How to Visit Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village

Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village was established in the beginning of the 17th century, when Nguyen lords chose the area to be capital of Quang Nam province. Because of being near the citadel where the lords stay, the trail cross Vietnam and Thu Bon River (the largest waterway in the area), this village became one of the biggest producer of bronze products in the region. From here, local people could bring things they made to Hoi An and then sold (at that time, this town was a busy international port where foreign merchants from different countries coming to trade).

In 1980s and 1990s, production activities in Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village declined due to competition of factories, as same as other major craft villages in Hoi An (Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Kim Bong Carpentry Village). Due to efforts from experienced artists, Vietnam government and UNESCO (the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization), traditional craft of bronze casting here has been maintained up to this day. There are about 20 households with 50 blacksmiths living here currently.

Today, Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village is famous for making worshipping objects (urns, candle holders, fruit plates,…) and gongs (percussion instrument which central Vietnam highland tribes have used to play during important traditional festivals and ceremonies). It’s known as the best place to buy gongs in the country. That’s why visitors will see so many bronze gongs displayed around the village, especially along the highways.