Hoi An Craft Villages by Motorbike: Thanh Ha Pottery and Kim Bong Carpentry

Some of Hoi An’s most rewarding experiences are a short ride from the Ancient Town. Visiting the Hoi An craft villages by motorbike — the potters of Thanh Ha and the woodcarvers of Kim Bong — lets you watch centuries-old skills up close, try them yourself, and skip the crowds.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Just 2–3 kilometres west of the Old Town, Thanh Ha has shaped clay since the 15th century. Wander the narrow alleys to watch artisans spin the wheel, visit family workshops passed down through generations, and have a go at making your own bowl or whistle. It’s hands-on, friendly and refreshingly unhurried — and an easy hop from town on two wheels.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village

Across the Thu Bon River, Kim Bong has built boats and carved wood for more than 500 years. Cross the Cam Kim Bridge and ride about three kilometres to reach the workshops, where master carpenters turn timber into intricate sculptures and traditional furniture. The quiet island lanes here are a joy to ride and a world away from the busy centre.

Why a motorbike makes it better

Both villages are close, but they sit on opposite sides of the river — so independent transport ties them into one smooth half-day loop. With a motorbike rental in Hoi An you can start early at Thanh Ha, cross to Kim Bong, and still be back for lunch in the Ancient Town, all on your own schedule.

Prefer a gentle, eco-friendly pace through the village lanes? An electric scooter or bicycle from hoianit.com is ideal for these short, flat, scenic rides.

Tips for visiting Hoi An craft villages

Bring small cash for entrance tickets and to support the artisans, go in the morning when workshops are busiest, and don’t rush — the best moments come from chatting with the makers and trying the crafts yourself.

FAQ

How far are Hoi An’s craft villages from the Ancient Town?

Thanh Ha Pottery Village is about 2–3 km from the Old Town, and Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a short ride across the Cam Kim Bridge — both easy by motorbike or bicycle.

Can you try making crafts at the villages?

Yes. At Thanh Ha you can shape your own pottery on a wheel, and at Kim Bong you can watch master carpenters and see their workshops up close.

Making a day of the Hoi An craft villages

It is easy to combine the Hoi An craft villages into one relaxed half-day loop by motorbike. Start at Thanh Ha pottery in the morning while it is cool, cross the river toward Kim Bong on Cam Kim Island, then drift back into the Ancient Town for lunch. The roads are flat and quiet, with rice paddies and water-coconut palms most of the way, so even nervous riders feel at ease.

Bring small cash for workshops and souvenirs, and respect the artisans by asking before you photograph them at work. For background on Hoi An’s heritage and its protected old town, the UNESCO listing at whc.unesco.org is a fascinating read. To map the quietest route between villages, see our Hoi An motorbike route guide.

When you are ready, we deliver a fresh, fully checked scooter to your hotel with helmets and a free map, so exploring the Hoi An craft villages takes no planning at all — just hop on and ride.

Explore Hoi An your way

Ready to explore Hoi An on your own terms? Rent a motorbike, electric scooter, electric bike or bicycle at hoianit.com — free delivery to your hotel and 24/7 support!

Part of our complete guide: Motorbike Rental in Hoi An — The Complete 2026 Guide.