Turning Kim Bong sedge mat weaving craft into unique tourism experience
DNO - Visitors to Kim Bong Village in Da Nang’s Hoi An Ward can experience the century-old traditional sedge mat weaving craft along the banks of the Thu Bon River.
Dubbed an "oasis of talents", Kim Bong Village is famous for its traditional crafts such as carpentry, basket weaving, and sedge mat weaving.
Currently, there is an experiential space along the Thu Bon River for visitors to visit and follow local artisans to lush sedge fields, learn about the traditional sedge mat weaving craft, and even try their hand at becoming a traditional craftsman.
The experiential activity is organized by Kim Bong Sedge Handicraft Production Facility (Kiboco). Its aim is to revive the more than 100-year-old sedge mat weaving craft, improve product design, and promote the development of craft-based tourism in the village.
Among the early visitors was Australian tourist Trudi Finn who spent her Sunday morning experiencing the traditional sedge mat weaving workshop.
“I have been to Vietnam many times over the past 23 years, but this is the first time I have witnessed the process of making a traditional sedge mat. Each step requires skill, patience and meticulousness, which I never imagined. This is such a very interesting experience” said Ms. Finn.
According to Ms. Pham Thi Cong, the owner of Kiboco, traditional craft villages today often have experiential services for tourists, but the time tourists spend there is usually very short, only about 15 - 20 minutes.
To address this, Ms. Cong organizes an immersive community-based tourism model with a sedge mat making workshop lasting 4 - 5 hours. After the workshop, visitors not only bring home handmade products but also the story of the traditional craft.
Along with sedge mats, Kiboco now produces a wide range of items such as handbags, fans, lanterns, and placemats.
In late 2024, Kim Bong sedge mat weaving craft was officially recognized by the former Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee as a traditional craft.
Located near Hoi An Ancient Town and Triem Tay community-based tourism village in Dien Ban Ward, Kim Bong Village is well-positioned to expand experiential tourism, diversify products, and exploit traditional values to enhance commercial value.
In pride of the village's values, local residents hope that traditional crafts, including sedge mat weaving, will continue to flourish in the time to come.