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If you come to Hoi An and want to explore more deeply the traditional beauty of the Vietnamese people, then visit Kim Bong wood village. Here is a peaceful land where the sounds of chiseling and sawing have echoed regularly every day for hundreds of years. NVK Travel introduces you to this nostalgic destination to make your trip more meaningful.
Many visitors to Hoi An often just wander around the ancient town and forget that just across the Thu Bon River is a completely different world. On the other side of the river is Kim Bong wood village located in Cam Kim commune, Hoi An city.
To help you visualize, if you stand at the ferry dock right by Hoi An market and look straight across the river, you will see a green village shaded by bamboo. You can catch glimpses of moss-covered tiled roofs and small boats coming and going gently; that is indeed Kim Bong village.
This location, nestled by the mountains and rivers, is not only beautiful in terms of feng shui but has also been extremely convenient for transporting wood and launching boats since ancient times. It is the Thu Bon River that has created and nurtured a traditional craft village that has thrived until now.
The ferry gate of Kim Bong village
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There is a story that the elderly in the village are very proud to tell their descendants, which is the origin of Kim Bong wood village. This craft village was established as far back as the 15th century, during the prosperous time of Hoi An port. The origin of the craft is from people in the Northern region who migrated here, bringing with them exquisite woodworking techniques.
The ancient charm and rustic atmosphere in Kim Bong village
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Did you know that during the Nguyen dynasty, the name “Kim Bong Wood” was not only famous in Quang Nam but also echoed all the way to the capital Hue? The most skilled craftsmen from the village were summoned by the court to Hue to build palaces, tombs, and warships for the king.
If you have ever admired the intricate dragon and phoenix carvings in the Imperial City of Hue or the beautiful ancient houses in Hoi An, many of those are works from the hands of the ancestors of Kim Bong village. Their silent contributions have always been recognized, and the title of National Intangible Cultural Heritage is the clearest evidence from our government for the village.
The craft village of National Intangible Cultural Heritage
Depending on your preferences and time, you can choose one of the following ways to visit Kim Bong wood village.
If you travel to Hoi An, you must try this way at least once; you get to ride a boat across the river while achieving the goal of exploring the ancient village. From the Bach Dang ferry dock right next to Hoi An market, you can take a ferry to Cam Kim. The ticket price is surprisingly cheap, only a few tens of thousands per person, but it offers unexpected convenience.
Sitting on the ferry, with the river breeze blowing refreshingly, watching the ancient town of Hoi An gradually recede and gently drift on the Thu Bon river is an extremely relaxing experience. It only takes 10-15 minutes for the ferry to reach the village.
Taking a ferry across the Thu Bon River to Kim Bong village
In the past, when people wanted to go to the village, they had to cross a shaky bamboo bridge, but now there is a beautiful and sturdy Cam Kim steel bridge. You can ride your motorbike from the ancient town across the Cam Nam bridge, and continue to see the Cam Kim bridge.
Standing on this bridge to take sunset photos is simply stunning. This way allows you to be flexible with your time and is convenient for those who want to explore deeper into the alleys of Cam Kim commune.
If you have the energy, try cycling. This is an experience that takes you back to decades ago, which is hard to describe and you will not forget.
The journey to Kim Bong village by motorbike
For those traveling in groups or with family, you can rent a tourist boat from the port. This way is more "luxurious" and comfortable, but personally, I feel it offers less of the local "soul" compared to taking the ferry with local people.
If you choose this option, please contact NVK Travel to arrange everything for your relatives and family regarding meals, accommodation, and even the boat ride to Kim Bong village.
What makes the Kim Bong Wood brand different from Dong Ky wood (Bac Ninh) or La Xuyen wood (Nam Dinh)? The answer lies in the two words "natural".
When you step into the wood workshops here, the first thing that catches your eye is not the glossy red paint or gold leaf, but the natural color of the wood. The artisans of Kim Bong believe: Wood has its own breath. They limit thick varnishing or gaudy painting. Instead, they only lightly polish to preserve the wood grain and the natural color of each piece of wood.
The artisans of Kim Bong wood village
The carving techniques here are also very special. It is a combination of Cham culture (from the ancient Champa land), Chinese, Japanese (due to trade and integration), and Dai Viet culture. Common motifs seen in the products are images of storks, bamboo groves, lotus flowers, and the four sacred creatures (Dragon - Unicorn - Turtle - Phoenix)...
In the past, the village was divided into three distinct craft groups:
The distinctive carving techniques of Kim Bong villagers
Don't think that craft villages are just places to watch craftsmen at work; Kim Bong has much more interesting things than you might expect.
The late artisan Huynh Ri and his descendants have made significant contributions to the restoration and preservation of the craft village. Upon entering the workshop, you will hear the cheerful sound of chiseling. The fragrant scent of sandalwood and lim wood fills the air. You are free to explore the production process, from raw wood to finely crafted shapes.
The ancestral house of the late artisan Huynh Ri in Kim Bong village
The craftsmen in Kim Bong wood village are friendly and always ready to chat. They will share about the woodworking profession with focus and sincerity. You can immediately feel how much they love wood and their village.
This is extremely fun; once you're here, you have to try it and learn a new skill to impress your friends. The feeling of wood dust floating around and your hands and feet a bit dirty for a rewarding result to take home is absolutely worth it.
Some workshops in Kim Bong wood village allow visitors to experience wood carving. Don't worry if you're clumsy; the craftsmen will guide you step by step. Sanding a wooden bowl or carving your name on a wooden keychain to take home as a souvenir is incredibly meaningful.
Experience the space and hands-on woodworking in Kim Bong village
After you've had your fill of wood, rent a bicycle and ride around the village. The road in Kim Bong wood village is shaded by green trees, with rice fields and lush corn fields on both sides. The atmosphere here is surprisingly fresh and quiet, in stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of the old town.
You can visit the Kim Bon communal house, where the ancestors of the woodworking profession are worshipped, to light incense in gratitude. You will see the incense smoke rising, and the spirit of gratitude and remembrance always exists in every villager.
Cycle around to explore Kim Bong wood village
Once you arrive at Kim Bong wood village you definitely have to buy something to take home as a gift. Here you can find everything from tiny items like stamps, ebony chopsticks, mini Buddha statues, tea trays to large sculptures. The prices here are the original prices at the workshop, without intermediaries, so they are very reasonable. Buying an item here is also the most practical way to support artisans in maintaining traditional crafts.
Meaningful wooden souvenirs produced directly in Kim Bong village
If you have the chance to visit the beloved land of Quang Nam, take a morning to catch a ferry and find your way to Kim Bong wood village. The scent of wood and the gentle smiles of the old craftsmen here will be a memory you will cherish forever.
To enjoy meaningful moments with family at Kim Bong wood village, let NVK Travel assist you. We will help you plan your trip to Hoi An, a complete journey of dining, entertainment, and relaxation, ensuring only joy and comfort in this trip.
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