Hoi An is more than its old town — it's ringed by centuries-old craft villages whose kilns and workshops still fire up every day. Visiting them is the loveliest way to touch real local life, make something with your own hands, and take home a story rather than just a photo.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village — 500 Years at the Wheel
On the bank of the Thu Bon River, about 3km from the old town, Thanh Ha pottery village has a history of over 500 years. Here you can watch artisans shape clay on foot-pedaled wheels and try making a vase or a clay whistle yourself. The Thanh Ha Terracotta Park even displays miniature world wonders made of pottery.
Kim Bong Woodwork Village — The Hands That Carved the Old Town
Across the Hoai River, Kim Bong woodwork village is famous for skilled carpenters who helped build Hoi An's old houses and even the Hue palaces. Here you'll hear the chisels at work, admire intricate carvings, and can order wooden handicrafts as gifts.
Tra Que Herb Village — A Century-Old Organic Garden
Three kilometers from the old town, Tra Que herb village grows over 20 kinds of aromatic herbs the traditional organic way, fertilized with river algae. The be-a-farmer-for-a-day experience — hoeing, sowing, watering with twin baskets — followed by a Hoi An cooking class is hugely popular with international visitors.
Lantern-Making — The Soul of the Old Town
Silk lanterns are Hoi An's very symbol. Many workshops in and around the old town offer a make-your-own-lantern class: choose a bamboo frame, stretch the silk, and finish your own lantern in about 1-2 hours to take home as a keepsake or gift.
Only after shaping my own lopsided pot in Thanh Ha did I understand why the people of Hoi An are so proud of their ancestors' crafts.
How to Combine the Villages
The craft villages are scattered around Hoi An, 3-7km apart. Hiring a private car with driver is the most convenient way to visit 2-3 in a single session — the driver waits and ferries you from one village to the next, with no worries about the heat or getting lost.
FAQ
Which craft village is closest to Hoi An old town?
Thanh Ha pottery and Tra Que herb villages are both about 3km away; Kim Bong woodwork is across the Hoai River, a 10-15 minute boat ride.
How much does the lantern-making experience cost?
Usually around 150,000-250,000 VND/person, including materials and the finished lantern you take home as a keepsake.
Can I visit several craft villages in one session?
Yes. They sit 3-7km apart, so hire a private car with driver to cover 2-3 villages in a session without worrying about heat or getting lost.
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