VND, 4 people).
  Sustainable Practices: Artisans use biodegradable bamboo and recycled silk scraps; workshops promote cultural preservation, supporting 50+ families.
  Highlights: “A colorful cultural experience” (Tripadvisor, 4.8/5 stars). Tip: Visit during the festival for a magical ambiance; book workshops via Klook for small groups. Included in our Hoi An Night Glow Tour ($55–$75).

2. Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Overview: Established in the 15th century by Northern Vietnamese settlers on Cam Kim Island, Kim Bong Village is renowned for shipbuilding, furniture, and intricate wood carvings, contributing to Hoi An’s historic architecture.
Location: Cam Kim Island, 2 km from Hoi An Old Town (10-minute boat ride from Bach Dang Wharf).
Activities:

• Watch artisans carve sculptures and build traditional wooden boats using hand tools.

• Visit shipyards and workshops like Can Phuc, learning about 500-year-old techniques.

• Join carving workshops ($15–$25 or 375,000–625,000 VND, 2 hours).

• Cycle through rice fields and folk villages for a scenic tour.
  Prices:

• Boat ride: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND) round-trip.

• Entrance: $1.50 (35,000 VND); workshops $15–$25.

• Souvenirs (e.g., wooden figurines): $5–$20 (125,000–500,000 VND).
  Sustainable Practices: Artisans use sustainably sourced wood; tourism revenue funds vocational training for youth, preserving carpentry skills. Guided tours began in June 2024, boosting local jobs. Highlights: “A peaceful artisan escape” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars). Tip: Take a morning boat for cooler weather; combine with a cycling tour for $10 extra. Included in our Hoi An Handicraft Villages Tour ($70–$90).

3. Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Overview: Dating to the late 15th century, Thanh Ha Pottery Village, a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, is famed for handmade ceramics like bowls, jars, and vases, once supplied to the Nguyen Dynasty.
Location: Thanh Ha Ward, 3 km west of Hoi An Old Town, along the Thu Bon River.
Activities:

• Observe artisans shaping clay from the Thu Bon River on hand-spun wheels, firing at 800–1,000°C.

• Visit the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park ($2 or 50,000 VND), a 6,000 m² “miniature Vietnamese ceramic world.”

• Join pottery-making workshops ($10–$15 or 250,000–375,000 VND, 1–2 hours).

• Explore Nam Dieu Temple, honoring pottery founders.
  Prices:

• Entrance: $1.50 (35,000 VND); Terracotta Park $2 (50,000 VND).

• Workshops: $10–$15; pottery souvenirs $1–$10 (25,000–250,000 VND).
  Sustainable Practices: Clay is locally sourced, reducing transport emissions; workshops use manual wheels, minimizing energy use. Tourism supports 100+ artisan households. Highlights: “A hands-on cultural gem” (Tripadvisor, 4.5/5 stars). Tip: Visit in summer to see pottery drying along the river; book via Hoi An Creative City for group discounts. Included in our Thanh Ha Pottery Tour ($65–$85).

4. Tra Que Vegetable Village

Overview: A 400-year-old organic farming village, Tra Que is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage known for its high-quality herbs and vegetables, grown with Co Co River seaweed fertilizer, flavoring Hoi An dishes like cao lầu and mi quang.
Location: Cam Ha Ward, 3 km northeast of Hoi An Old Town, near the De Vong River.
Activities:

• Join farmers in planting, watering, and harvesting herbs like basil, mint, and coriander.

• Participate in cooking classes featuring Tra Que produce ($25–$45 or 625,000–1,125,000 VND, 3–4 hours).

• Enjoy a herbal foot bath ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND, 20 minutes).

• Cycle through lush fields for a tranquil experience.
  Prices:

• Entrance: $1.50 (35,000 VND); free for children under 5, 50% off for ages 6–10.

• Cooking classes: $25–$45; foot bath $5–$10; bike rental $1–$2/day (25,000–50,000 VND).
  Sustainable Practices: Chemical-free farming with seaweed fertilizer; 200 families engage in eco-tourism, preserving traditional methods. Revenue funds flood-resistant farming infrastructure. Highlights: “A green culinary paradise” (Tripadvisor, 4.7/5 stars). Tip: Book morning tours for cooler weather; try basil seed drinks ($0.50 or 12,500 VND). Included in our Tra Que Culinary Tour ($75–$95).

5. Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village

Overview: Founded in the 16th century, Phuoc Kieu is renowned for bronze bells, gongs, and ceremonial artifacts, including the 2-ton Dai Hong Chung bell (2006). Its gongs are used by Vietnam’s highland ethnic groups.
Location: Dien Phuong Commune, Dien Ban Ward, 10 km from Hoi An Old Town.
Activities:

• Watch artisans cast bronze using traditional alloy techniques, combining metals for unique sounds.

• Visit workshops crafting bells, incense burners, and vases.

• Join bronze-casting demonstrations ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND, 1–2 hours).
  Prices:

• Entrance: Free; demonstrations $10–$20.

• Souvenirs (e.g., small gongs): $5–$30 (125,000–750,000 VND).
  Sustainable Practices: Artisans recycle scrap metal; tourism supports 20+ families, preserving a craft at risk of decline. Local training programs ensure skill transmission. Highlights: “A soulful artisan experience” (Tripadvisor, 4.6/5 stars).
  Tip: Combine with Thanh Ha for a full-day tour; book via Vietnam Original Travel for guided visits. Included in our Phuoc Kieu Bronze Tour ($70–$90).

Hoi An’s craft villages are vital to its UNESCO heritage, supported by Da Nang City’s sustainable tourism initiatives:

• Flood Mitigation: A VND500 billion drainage project (2023) protects villages like Thanh Ha from November floods, ensuring year-round access.

• Eco-Friendly Practices: Villages use biodegradable materials (e.g., bamboo, clay); bike tours reduce emissions, with 50% of visitors cycling.

• Community Empowerment: Tourism employs 500+ artisans across 16 villages, with revenue funding vocational schools and eco-tourism training.

• Cultural Preservation: Digital QR guides (2023) in English, Vietnamese, and Chinese educate visitors, while festivals like the Full Moon Lantern Festival promote traditions.

• Recent Developments: Kim Bong launched guided tours in June 2024, and Tra Que’s community-based tourism was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2022, boosting eco-tourism.

Legend Travel Group’s tours align with these efforts, partnering with artisans and eco-conscious vendors to support local economies and minimize environmental impact.

• Entrance Fees: Free (Phuoc Kieu, Lantern Village); $1.50 (35,000 VND) for Tra Que, Thanh Ha; $2 (50,000 VND) for Thanh Ha Terracotta Park.

• Activities:

  • Workshops (lantern-making, pottery, bronze casting): $10–$25 (250,000–625,000 VND).

  • Cooking classes (Tra Que): $25–$45 (625,000–1,125,000 VND).

  • Guided tours: $10–$45 (250,000–1,125,000 VND); private tours $80–$120 (2,000,000–3,000,000 VND).

  • Foot bath (Tra Que): $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Souvenirs: $1–$30 (25,000–750,000 VND); tips $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).

• Dining: Street food (e.g., cao lầu, mi quang) $1–$6 (25,000–150,000 VND); restaurant meals $3–$15 (75,000–375,000 VND); drinks $0.25–$4 (6,250–100,000 VND).

• Transport:

  • From Hanoi (750 km, round-trip): Flight $70–$140; train $35–$60 + $6–$12 taxi; bus $20–$35 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $160–$230.

  • From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km, round-trip): Flight $80–$160; bus $30–$45 + $6–$12 taxi; private car $200–$280.

  • From Da Nang (28 km, ~45–60 minutes, round-trip): Taxi/Grab $12–$15; shuttle bus $6–$10; bus #1 $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND); motorbike $5–$10/day + $4 fuel.

  • Within Hoi An (1–10 km): Bicycle $1–$2/day; motorbike $5–$10/day (restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones 9:00 AM–11:00 AM, 3:00 PM–10:00 PM); taxi/Grab $3–$6/trip; cyclo $2–$5/trip; boat to Kim Bong $1–$2; walking free.

• Accommodation: Hostels $10–$25/night (250,000–625,000 VND); homestays $15–$50/night (375,000–1,250,000 VND); hotels $70–$200/night (1,750,000–5,000,000 VND); resorts $180–$450/night (4,500,000–11,250,000 VND).

• Total Daily Cost: $20–$120 (budget: $20–$50; mid-range: $50–$80; luxury: $80–$120).

• Tip: Carry VND for small transactions; ATMs in Minh An Ward. Book tours for eco-transfers to support sustainability. Rainy season discounts (10–20%) apply September–January.

From Hanoi (750 km, ~1–1.5 hours by flight, 14–16 hours by train/bus)

• Flight: $35–$70 one-way to Da Nang International Airport; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15) to Hoi An.

• Train: $17–$30 one-way to Da Nang Station; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Bus: $10–$17 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Private Car: $80–$115 one-way.

• Guided Tour: Our tours ($100–$200) include eco-transfers.

From Ho Chi Minh City (900 km, ~1.5 hours by flight, 18–20 hours by bus)

• Flight: $40–$80 one-way to Da Nang; 45-minute taxi ($12–$15).

• Bus: $15–$22 one-way to Da Nang; 30-minute taxi ($12–$18).

• Private Car: $100–$140 one-way.

• Guided Tour: Our tours ($120–$220) include transfers.

From Da Nang to Hoi An (28 km, ~45–60 minutes)

• Bus #1: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND); every 15–20 minutes (5:00 AM–9:00 PM) to Hoi An Bus Station; 10-minute walk or $3 taxi to villages.

• Taxi/Grab: $12–$15 one-way.

• Shuttle Bus: $3–$5 one-way; hourly (6:00 AM–9:00 PM).

• Motorbike: $5–$10/day + $2 fuel; restricted in Old Town pedestrian zones.

• Guided Tour: Our half-day tours ($55–$75) include transfers.

Within Hoi An

• Lantern Village: Walk 5 minutes from Japanese Covered Bridge (500 m).

• Kim Bong: 10-minute boat from Bach Dang Wharf ($1–$2); 15-minute bike ride from Hoi An.

• Thanh Ha: 10-minute bike ($1–$2/day) or $3 taxi from Old Town.

• Tra Que: 15-minute bike or $2–$3 taxi via Hai Ba Trung Street.

• Phuoc Kieu: 20-minute taxi ($6–$8 or 150,000–200,000 VND) or guided tour.
  Route Tip: Base yourself in Minh An Ward; use offline maps (e.g., Maps.me). Parking: $0.25–$0.60/motorbike (6,250–15,000 VND).

• Spring (February–April): Mild (18–28°C or 64.4–82.4°F), low rainfall (25–50 mm). Ideal for cycling and outdoor workshops; book 2–3 weeks ahead for Nguyen Tieu Festival (February).

• Summer (May–August): Warm (25–38°C or 77–100.4°F), occasional showers (90–120 mm). Great for pottery drying at Thanh Ha; early morning visits (7:00–9:00 AM) avoid heat.

• Rainy Season (September–January): Cooler (19–29°C or 66.2–84.2°F), heavy rain (150–500 mm, peaking October–November). Indoor activities like lantern-making ideal; 10–20% discounts. Check flood forecasts for November.

Tip: February–April offers the best weather for cycling to Tra Que or Kim Bong; Full Moon Lantern Festival enhances village vibrancy.

• Plan Ahead: Book tours 2–3 weeks in advance via Legend Travel Group or Klook (+84 938 987 654). Confirm village hours (typically 8:00 AM–6:00 PM).

• Dress Code: Casual, comfortable clothing; closed shoes for pottery or farming; conical hats ($1–$2) for sun protection in Tra Que.

• Pack Smart: Reusable water bottle, sunscreen, small cash (VND) for entrance fees/souvenirs, camera (ask permission for photos), mosquito repellent for outdoor villages.

• Budget Wisely: Expect $20–$120/day; carry VND; ATMs sparse outside Minh An Ward. Verify prices to avoid overcharges.

• Stay Safe: Watch for uneven paths in Thanh Ha; secure valuables in crowded markets; check flood risks in November.

• Sustainability: Choose bike tours or electric shuttles; buy from artisans to support local economies; avoid plastic waste with reusable bags. Our tours promote eco-conscious travel.

• Cultural Respect: Say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to artisans; don’t touch unfinished crafts; tip guides ($1–$2).

• Navigation: Allow 3–4 hours per village; combine Kim Bong and Thanh Ha for a full day. Offline maps essential.

Our sustainable tours immerse you in Hoi An’s artisanal heritage, tailored for eco-conscious travelers:

• Hoi An Handicraft Villages Tour ($70–$90/person): Kim Bong carpentry, Thanh Ha pottery, lantern-making workshop, mi quang tasting. Includes bike rentals and lunch.

• Tra Que Culinary Craft Tour ($75–$95/person): Tra Que farming, Hoành Thánh cooking class, Hoi An Market visit. Includes eco-transfers and meals.

• Thanh Ha Pottery Tour ($65–$85/person): Pottery workshop, Terracotta Park, Thu Bon River boat ride. Includes eco-transfers and souvenirs.

• Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Tour ($70–$90/person): Bronze-casting demonstration, Dien Ban countryside, local dining. Includes eco-transfers.

• Hoi An Cultural Explorer ($350–$550/person, 3–4 days): All five villages, My Son Sanctuary, homestays ($15–$50/night), lantern festival. Includes all activities, meals, eco-transfers.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, entrance fees ($1.50–$2), and meals/snacks. Group discounts (10% off for 10+ travelers) and seasonal promotions available. Book now via links around this page!

Hoi An’s traditional craft villages—lantern-making, Kim Bong carpentry, Thanh Ha pottery, Tra Que farming, and Phuoc Kieu bronze casting—are cultural treasures that embody Da Nang City’s UNESCO World Heritage legacy. From crafting vibrant lanterns to shaping clay pots, these 400–500-year-old villages offer immersive experiences in Vietnam’s artisanal traditions. Supported by sustainable tourism initiatives like eco-tours and flood mitigation, they thrive as living cultural hubs. Legend Travel Group’s Da Nang Tours guide you through Hoi An’s craft villages, ensuring a sustainable Da Nang Travel experience that supports artisans and preserves heritage. Don’t miss Hoi An’s craft village magic—browse our featured tours and book your cultural adventure today!
Ready to explore Hoi An’s traditional craft villages? Reserve your tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in Vietnam’s artisanal heritage!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, personally guiding and organizing tours for over 100,000 travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.

Sources: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group