The silk industry in Hoi An is a huge part of the region’s history, and it’s still thriving today. Walking around the Old Town, you’ll see silk products everywhere, from scarves and shawls to bespoke clothing.
Hoi An was once one of the most important ports on the Silk Road, linking the country to China and Japan. At Hoi An’s Silk Village you can see artisans using traditional processes and looms to produce their wares. Find our complete guide to visiting below.
History of Hoi An Silk Village
For many centuries, Hoi An was considered one of the key places for silk and textile production worldwide. The Silk Village was where the artisans lived, creating products solely via silkworm farming. The industry dwindled around a century ago with the introduction of mass-produced fabrics, but saw a revival as tourism increased in Vietnam in the late 1990s.
The Silk Village preserves the history of silk production in Hoi An, which plays a major role in the city’s identity. Today, millions of tourists visit the place every year.
How to Visit Hoi An Silk Village
It’s safe to say that visiting Hoi An Silk Village offers a unique experience. Botanical gardens surround the village, while traditional houses wait to be discovered. A few tailors, textile showrooms, restaurants and a cafe are ready to welcome visitors from all over the world. You can also meet the artisans who are currently employed in the manufacturing and weaving of silk yarn and textiles.
Depending on your preferences, there are two types of ways you can discover Hoi An Silk Village – a long tour which takes about four hours, or a short one, of 45 minutes.
In-Depth Tour
Duration: 4 hours, starting at 9am or 2pm daily
Price: 595,000 VND (25 USD) without transport or 890,000 VND (38 USD) with transport.
It comes without saying that the long tour will enable you to gain a lot more knowledge about the silk production process. The tour walks you through pretty much everything there is to know about silk. It starts with a quick introduction, where you get to visit a traditional Vietnamese house.
Next on the list are the silkworm caterpillars, the real stars of the show. You’ll get to see them at different ages and the tour operator will explain how they are cared for. After a few more explanations, you’ll head to the mulberry gardens to pick a few leaves so you can feed your new little friends. You’ll get to see how each silk is extracted from the cocoons, using a traditional boiling and spinning machine. Then, it’s on to different workshops about various traditional looms and equipment used for weaving textiles. And yes, you can try your hand at them.
The tour could not be complete if you did not get to meet the artisans who are keeping this tradition alive. After seeing them at work, you’ll be on your way to the silk showroom, where you’ll learn how to identify different types of fabric. Thanks to this part of the tour, next time you want to buy clothes or accessories made out of silk, you’ll know if it’s the real deal or if you should walk away from the seller.
Before heading to the restaurant for lunch/dinner, which is how the tour ends, you’ll get to wander through the shop, in search of a nice souvenir to take back home with you. You can buy scarves, shirts, dresses and pretty much anything made of silk. There is also the option to get something tailored if you fancy a unique item.
Short Tour
Duration: 45 minutes, from 8am to 5pm daily
Price: 100,000 VND (4.30 USD)
If you are still interested in seeing the silk production process but don’t have enough time to take the long tour – maybe you’re vacationing with your toddlers – then the short one is an equally great experience. There’s no need to book in advance, but it’s worth doing do in case you happen to pick a busy time.
While it’s a summary of the longer tour, you still get to explore each area. The difference is that you’ll go much faster through them. Also, you only get to see the demonstrations, without any kind of participation. But it’s a great introduction to the village for those pushed for time.
FAQs
What can you buy from Hoi An Silk Village?
You can buy different types of clothing as well as accessories made from silk, or a combination of fabrics (e.g. silk and cotton). You can also get a custom design tailored.
Where is Silk Village located?
Hoi An Silk Village is located about 1km away from the Old Town, en route to Thanh Ha village.
