Cam Kim Bicycle Tour

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Cam Kim Bicycle Tour Infomation

This bicycle tour doesn’t only show you the beauty of Cam Kim Island but you will also see how two local families keep traditional handicrafts alive. 

At the beginning of the tour we will cross the bridge over the Thu Bon River to Cam Kim. This bridge offers stunning views so keep your camera ready. On Cam Kim we will cycle through the wonderful countryside to Kim Bong Carpentry Village. A lot of products made of wood in Hoi An, including wooden boats, come from this village that was established in the 15th century. Today many artisans of Kim Bong use their skills to restore and maintain the houses in Hoi An’s old town. 

Traditional Carpentry 

Meet the couple that turns a piece of wood into a piece of art. 

They have thirty years of experience and come from families that have worked as carpenters in Kim Bong for many generations.  

Most of their products are inlaid with mother-of-pearl, which comes all the way from Nha Trang. The process of inlaying wood with this material includes designing, pressing, cutting and gluing. Making a single plate inlaid with mother-of-pearl takes up to four days. 

These hospitable artisans will be happy to demonstrate the different steps involved. 

Whether it’s a pair of chopsticks, a plate, a bowl, a statue or a chessboard, they can make it. 

Mat Making

Sedge mats form an important part of Vietnamese culture. They are used during meals or parties and for sleeping. 

A couple that is planning their wedding often buys a beautifully decorated sleeping mat because it is said to bring good luck and happiness. On Cam Kim there once were many families of mat makers. But now all but one have stopped. Unfortunately modern technology is replacing this ancient tradition. Today only one family, that has been making mats for four generations, keeps this art alive on this island.  A cheerful couple operates an old and surprisingly simple wooden loom with great skill to create beautiful mats. Making one mat takes two to three hours, depending on the design.     

The sedge used for the mats is grown and harvested by the couple itself.  

This friendly family is proud of their work and they enjoy telling visitors about it.  

They have received numerous certificates from the government of Quang Nam Province for their efforts to preserve the tradition of mat making and their mats have received awards for their beauty. 

Notice: 

Even though the weather is nice, please bring a jacket to protect yourself against the sun. The sun here can be very strong. 

Some people like to explore Hoi An barefoot, the bridge we cross is made of steel so please bring shoes or sandals. 

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