Cam Kim Island is a tranquil destination on the southern side of Thu Bon River, just a bridge away from Hoi An. The allure of this island lies in the lush nature and the authentic local experience. It is best explored on rented bicycles to witness a different side of Vietnam here.
You will find many workshops and studios for painting, sculpting, woodwork, rice paper-making, or other art forms. Do not miss out on wooden boat-making next to the river. You can also visit the temples of the native clans. A highlight of the island is the Kim Bong carpentry village which has produced many talented carpenters and sculptors. The current residents are descendants of artisans who helped build the cityscape of Hoi An in the past. You can reach here on foot or by car via the Cam Kim Bridge, which connects the mainland with the island. Many people prefer taking the 15-minute ferry ride from the wharf near Hoi An Central Market to Cam Kim for a unique experience. A local boatman will ferry you across the river for around VND 20,000, although bargaining can be done for less. The last ferry back to Hoi An is around 07:00 PM but can change due to weather.