Hoi An Villages: Explore Beyond the Ancient Town
We’ve curated a list of the most captivating Hoi An villages for you to explore.
A visit to the villages of Hoi An is a truly rewarding experience. It is a chance to connect with the local people, learn about their culture, and escape the hustle and bustle of the tourist crowds. Let’s explore the most interesting villages in Hoi An.
Tra Que Vegetable Village
Imagine a village nestled amidst emerald rice fields, where the air is sweet with the scent of fresh herbs and the serene De Vong River meanders through verdant fields. That is Tra Que, a charming vegetable village renowned for its centuries-old tradition of using algae fertilizer, resulting in vegetables with an unparalleled flavor that graces the tables of Hoi An’s finest restaurants.
Step into Tra Que vegetable village and inhale the blend of fragrant basil and earthy mint. It’s really peaceful there, perfect for chilling out and enjoying the countryside.
Not only will you witness the beauty of the vegetable gardens, but you can also step into the shoes of a real farmer! Local residents will guide you through every step, from tilling the soil and sowing seeds to watering the plants and harvesting the fresh produce.
In Tra Que, you also have the chance to participate in exciting cooking classes. Here, experienced chefs will guide you on how to choose fresh ingredients and prepare Hoi An specialties, such as banh xeo (crispy pancakes), mi Quang (Quang noodles), or the famous tam huu dish (three friends spring rolls).
The origin of the name Tra Que
According to local folklore, in the 18th century, King Gia Long of the Nguyen Dynasty was on a journey along the De Vong River when he stopped at the village. The villagers offered him the freshest and most delicious vegetables they had grown. Upon tasting them, the king was particularly impressed by a type of vegetable with a fragrant aroma like tea and a spicy flavor reminiscent of cinnamon. After returning to the capital, he issued a decree changing the name of the village to Tra Que, which means “tea and cinnamon” in Vietnamese.
Cam Thanh Coconut Village
Cam Thanh is a village located about 4 kilometers southeast of Hoi An City. It covers an area of nearly 9 square kilometers, of which 3.5 square kilometers are water. Cam Thanh has a dense network of rivers and canals, with coconut palms growing in dense forests on both banks, lush and green all year round. Cam Thanh village has the Cam Thanh coconut forest (commonly known as the Bay Mau coconut forest).
The coconut forest in Cam Thanh is not only a beautiful natural landscape but also plays an important role in protecting the environment and the lives of local people. The coconut forest helps to regulate the climate, prevent erosion, and provide a habitat for many aquatic species.
In addition, the coconut forest is also a popular tourist destination in Hoi An. Visitors can come here to enjoy the fresh air, and the peaceful scenery, savor the delicacies made from coconut (one of the most delicious fruits in Vietnam), and the unique experience of rowing a basket boat through the coconut forest.
The origin of the water coconut trees in Cam Thanh
According to the people of Cam Thanh, more than 200 years ago, merchants from Hoi An sailed to the Southern region to trade goods. Witnessing the swampy land with water coconut trees growing thrivingly, shielding the wind and waves, and protecting the village, the people of Hoi An brought this breed back to plant in Cam Thanh.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Located next to the peaceful Thu Bon River, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is about 3 kilometers west of Hoi An city center. Historical records show that from the late 15th to the early 16th century, on the way to the South, a group of people from the North Central region came to reclaim and establish Thanh Ha village in Hoi An, forming the famous Thanh Ha pottery craft in the Central region.
When you visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village, you will admire the ancient space of the traditional craft village that is over 500 years old. Learn about the pottery-making process of the local people. You will also be guided by the artisans here on how to make your own pottery products. Or visit Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, a place to preserve and store pottery products of Thanh Ha village.
For a relaxing break, take a boat ride down the Thu Bon River and see the charming Thanh Ha village from the water.
Kim Bong Carpentry Village
Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a traditional village located on the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, Vietnam. The village has a long history dating back over 600 years, and it is famous for its exquisite wooden products.
The village was founded in the 15th century by settlers from Northern Vietnam. These settlers brought with them their skills in carpentry, and they soon began to produce high-quality wooden furniture, boats, and other items.
Over the centuries, Kim Bong Carpentry Village has played a vital role in the development of Hoi An. The village’s carpenters have been responsible for building many of the city’s famous wooden structures.
In addition to their work in Hoi An, Kim Bong carpenters have also been called upon to build structures in other parts of Vietnam. For example, the village’s carpenters were invited to Hue, the imperial capital of the Nguyen Dynasty, to construct various works.
Today, Kim Bong Carpentry Village continues to be a thriving center of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship. Visitors to the village can watch as skilled artisans create beautiful wooden objects using hand tools and traditional techniques.
If you are interested in learning more about Hoi An craftsmanship, then a visit to Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a must-do. The village is a fascinating place to see how traditional wooden products are made, and it is a great opportunity to purchase unique and handcrafted souvenirs.
Lo Gach Cu Farm
Image: LO GACH CU – Farm, Food, Coffee, Home & More
Nestled just 8 kilometers from the ancient town of Hoi An, Lo Gach Cu Farm is a 2-hectare organic rice field that offers a serene escape. The farm’s idyllic setting, featuring a picturesque rice field and an old brick kiln, has captured the hearts of visitors.
At Lo Gach Cu Farm, you can experience the beauty of Hoi An’s countryside at its best. The farm is particularly stunning during sunrise and sunset.
Here, you’ll not only discover how local farmers cultivate organic rice but also get hands-on experience working alongside them.
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