Reopened wharf draws more tourists to Hoi An’s Thanh Ha Pottery Village
DNO - After nearly three months of operation, the tourist wharf has enabled visitors to travel directly from the Hoi An ancient town to the 500-year-old Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
On the afternoon of November 29, the wharf buzzed with activity as groups of international tourists returned to Hoi An’s ancient town by boat after exploring the Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
South Korean visitor Min Jun Ho said: “I just experienced one of Vietnam’s oldest craft villages, and now I can enjoy the view of Hoi An from the boat, a very pleasant feeling”.
Located along the Thu Bon River, the Thanh Ha Pottery Village has more than 500 years of history and is renowned for its intricate handcrafted ceramics and traditional techniques passed down through generations.
The wharf previously existed but was closed due to safety concerns and unregulated operations.
Since reopening on September 1, 2025, the wharf has demonstrated strong results. Visitor numbers have increased significantly, with daily tourists rising from 500 before September to 700 in October and 1,000 in November.
Many tour operators now offer combined experiences, transferring visitors by electric vehicles into the village before boarding boats to the ancient town or the Bay Mau Coconut Forest, providing a complete, immersive journey.
The revival of waterway tourism has positively impacted the local community. New photo spots have emerged; craft workshops have enhanced visitor engagement improved infrastructure contributes to heritage preservation and environmental protection.
Bui Van Dung, the Chairman of Hoi An Tay Ward, emphasized the reopening as a key effort to diversify tourism services and meet the expectations of residents, operators, and visitors.
Approximately 50% of village visitors now travel via the waterway, mainly international tourists, and this figure is expected to grow.
The Thanh Ha tourist wharf, situated on the Thu Bon River, features a T-shaped pier, access ramps, waiting areas, a management office, and auxiliary facilities.
The wharf can accommodate vessels with a draft of 0.56 meters and up to 40 passengers, providing a sustainable and attractive addition to Hoi An’s cultural tourism offerings.