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On February 28, hundreds of tourists joined the Kim Bong Traditional Craft Festival, held in Hoi An Ward, Da Nang City, where woodworking, mat weaving, basket boat making and bamboo-root sculpture were introduced and vividly recreated within the village setting.
The event contributes to preserving and promoting traditional cultural values while showcasing the craft village to visitors from near and far. More than a tribute to ancestors, the festival offers guests the chance to engage directly with local artisans. Many international tourists eagerly picked up chisels to try their hand at woodworking or learned to weave sedge mats alongside village craftsmen.
Established in the 16th century, Kim Bong gained renown for carpentry, mat weaving and basket boat building. Artisans from the village once helped construct numerous structures in the Hue Imperial Citadel and the ancient town of Hoi An. In 2016, Kim Bong’s traditional carpentry was recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as part of Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage list.
After centuries of change, the village has retained its distinctive character, becoming an appealing stop for both domestic and international travelers.
Images of visitors enthusiastically experiencing carpentry and mat weaving in Hoi An:
The Kim Bong Traditional Craft Festival has become a cultural rendezvous, attracting large numbers of international visitors eager to participate and explore.
From rugged bamboo roots, artisan Huynh Phuong Do skillfully carves and shapes works symbolizing Prosperity, Fortune, Longevity and the God of Wealth, each bearing a unique character.
Foreign visitors were delighted to purchase bamboo-root sculptures. Regina, a tourist from the UK, said she was impressed by how coarse bamboo roots were transformed into vivid and meaningful artworks.
The centuries-old values of Kim Bong craft village have drawn the curiosity and admiration of international guests.
People’s Artisan Huynh Suong patiently guided visitors through each step of chiseling and carving as they experienced Kim Bong carpentry.
Foreign tourists immersed themselves in the meticulous work of local woodworkers.
Visitors learned to carve zodiac animals corresponding to their birth year onto small wooden pieces.
Audrey, a tourist from France, shared that she and her husband, along with their two children, were visiting Hoi An at the beginning of the year. “We did not just sightsee, we were able to try making something ourselves. It was joyful and truly memorable,” she said.
A visiting family proudly showed off their finished carvings after the woodworking experience in Kim Bong village.
Two young children carefully carved their names into small wooden boards, discovering for the first time the patience and precision required in carpentry.
A foreign couple excitedly received hands-on guidance from artisans on how to weave sedge mats.
“I truly admire the craftsmen here. From delicate strands of sedge, they create brightly colored mats. Listening to the history of the village and weaving a mat with my own hands was a fascinating experience,” a female tourist from the US shared.
Ha Nam
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