Discover Top 3 Local Villages in Hoi An by Local Experts

Just beyond the lantern-lit streets and historic Old Town of Hoi An lies a quieter, more authentic side of Vietnam, where centuries-old traditions still thrive in peaceful countryside settings. Visiting local villages in Hoi An offers travelers a rare chance to step away from the tourist trail and experience the region’s living heritage through hands-on activities and real-life stories.

In this guide, we’ll explore three of the most fascinating and accessible traditional villages near Hoi An: Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village, and Tra Que Vegetable Village. Each village is known for a unique craft or agricultural tradition, passed down through generations and still practiced today.

1. Thanh Ha Pottery Village – 500 Years of Clay Craftsmanship

1.1. A Historical Gem by the River

Located just 3 kilometers west of Hoi An along the poetic Thu Bon River, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is one of Vietnam’s most enduring centers for ceramics. Established in the 16th century, the village rose to fame during the golden age of Hoi An’s trading port. Its clay products were once highly valued in regional markets from Hue to the Mekong Delta and even traded with Japanese and Chinese merchants.

Unlike mass-produced ceramics, Thanh Ha’s pottery is made entirely by hand using traditional techniques. Many of the village families have been practicing the craft for generations, with skills passed down like heirlooms.

1.2. What Makes It Unique?

• Traditional pottery techniques: No electric wheels—just hand-shaping and foot-powered potter’s wheels, creating beautifully organic designs.
• Use of local clay: Clay is sourced from the nearby riverbanks, giving the pottery a distinct reddish hue.
• Community of artisans: Around 200 households continue the craft today, many welcoming visitors into their workshops.

1.3. Activities & Visitor Experiences

• Pottery-making workshop: Create your own souvenir in a short hands-on class (great for families with kids).
• Thanh Ha Terracotta Park: A sprawling museum-meets-sculpture-park featuring mini clay replicas of world-famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Sydney Opera House, and Angkor Wat.
• Cultural immersion: Join local families for a meal or tea and hear firsthand stories about life in the village.

1.4. Travel Info & Tips:

• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM daily
• Entrance fee: 35,000 VND (includes Terracotta Park access)
• How to get there: 10-minute taxi ride or 20-minute boat ride from Hoi An Old Town

Local Tips:

• Go early to beat the heat and crowds: Arriving between 8:00 – 9:30 AM helps you enjoy the village in cooler weather and see artisans at their most active.
• Wear old clothes if joining a pottery class: The clay is natural and easy to wash out, but it’s best to dress casually in case you get your hands dirty.
• Bring cash (small bills): Most workshops and souvenir shops do not accept cards. Items are very affordable, but exact change helps.
• Ask before taking photos: Though most artisans are friendly, it's respectful to request permission, especially in private workshops.
• Combine with a boat ride: You can take a scenic wooden boat back to the Ancient Town from the village pier, a peaceful end to your visit.

2. Kim Bong Carpentry Village – The Soul of Hoi An’s Architecture

2.1. An Ancient Village of Master Woodworkers

Across the Thu Bon River on Cam Kim Island, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is where the skilled hands behind Hoi An’s beautiful ancient houses, temples, and bridges still work today. The village was formed in the late 15th century by woodcarvers from Northern Vietnam, and quickly became renowned for its sophisticated craftsmanship.

Wood from Kim Bong was used to build iconic structures like the Japanese Covered Bridge and many communal houses in Hoi An. Today, despite modern pressures, the village continues to produce everything from wooden boats to intricate furniture and religious sculptures.

2.2. Signature Craftsmanship & Village Charm

• Ornate carvings: Furniture, altars, and wall panels carved with dragons, lotus motifs, and folk scenes.
• Eco-boat building: A rare look into traditional Vietnamese boatbuilding, a slowly fading trade.
• Quiet authenticity: Unlike touristy areas, Kim Bong feels serene and timeless, with gentle river breezes and the sound of chisels echoing through the workshops.

2.3. Top Experiences in Kim Bong

• Watch artisans at work: Wander into open workshops to observe master carvers shaping hardwood with nothing more than chisels and patience.
• Take a guided woodcarving class: A rewarding hands-on experience, usually lasting 30–45 minutes.
• Boatbuilding yards: Explore the working docks where fishing boats are crafted from scratch, with techniques passed down through families for centuries.

2.4. Travel Info & Tips:

• Getting there: A 10-minute wooden ferry ride or via Cam Kim Bridge by bicycle/scooter
• Entrance fee: Free (donations to workshops are welcome)
• Recommended tour: Join a cycling tour that combines Kim Bong with other villages like Tra Nhieu or Duy Vinh

Local Tips:

• Cycle there for a scenic ride: The 15-minute ride over Cam Kim Bridge offers views of rice paddies, river life, and quiet countryside charm.
• Visit in the morning to meet active craftsmen: Most artisans work from 7:30 AM until noon. Afternoons are often quieter or reserved for resting.
• Buy directly from the woodcarvers: Skip the tourist markets and support the local economy by purchasing wood art directly at the workshop.
• Look for custom pieces: Some carvers will personalize a small item (like name carvings) if asked politely and time allows.
• Respect the pace of village life: Kim Bong is not commercialized, walk slowly, greet locals, and enjoy the slower rhythm.

3. Tra Que Vegetable Village - One of The Top Local Villages in Hoi An

3.1. The Lush Garden of Hoi An

Only 3 kilometers northeast of Hoi An Ancient Town, Tra Que Vegetable Village is a green oasis famous for its organically grown herbs and vegetables. Named after a sweet-scented herb grown in the area, Tra Que has supplied produce to Hoi An’s restaurants and households for over 300 years.

Here, farming is done the traditional way, no pesticides, no chemicals, and only natural fertilizers made from riverweed and compost. The result is some of the freshest, most flavorful produce in Vietnam.

3.2. Daily Life in the Village

• Over 200 households depend on farming as their main livelihood.
• Morning routines start at sunrise, when locals water rows of basil, mint, spring onion, and perilla using bamboo shoulder poles.
• Every patch of soil is cultivated by hand, creating a vibrant, organized mosaic of greens that stretch across the countryside.

3.3. Experiences for Visitors

• Half-day farming tours: Learn how to prepare soil, plant seeds, and water crops the traditional way.
• Cooking classes: Prepare dishes like cao lau or banh xeo with freshly picked herbs, classes often take place in open kitchens overlooking the gardens.
• Relaxing foot massage: After your farmwork, enjoy a traditional herbal foot soak with Tra Que’s signature herbs.

3.4. Travel Info & Tips

• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entrance fee: 35,000 VND (included in most tour packages)
• Getting there: Easily reachable by bicycle (15 minutes from Old Town) or scooter

Local Tips:

• Visit around 6:00–7:00 AM for the most authentic experience: Farmers begin working just after dawn, and the early morning light is beautiful for photos.
• Book a farming & cooking tour: Local families host small group experiences, often including farming, foot soaks, and meals - a full cultural package.
• Try the special “Tam Huu” spring roll: Made with shrimp, pork, and fragrant herbs, it’s a must-try dish unique to the village.
• Bring a hat and sunscreen: While most farming activities are shaded, cooking and garden walks can be hot in midday.
• Respect the crops and rows: Avoid stepping into the vegetable beds, and always follow your guide through walking paths.

4. Experience Top Local Villages in Hoi An with Local Experts

Exploring these Top 3 Local Villages in Hoi An is already rewarding, but joining a guided tour led by local experts will take your experience to the next level.

Venus Travel offers a thoughtfully curated daily tour that brings you deep into the cultural heart of Hoi An. Instead of just observing from the outside, you’ll step into local homes, get your hands dirty in the garden, shape clay with your own fingers, and hear the stories that don’t appear in guidebooks.

Our expert local guides are more than just translators, they’re storytellers, cultural ambassadors, and passionate Hoi An locals who are deeply connected to these villages. You’ll learn about each village’s history, hear personal anecdotes, and understand the meaning behind every tradition.

What You’ll Experience with Venus Travel:

• In Thanh Ha Pottery Village: Try your hand at the potter’s wheel, learn about centuries-old firing techniques, and take home your handmade souvenir.
• At Kim Bong Carpentry Village: Meet wood artisans preserving centuries-old skills, and admire their intricate carvings that helped build Hoi An’s iconic ancient houses.
• In Tra Que Vegetable Village: Join local farmers in preparing soil, watering herbs, and picking fresh ingredients before cooking an authentic Vietnamese meal from scratch.

Why Choose a Guided Tour?

• Hassle-free transportation from your hotel and between villages
• Small group sizes for an intimate and personalized experience
• Support for local communities through direct collaboration with village families
• Insightful commentary that enriches your understanding of Hoi An’s living heritage

Whether you're a first-time traveler to Vietnam or a returning visitor looking to dig deeper into local life, this tour offers an unforgettable journey through the timeless charm of rural Hoi An.

For authentic travel advice and tour planning by Vietnam local experts, feel free to contact us 24/7! Don’t forget to follow us for the latest updates on Vietnam travel news and local tips!

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