Hoi An Silk Village

Hoi An Silk Village is a working cultural attraction on the western edge of Hoi An that brings together the full story of Vietnamese silk production under one roof. Hoi An has been a silk trading town for centuries — during its heyday as a major Southeast Asian port in the 16th and 17th centuries, silk was one of its most prized exports — and this complex attempts to keep that heritage alive as a hands-on educational experience rather than just a museum display. It sits a few kilometres outside the Ancient Town, set within gardens alongside a lotus pond.

The experience takes you through the entire silk-making process in sequence: you see live silkworms feeding on mulberry leaves, watch the delicate process of reeling silk from cocoons in hot water, and observe weavers working traditional looms to produce finished fabric. Demonstrations are given by local artisans, and the quality of the weaving on display — intricate patterns produced on handlooms — is genuinely impressive. After the tour, there's a showroom where you can purchase silk products directly, from scarves and ao dai fabric to custom tailoring, which connects naturally to Hoi An's thriving tailoring scene in town.

The village is set up to be accessible for visitors with no background in textiles — commentary is provided in English and the process is explained step by step. It's a manageable half-morning or half-afternoon trip from the Ancient Town, best reached by bicycle, motorbike, or taxi. Go in the morning when light in the garden area is better and the artisans are typically at full work. The attached restaurant and garden make it possible to extend your visit into lunch.