Hoi An Silk Village: A Journey into Vietnam’s Textile Heritage
Hoai Trinh
Discover the Hoi An Silk Village, a cultural gem showcasing Vietnam’s silk-making traditions. Explore workshops, learn weaving techniques, and shop authentic silk products.
Hoi An, Vietnam’s UNESCO-listed treasure, is celebrated for its lantern-lit Ancient Town and vibrant food scene, but the Hoi An Silk Village offers a unique glimpse into the town’s rich textile heritage. Located just 2 kilometers from the Ancient Town, this living museum in Quang Nam province is a haven for anyone fascinated by the art of silk-making. From watching artisans weave intricate patterns to shopping for high-quality silk products, a visit to the Hoi An Silk Village is a journey through Vietnam’s cultural and historical craftsmanship. Whether you’re a history buff, a craft enthusiast, or a traveler seeking authentic experiences, this destination weaves together tradition and beauty.
The Art and History of Hoi An Silk Village
The Hoi An Silk Village is more than a tourist attraction
The Hoi An Silk Village is more than a tourist attraction, it’s a celebration of Hoi An’s centuries-old silk trade, which thrived during the town’s days as a bustling 15th-century trading port. Located at 28 Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, the village was established in 2009 to revive traditional silk-making techniques nearly lost to modernization. Spanning a lush 2-hectare site, it combines a working workshop, a museum, and a retail space, offering an immersive look at the silk production process. The village employs local artisans who use methods passed down through generations, preserving Hoi An’s legacy as a hub for high-quality silk.
Your visit begins with a guided tour (150,000 VND, $6 USD, including entry), where you’ll see mulberry trees,the food source for silkworms,and watch artisans extract silk threads from cocoons. The process is mesmerizing: silkworms spin cocoons, which are boiled to unravel fine threads, then dyed with natural ingredients like turmeric or indigo. Traditional looms, some over 100 years old, clack rhythmically as weavers create intricate patterns. The village produces about 500 meters of silk fabric monthly, according to local estimates, with each meter reflecting hours of skilled labor. You’ll also learn about Hoi An’s role in supplying silk to Chinese and Japanese merchants centuries ago, a history that shaped the town’s multicultural identity.
Hands-On Experiences and Shopping
Hands-On Experiences and Shopping
A visit to the Hoi An Silk Village is packed with interactive experiences that bring the craft to life. Join a silk-weaving workshop (200,000 VND, $8 USD) to try your hand at operating a traditional loom under the guidance of master artisans. The process is surprisingly intricate, and you’ll leave with a deeper appreciation for the skill involved. For a lighter activity, participate in a silkworm-feeding session, where you can handle mulberry leaves and learn about the silkworm lifecycle,perfect for families or curious travelers.
The village’s boutique is a highlight, offering authentic silk products like scarves, dresses, and ties, starting at 100,000 VND ($4 USD) for smaller items. Unlike mass-produced souvenirs, these are handcrafted on-site, ensuring quality and authenticity. For a custom experience, you can order tailored silk clothing, with prices starting at 1,500,000 VND ($60 USD) for a dress or suit, completed in 3–5 days. Pair your visit with a meal at the village’s restaurant, where dishes like cao lau (50,000 VND, $2 USD) or fresh spring rolls (30,000 VND, $1.20 USD) incorporate herbs from nearby Tra Que Village. These activities make the Hoi An Silk Village a hands-on journey into Vietnam’s textile artistry.
Planning Your Visit to Hoi An Silk Village
Planning Your Visit to Hoi An Silk Village
To make your trip to the Hoi An Silk Village seamless and memorable, here are some practical tips:
Visit in the Dry Season: February to September offers pleasant weather (25–30°C), ideal for exploring the open-air village. Avoid October to December due to rain and potential flooding.
Dress Comfortably: Wear lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes, as you’ll be walking through gardens and workshops. Bring sunscreen or a hat for outdoor areas.
Book in Advance: Reserve guided tours or workshops through the village’s official site or providers like Vietnam Original Travel to secure spots, especially during peak months (February–April). Tours cost 150,000–300,000 VND ($6–12 USD).
Combine with Nearby Attractions: Pair your visit with a trip to the Ancient Town (2 km away, Old Town ticket: 150,000 VND, $6 USD) or An Bang Beach (6 km, bike rental: 30,000 VND, $1.20 USD/day) for a full day out.
Getting There: Reach the village by bicycle (15-minute ride, 30,000 VND, $1.20 USD/day), motorbike (100,000 VND, $4 USD/day), or Grab taxi (50,000–80,000 VND, $2–3 USD) from the Ancient Town.
To uncover hidden insights and navigate like a local, book a Local Buddy through Tubudd for a personalized Hoi An Silk Village experience.
Why Hoi An Silk Village Stands Out
The Hoi An Silk Village is a standout for its blend of education, culture, and authenticity. Unlike typical souvenir shops, it’s a working hub where artisans keep traditional silk-making alive, offering a rare glimpse into a craft that shaped Hoi An’s history. The village’s serene setting, with mulberry gardens and traditional wooden looms, contrasts with the bustling Ancient Town, making it a peaceful retreat. Recent 2025 TripAdvisor reviews praise it as “a hidden gem” and “a must for craft lovers,” though some note the tours can feel rushed during peak hours (10 AM–2 PM). Visiting early (8–9 AM) or late afternoon (3–4 PM) ensures a quieter experience.
The village is budget-friendly, with tours and souvenirs under $10 USD, yet it feels rich in value. From weaving your own silk to shopping for handcrafted scarves, every moment connects you to Hoi An’s heritage. Pair it with a visit to the Japanese Covered Bridge or a boat ride in the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, and you’ll see why the Hoi An Silk Village is a cultural highlight of Vietnam’s central coast.
Final Thoughts on Hoi An Silk Village
The Hoi An Silk Village is a captivating journey into the heart of Vietnam’s textile traditions, where the ancient art of silk-making comes to life. From watching artisans weave on century-old looms to crafting your own silk keepsake, this destination offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and hands-on fun. Affordable, authentic, and steeped in Hoi An’s legacy, the village is a must-visit for anyone looking to explore beyond the Ancient Town’s lanterns. Whether you’re a craft enthusiast or simply curious about Vietnam’s heritage, the Hoi An Silk Village weaves an unforgettable story.
Ready to discover the Hoi An Silk Village like a local? Book a Local Buddy with Tubudd to explore its workshops and uncover the secrets of Hoi An’s silk-making heritage with a guide who knows it best.
