By aussiematesvietnam 
Step Into Tradition at Hoa Phu Thanh Ancient Village
G’day, fellow adventurers! Aussie Mates here, coming to you from the heart of Vietnam where I’ve been lucky enough to call home for nearly two decades now. Tracy and I recently took a day trip that absolutely blew our socks off, and I just had to share it with you lot. If you’re planning a Vietnam journey and fancy something a bit off the beaten track, Hoa Phu Thanh Ancient Village is a ripper of a find that most tourists miss entirely.
Located about 30 minutes from Hoi An in central Vietnam, this reconstructed traditional village offers a glimpse into Vietnamese rural life that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of the tourist hotspots. It’s become one of our favourite places to take visiting mates from back home, especially those who want to see the “real Vietnam” beyond the postcard shots.
What Makes Hoa Phu Thanh Special?
Unlike some tourist traps that feel about as authentic as a three-dollar note, Hoa Phu Thanh has managed to create something rather special. It’s a carefully reconstructed ancient Vietnamese village that showcases traditional architecture, farming methods, and crafts in a way that feels genuine and respectful.
Tracy reckons it’s like stepping into a time machine. The moment you cross the bamboo bridge into the village, the 21st century seems to fade away. The roads are dirt, the houses are made of wood and palm thatch, and there’s not a souvenir shop in sight (well, almost).
What makes it stand out from other cultural villages we’ve visited across Southeast Asia is the attention to detail and the focus on authentic experiences rather than tourist performances. You won’t find people in costumes putting on shows every hour. Instead, you’ll see actual artisans practicing traditional crafts and farming techniques that have been handed down through generations.
Getting There: The Journey to Hoa Phu Thanh
From Hoi An, it’s an easy 30-minute drive through some gorgeous countryside. You can grab a taxi, but we recommend hiring a motorbike if you’re comfortable riding one. The roads are decent, and the journey itself is part of the experience. You’ll pass rice paddies, water buffalo lazing in mud pools, and local farmers tending their fields just as they have for centuries.
If you’re staying in Da Nang, add another 30 minutes to your journey. The village is located in Dien Ban District, and while it’s not exactly on the main tourist trail, most local drivers will know it. Just to be safe, Tracy always suggests having the address written down in Vietnamese:
Hoa Phu Thanh Ancient Village, Điện Phương, Điện Bàn, Quảng Nam
We’ve taken many Australian friends here over the years, and the drive alone gets rave reviews. It’s a chance to see the rural Vietnam that most package tourists miss entirely while they shuttle between major attractions.
A Day in the Life: What to Expect
When Tracy and I first visited Hoa Phu Thanh, we expected to spend maybe an hour or two there. We ended up staying the entire day, completely captivated by the peaceful atmosphere and fascinating activities.
The village is built around a central lake, with traditional wooden houses and workshops scattered throughout. There’s no set path or tour – you’re free to wander around at your own pace, which is just how we like it. No being herded around like cattle on those big tour groups!
Here’s what you can expect to see and do:
- Try your hand at traditional farming techniques
- Watch artisans creating pottery, weaving, and woodworking
- Sample local cuisine made using traditional methods
- Take a basket boat ride on the village lake
- Learn about traditional medicine and herbs
- Participate in folk games and activities
The beauty of Hoa Phu Thanh is that it’s interactive without being forced or cheesy. No one will pressure you to buy souvenirs or participate in activities if you’d rather just observe. It’s refreshingly low-key compared to some cultural attractions.
The Art of Traditional Crafts
One of the highlights for us has always been watching the village craftspeople at work. Unlike some places where the “demonstrations” feel staged for tourists, the artisans here are genuinely practicing their trades, many of which have been passed down through their families for generations.
I remember one bloke who was weaving those conical hats (nón lá) that have become an iconic symbol of Vietnam. He must have been in his 80s, fingers moving with incredible precision as he chatted away to us in Vietnamese. Tracy managed to understand bits and pieces – her Vietnamese is miles better than mine even after all these years – and translated that he’d been making these hats since he was a young boy.
In another workshop, a woman was making rice paper by hand – spreading rice batter over a cloth stretched across boiling water, then drying the delicate sheets in the sun. It’s the same technique that’s been used for centuries, and watching her work made us appreciate every spring roll we’ve ever eaten in a whole new way!
If you’re the hands-on type, many of the artisans are happy to let you try your hand at their craft. Fair warning though – it’s harder than it looks! I made a right mess trying to weave a simple bamboo fish trap, much to the amusement of the elderly gentleman trying to teach me.
Farming the Traditional Way
For city slickers, especially those of us who grew up in suburban Australia, the farming demonstrations at Hoa Phu Thanh are eye-opening. Vietnam’s agricultural traditions have sustained its people for thousands of years, and many of the old methods are still in use today in rural areas.
Tracy and I had a go at planting rice seedlings in a small paddy field, guided by a cheerful farmer who couldn’t stop laughing at our clumsy attempts. It’s backbreaking work, and doing it in the tropical heat gave us a newfound respect for the farmers we see working the fields all over Vietnam.
There’s also a chance to try your hand at riding a water buffalo – the traditional “tractor” of Vietnam before mechanization. I’ll never forget the look on my mate Dave’s face when he visited from Brisbane and found himself perched atop one of these gentle giants, grinning like a kid on Christmas morning while his wife took about a thousand photos.
The village also demonstrates traditional irrigation systems, fishing techniques, and crop processing methods that have sustained Vietnamese communities for centuries. It’s a fascinating glimpse into a way of life that’s rapidly disappearing in our modern world.
Authentic Tastes of Rural Vietnam
If you’re anything like me and Tracy, food is a major part of any travel experience. Hoa Phu Thanh doesn’t disappoint in this department. The village has a small restaurant serving dishes made using traditional ingredients and cooking methods.
We always recommend trying the bánh xèo (Vietnamese savory pancakes) here. They’re made with rice flour, turmeric, and stuffed with pork, shrimp, and bean sprouts, then cooked over an open fire. You wrap them in rice paper with fresh herbs and dip them in a fish sauce concoction that’ll knock your socks off.
Another standout is the com lam – rice cooked in bamboo tubes over hot coals. It has a subtle, smoky flavor that you just can’t replicate with modern cooking methods. Pair it with some grilled fish and local vegetables, and you’ve got yourself a meal fit for royalty.
What makes the dining experience special is watching your food being prepared using age-old techniques. No electric rice cookers or gas stoves here – just traditional wood fires and cooking implements that have remained unchanged for generations.
Tips for Making the Most of Your Visit
After bringing countless friends and relatives to Hoa Phu Thanh over the years, Tracy and I have picked up a few tips that might help you make the most of your visit:
- Time your visit: Arrive early in the morning (around 8-9am) to avoid both the heat and any tour groups that might show up. The lighting is also gorgeous for photos at this time.
- Dress appropriately: Wear comfortable, modest clothing and sturdy shoes. You’ll be walking on dirt paths and possibly trying activities that could get messy.
- Bring cash: There’s no EFTPOS or credit card facilities here, so bring Vietnamese dong for entrance fees, food, and any crafts you might want to purchase.
- Learn a few phrases: While some staff speak basic English, a few Vietnamese phrases will go a long way. “Xin chào” (hello) and “cảm ơn” (thank you) at minimum.
- Allow plenty of time: Don’t rush it. Plan to spend at least half a day here to truly appreciate the experience.
The entrance fee is reasonable – around 100,000 VND (about 6-7 AUD) per person when we last visited. Some activities might have small additional charges, but nothing that’ll break the bank.
Why This Matters: Preserving Vietnamese Heritage
Beyond being a fascinating day out, places like Hoa Phu Thanh play an important role in preserving Vietnamese cultural heritage. As Vietnam races toward modernization, many traditional practices and ways of life are disappearing at an alarming rate.
Tracy and I have witnessed incredible changes during our 20 years living here. Villages that once relied entirely on traditional farming have transformed into bustling urban areas in the blink of an eye. Young people are moving to cities, and ancient skills and knowledge risk being lost forever.
By supporting places that work to document and demonstrate traditional Vietnamese culture, we’re helping ensure these practices aren’t forgotten. The staff at Hoa Phu Thanh aren’t just putting on a show for tourists – they’re cultural custodians, passing down knowledge that might otherwise disappear within a generation.
For us Aussies who come from a relatively young country, there’s something profound about connecting with traditions that have endured for thousands of years. It gives you a different perspective on your own culture and history.
Final Thoughts: A Genuine Glimpse of Vietnam’s Soul
After nearly two decades calling Vietnam home, Tracy and I have seen our fair share of tourist attractions. Some impress, many disappoint, but few capture the essence of this remarkable country quite like Hoa Phu Thanh Ancient Village.
What makes it special is its authenticity. It doesn’t try to dazzle you with performances or pressure you into buying souvenirs. Instead, it offers something far more valuable: a genuine connection to Vietnam’s cultural heart and soul.
For Australian visitors especially, I think there’s something that resonates deeply here. Perhaps it’s because we come from a country that’s still exploring and defining its own cultural identity. There’s something profoundly moving about witnessing traditions that have remained unchanged for centuries.
So if you find yourself in central Vietnam and want to experience something beyond the usual tourist circuit, set aside a day for Hoa Phu Thanh. It might just be the most memorable part of your journey – a chance to step back in time and connect with the real Vietnam that exists beyond the guidebooks.
Until next time, mates – Aussie Mates and Tracy signing off from our little slice of paradise in Vietnam. Hope to see you on these shores someday soon!