With ancient influences from China, Japan, and the Cham Kingdom, it’s said that the art of Vietnamese woodworking originated here in Kim Bong. The techniques are highly intricate—woodworkers apprentice for years before earning the title of “master”—and each artist typically focuses on either ancient architectural reproduction, furniture, shipbuilding, or restoration. Dragons, phoenixes, and flowers are common depictions.
To get the full experience of this old-world spot, book a bike tour. You’ll pedal past fabulous architecture and open-air workshops—watching the artisans crafting masterpieces one whittle at a time—and get your choice of souvenirs, from tiny handheld trinkets to grand statues and beyond.
The village is divided into west and east; the former for household wares including furniture and art, the latter for commercial ventures such as boats.
You may run into a student who offers you a free tour—that’s so they can practice their English.
To ensure most shops will be operating during your visit, aim to avoid the Lunar New Year (Tet), around early February.
Though you can get here via Cam Kim Bridge, a 10-minute ferry ride on the Thu Bon River is the signature way to arrive at this rustic spot from Hoi An. Most visitors will book some sort of a tour, which usually includes a bike ride, a stop at My Son Sanctuary, or a visit to Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
Kim Bong’s artisans are often at work quite early in the morning—they’ll likely be up before you could ever consider a visit. Many break around midday to avoid the afternoon heat, which you should, too; most shops close around 5pm. As for what month to visit, January-February and August-September tend to be not too hot and not too rainy.
Look around the exquisite buildings of Hoi An (and beyond), and odds are an artisan—or 12—from Kim Bong helped shape its details. In fact, even the Hue Citadel is an artifact of the village’s expertise. And ever since Hoi An’s Old Town has been designated a UNESCO site, many artisans venture across the river to aid in restoration and preservation of the city’s most prized structures.