Driftwood Village in Hoi An: A unique art destination

The man who breathes new life into that natural waste is artisan Le Ngoc Thuan, 45, a former chef once renowned for his restaurant chain in Hoi An.

The story began in 2012 when floodwaters swept piles of driftwood onto the An Bang Beach. At that time, Mr. Thuan was running a homestay nearby. He decided to collect the driftwood to carve, decorate, and beautify his property. To his surprise, foreign guests were especially impressed by the works made from the wood.

As a skillful person, Mr. Thuan learned carpentry by himself through books and the internet, and from artisans in the Kim Bong Carpentry Village.

He said that each piece of driftwood has its own shape, so it just needs someone to “name it” and awaken it with their eyes, hands, and emotions.

Initially, the products made from driftwood were only displayed by Mr. Thuan at his homestay and given to his relatives.

Gradually, as demand grew, he began to take the work more seriously. In 2022, he opened a small woodworking workshop and transformed two of his restaurants into exhibition spaces, bringing artisans and visitors together.

From there, “Lang Cui Lu” was born, becoming an art space in the middle of the paddy fields and serving as both a workshop and a meeting place for those who love the beauty of renewal.

Covering an area of about 2000m², the village creates jobs for about 20 workers, most of whom are artisans from the Kim Bong village who have been devoted to traditional carpentry for many years.

Not only does it sell products, "Lang Cui Lu" also organizes many workshops for tourists, especially for foreigners and students.

Participants can experience each step of the process, from preparing the wood to simple carving, painting, and hearing the stories behind each piece of driftwood.

These experiences make the products not only become physical objects but also personal keepsakes for those who create them. Thanks to this unique and rustic space, the village welcomes thousands of visitors every year.