Kim Bong Carpentry Village Hoi An | Is It Worth Visiting?

I’d heard about Kim Bong Carpentry Village a few times — people calling it a “nice little detour” from Hoi An. So one day, I jumped on my scooter and went to check it out for myself.

The thing with places like this is that they can easily feel a bit too quiet or like a tourist trap, especially if you don’t know what to expect. So the real question is simple: is it actually worth the visit?

Here, I’m giving you my honest take, what you’ll actually see there, and who this place is really for.

What Exactly Is Kim Bong Village?

Kim Bong Village is a small area located just across the river, only a few minutes by boat from the center of Hoi An. It’s mostly known for its traditional carpenters, who used to work on old houses, temples, and even boats back in the day.

Today, the village is trying to keep that craftsman identity, with a few workshops still active and occasional demonstrations for visitors.

t’s not a “museum village”, and it’s not overly touristy either. The vibe is quiet, and sometimes even a bit still, but if you’re into traditional crafts, it’s definitely something that might interest you.

There’s not a lot going on, and that’s also what gives it its charm.

How to Get There from Hoi An

There are two easy ways to get to Kim Bong Village from Hoi An:

1. The first is to cross the bridge by bike or scooter, heading toward Cam Kim. It’s a flat, easy ride, and a great option if you feel like pedaling through the countryside.
2. The second option is to take a small boat from the center of Hoi An, near the market or the old town. The ride is short — 15 to 20 minutes max — and gives you a nice view of the river. Expect to pay 150,000 to 250,000 VND to rent a boat.

Once you’re there, it’s super straightforward: the village is built around a single circular road. No map needed — you can’t really get lost. That’s also why bike tours often include Kim Bong as a short stop along the way.

Do You Need a Ticket to Visit the Village?

Kim Bong Village is not included in Hoi An’s official tourist pass. If you want to stay “by the book,” you’re supposed to buy a ticket at the small house at the village entrance. The price is 35,000 VND (around €1.30), so nothing major.

That said, you can very easily walk around the village without paying. There’s pretty much no enforcement, and most visitors just stroll through the area without being asked for anything.

It’s really up to you whether or not to buy the ticket, but in practice, no one will stop you from visiting for free.

What Can You Do in Kim Bong Village, Hoi An?

Wood Carving Workshops

You’ll find around ten wood carving workshops lined up side by side in the village. Some are still active, others are more “for show” to give you an idea of what the village was known for in the past. You can see artisans working by hand on statues, frames, and decorative wooden pieces for houses and temples.

In front of each workshop, there are tables set up for visitors who want to try wood carving. I paid 200,000 VND for a half-day session to make a stylized wooden turtle. Some workshops offer quicker (2.5-hour) sessions for a lower price.

My Recommendations

If you want to try your hand at carving or just watch skilled, passionate artisans, here are two workshops I recommend:

1. Ngô – Wood Art and Workshop A small, super friendly workshop with someone who speaks a bit of English. The atmosphere is relaxed, and the instructions are clear. That’s where I did my workshop, and honestly, I learned a few cool things in just a few hours. You even get to keep what you make, which makes the experience even better.
2. Tuấn Trần – Mộc Kim Bồng More traditional, but just as interesting. The workshop is well-organized, and it’s clear they take their craft seriously. If you like watching the process, the tools, and the fine details, this is a great spot. The artisan doesn’t speak English (but his wife does), and with a bit of patience (and hand gestures), it’s easy enough to communicate.

These two workshops are right next to each other, so you can easily visit both to compare or just pick the one that feels right to you.

Unlike Thanh Ha pottery village or Tra Que vegetable village, Kim Bong is tiny. There are just 10 workshops, and that’s it. You can easily visit the whole place in 15 minutes if you don’t linger.

There are a few informational signs around the village that explain its history or give more details about the workshops. It’s a good idea — it helps give a bit more context and connect with the local story.

One thing that disappointed me a bit is that quite a few workshops also sell items made in China or in other parts of Vietnam. If you’re expecting 100% local products, you might be a little frustrated.

Traditional Boat Yards

There are also several traditional boatyards, where they still build or repair wooden boats, some small, some much larger. The activity varies depending on the day, but it’s interesting to see — especially if you later spot the same boats docked at the port in Hoi An.

You can also walk or cycle through the quiet little alleys of the village, watch daily life, and stumble upon some pretty photogenic corners if the light is good. It’s not a structured tour, so you’ll have to take your time, look around, and chat with people when the opportunity comes up.

One of the best boatyards is located [here] and [here].

Basket Boat Workshop

Around the village, you’ll also find a basket boat workshop that’s clearly set up for tourists. Don’t expect anything too authentic, but it’s still a nice little stop. The artisan doesn’t speak English, but he’s friendly, and it’s easy to understand what’s going on. And why not give it a try while you’re there?

This workshop is located [here].

Is It Really Worth It?

Honestly, it depends on what you’re looking for. If you enjoy quiet places, a bit off the beaten path, and you’re curious to see craftsmen at work in a traditional setting, then yes — it can be worth the detour. It’s not spectacular, but it’s pleasant, especially if you combine it with a bike ride or a short boat trip.

On the other hand, if you’re short on time in Hoi An or looking for a truly standout activity, you can definitely skip it. Kim Bong works well as part of a laid-back day, but it’s not worth the trip on its own.

Pros / Cons

✅ Pros:

• Easy to reach from Hoi An (by bike or boat)
• Quiet, not overly touristy
• Interesting wood carving workshops
• Chance to talk with local artisans
• Great to combine with a ride around Cam Kim
• A few traditional boatyards worth seeing

❌ Cons:

• Short visit — you’ll be done quickly
• Few explanations on site (even with some signs)
• Many items sold aren’t locally made
• Can feel “empty” if you don’t take your time

My Opinion

Kim Bong Village is a quiet little break just outside of Hoi An. It’s not a must-see, but it’s worth it if you enjoy craftsmanship, peaceful spots, and want to get a bit off the tourist track.

✅ Go if you have time and are curious.

❌ Skip it if you’re looking for something exciting or unmissable.