Kim Bong Carpentry Village, with its long-standing history and exquisite woodcraft, is an ideal destination for those who wish to explore the traditional beauty of Hoi An. If you want to better understand its unique features and how to get there, check out the article below from Hotel Royal Hoi An!
Overview of Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Kim Bong Carpentry Village, located in Cam Kim Commune, Hoi An, is a famous traditional woodworking village with a history spanning over 500 years. This village is closely associated with the names of many artisans who contributed to building the ancient town of Hoi An.
The name “Kim Bong” carries a special meaning: “Kim” means gold, and “Bong” means to emerge – symbolizing a fertile riverside land where talented carpenters with “golden hands” in craftsmanship were born.
The village is renowned for its sophisticated hand-carved wooden art, influenced by Vietnamese, Cham, Chinese, and Japanese styles. Its products include wooden houses, furniture, statues, boats, and more – all meticulously carved by hand.
Kim Bong Village plays a crucial role in constructing and preserving the wooden architectural works of Hoi An, contributing to the recognition of the ancient town by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site. In 2016, Kim Bong woodworking was also recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Today, Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a popular tourist attraction for those who love woodcraft and want to learn more about the values of Vietnamese heritage.
Reference information:
- Address: Duong Nong Thon, Trung Ha hamlet, Cam Kim commune, Hoi An city, Quang Nam province
- Entrance fee: Free
- Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Monday to Sunday
Read more: 30+ Hoi An tourist destinations that you should not miss
How to Get to Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Kim Bong Carpentry Village is located in Trung Ha Hamlet, Cam Kim Commune, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province, about 3–4 km from the center of the ancient town. You can get to the village in the following ways:
- By Bicycle or Motorbike: From the center of Hoi An Ancient Town, you can choose personal means of transportation such as bicycles or motorbikes to reach Kim Bong Carpentry Village. Your journey starts by crossing Cam Kim Bridge over the Thu Bon River. After the bridge, continue straight for about 3 km to reach the village.
- By Boat: Another interesting experience is taking a boat from the ferry terminal in Hoi An Ancient Town. From the ferry dock, head south along Bach Dang Street by the river, then board the Hoi An – Cam Kim ferry. The trip lasts about 10 minutes, taking you across the scenic Thu Bon River. When you arrive at Cam Kim port, it’s only a short walk to the gate of Kim Bong Carpentry Village.
Unmissable Experiences at Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Visit Traditional Carpentry Workshops
When you arrive at Kim Bong Carpentry Village, you’ll have the chance to visit traditional woodworking workshops, where skilled craftsmen still craft wood daily with their expert hands. The sounds of hammers and chisels echo as intricate details are carved into raw wooden blocks.
Every stage of the carpentry process here gives visitors a deeper understanding of the essence of traditional craftsmanship. You will witness artisans creating signature items such as tables, ancestral altars, Buddha statues, bas-reliefs, engraved wood paintings, miniature sailboats, and other exquisite handicrafts.
Each detail, every carved line, reflects the patience, meticulousness, and endless passion of the Kim Bong village carpenters.
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Experience Handicraft Making
If you want to gain a deeper understanding of carpentry, join a hands-on craft-making session right in the village. You can try your hand at carving a small item such as a wooden keychain or create unique mini statues from raw wood pieces.
This is both an opportunity to learn and challenge yourself with traditional craftsmanship, and a chance to create a souvenir with your personal touch. These handcrafted items will become priceless keepsakes from your meaningful journey.
Buy Unique Wooden Souvenirs
Upon entering Kim Bong Carpentry Village, you will easily find unique and creative handcrafted wooden items such as feng shui statues, carved countryside-themed paintings, miniature sailboats, jewelry boxes, tea trays, and more.
Unlike industrial products, each piece here is a work of art, handcrafted and carrying the distinct signature of the artisan. These are perfect gifts for friends and family, expressing your love and appreciation.
Explore the Village’s Long-standing History
Kim Bong Carpentry Village is not just a craft village; it is an integral part of Hoi An’s historical narrative. Established in the 15th century, Kim Bong supplied wood and handcrafted items for many famous architectural structures in Hoi An Ancient Town, from the Japanese Covered Bridge to historic houses.
Stepping into the village feels like stepping back in time, where stories of the craft and the ups and downs of a centuries-old profession are still passed down through each product and every carving strike.
Meet Master Artisans
The artisans in Kim Bong Carpentry Village are highly skilled craftsmen with many years of experience. They are willing to share with you stories of the craft as well as their secrets to creating intricate wooden artworks.
Moreover, you will witness firsthand elaborately carved wooden masterpieces by local artisans, such as the sacred quartet of Long – Lan – Quy – Phung, dancing peacocks, deities, Buddha statues, and familiar household items like tables, chairs, ancestral altars, and tea trays.
These works not only demonstrate exceptional technique but also embody the dedication, spirit, and unique cultural identity of a craft village that has thrived through generations. This is also a rare opportunity to connect with a very special part of Hoi An’s culture.
Travel Tips for Visiting Kim Bong Carpentry Village
To make your journey to Kim Bong Carpentry Village more enjoyable and convenient, keep in mind the following travel tips:
- Best Time to Visit During the Day: It’s recommended to visit in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid the intense heat and enjoy the pleasant atmosphere, which is ideal for photography and exploring the village.
- Best Season to Visit: The dry season from March to August is the most suitable time for a visit. The weather is dry and there is little rain, making travel and experiences more convenient.
- Appropriate Clothing: Wear soft-soled shoes or sandals for comfortable walking around the village and inside the traditional workshops, which often have dirt or gravel floors.
- Photography Equipment: Prepare your phone or camera with a full battery so you can capture memorable moments and unique scenes at the craft village.
- Souvenir Shopping: If you plan to buy handicrafts, bring cash with you. Many small workshops do not have card readers or electronic payment options.
- Light Packing: Avoid bringing bulky luggage. Moving around the compact village space is easier with a lightweight bag.
- Environmental Awareness: During your visit, help keep the area clean, do not litter, and respect the daily lives of the local people to preserve the rustic charm of the craft village.
Suggested accommodation near Kim Bong Carpentry Village
If you’re looking for a convenient and luxurious place to stay near Kim Bong Carpentry Village, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery is an ideal choice. Located by the Thu Bon and Hoai Rivers, the hotel is just about 3–4 km from Kim Bong Carpentry Village, making it easy to travel and explore.
Currently, Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery offers 187 rooms and suites, from Deluxe to Royal Deluxe and 2 Bedrooms Suite, each fully equipped with modern amenities and stunning views.
During your stay, you can enjoy excellent relaxation experiences, from premium spa services to delightful moments at the on-site restaurants and bars.
Highlighted facilities at Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery include:
- Woosah Spa – Relaxing wellness and spa treatments
- Faifo Cafe and Wakaku Japanese Restaurant – Diverse culinary options
- River Bar – A relaxing bar by the river
- Modern fitness center
- Executive Lounge – Premium service for VIP guests
- Airport shuttle service
- Cooking and traditional lantern-making classes – A cultural Hoi An experience
- Laundry service, 24/7 front desk
To book a room and enjoy a wonderful holiday in Hoi An, you can visit the hotel’s official website.
Extending the same comfort and facilities as Deluxe rooms, Grand Deluxe tops it up by adding a romantic balcony which opens up the view to the local area or the river even more.
- 30 - 34 sqm
- 3 Adults
We hope this article from Hotel Royal Hoi An Gallery has provided useful information about Kim Bong Carpentry Village. Wishing you an inspiring journey full of beautiful memories and a fulfilling cultural experience in this peaceful riverside village on the Thu Bon River!
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