Hoi An’s Hidden Creative Side
Beyond its lantern-lit alleys and ancient architecture, Hoi An harbours a vibrant creative spirit shaped by centuries of cultural exchange. As a historic trading port, it absorbed influences from China, Japan, and France, weaving these diverse threads into a rich artistic tapestry. Today, this legacy thrives in the town's dynamic art scene, where tradition meets innovation.
🎨 Meet the Artists
Hoi An's art community is a mosaic of talents, each contributing unique creative perspectives.
Lê Ngọc Thuận
Founder of Cui Lu Art Space and Làng Cui Lu – Driftwood Village, Thuận transforms reclaimed driftwood into sculptures that echo Vietnam’s natural beauty and folklore. His minimalist approach highlights the wood's innate character, creating pieces celebrated at local art fairs.
Local Vietnamese artist Le Ngoc Thuan at Lang Cui Lu - Driftwood Village
André Lander
A French-Vietnamese painter and the visionary behind Hoi An Art Gallery, Lander's expressive works capture the essence of Hoi An's landscapes and its people, reflecting the town's vibrant life and culture.
Bridget March
This British artist and author offers delicate watercolours and drawings inspired by Vietnamese architecture and daily life, providing a unique lens on the country's rich cultural tapestry.
Réhahn
An internationally acclaimed photographer, Réhahn has spent over a decade documenting Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. His compelling imagery emphasizes the nation's cultural diversity and heritage.
Ly Ly
A local painter whose gallery near Hoi An's Old Town showcases bright, joyful scenes of village life, capturing the serene and vibrant aspects of the Vietnamese countryside.
🖼️ Galleries to Explore
Immerse yourself in Hoi An's artistic offerings at these notable galleries:
Cui Lu Art Space: A hub for contemporary art, this space exhibits works that blend traditional Vietnamese themes with modern aesthetics.
Làng Cui Lu – Driftwood Village: An extension of Thuận's vision, this village showcases driftwood sculptures amidst a serene setting, reflecting the harmony between art and nature.
Hoi An Art Gallery: Home to André Lander's vibrant paintings, the gallery offers insights into the town's dynamic culture through expressive art.
Entrance to Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum
Located steps from Hoi An’s Old Town and surrounded by other local galleries, The Precious Heritage Art Gallery Museum is not to be missed, Founded by French photographer Réhahn, the space is a powerful tribute to Vietnam’s cultural diversity. Housed in a restored 19th-century French colonial building, the museum showcases over 200 striking portraits and 62 traditional costumes collected from Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups. Réhahn, who has spent more than a decade documenting these communities, combines photography with personal stories to offer visitors a rare and respectful insight into the country’s rich heritage. Admission is free, making it an essential and accessible stop for anyone interested in Vietnam’s artistic and cultural identity.
March Gallery
Founded by British artist Bridget March, March Gallery is truly a standout art space in Hoi An. Known for her vibrant watercolors and abstract works inspired by Vietnamese landscapes and daily life, March blends cultural storytelling with bold, contemporary style. The gallery features her original pieces alongside works by local and international artists, offering a refreshing alternative to mass-produced art. Though Bridget returned to the UK in 2024, her creative spirit lives on through the gallery’s continued celebration of authentic Vietnamese art.
More Hoi An Art Galleries to Explore
Ly Ly Gallery: A quaint space near the Old Town, it features Ly Ly's colourful depictions of rural Vietnamese life.
HART Hoi An: A contemporary art space and social enterprise promoting sustainable, upcycled art and emerging Vietnamese artists.
Exquisite Hoi An: An elegant cultural design studio blending Vietnamese identity with refined ceramics, textiles, and fine art.
Pics of Asia Photo Studio: A boutique photography space offering inspiring exhibitions and immersive workshops on Vietnamese daily life.
Thanh Ha Terracotta Park Gallery: An open-air gallery in a historic pottery village, featuring intricate terracotta sculptures and architectural art.
Art Space Hoi An at Anantara Resort: A curated in-resort gallery spotlighting contemporary and traditional Vietnamese artists in a stylish riverside setting.
🛠️ Hands-On ART Workshops IN hOI aN
Engage directly with Hoi An's artistic traditions and creative energy through these immersive, off-the-beaten-path workshops:
Woodworking at Làng Cui Lu – Driftwood Village
Discover the ancient craft of woodworking guided by expert artisans in a serene riverside setting. Founder and sculptor Lê Ngọc Thuận transforms reclaimed driftwood into soulful art that celebrates Vietnamese heritage.
langcuilu.com
Photography Tours with Etienne Bossot
Capture Hoi An’s spirit through your lens with a guided tour from renowned photographer Etienne Bossot. Whether it’s a sunrise fishing village shoot or an in-depth people photography workshop, Etienne’s tours with Hoi An Photo Tour and Pics of Asia offer cultural immersion and creative storytelling for all skill levels.
hoianphototour.com | picsofasia.com
Heritage Painting Class
Join a local painter for a guided session and bring to life the colors and contours of Hoi An’s iconic streets, rooftops, and riverscapes on canvas.
Bamboo Root Carving with Phuong Do
Discover the delicate art of carving bamboo roots into intricate, often spiritual sculptures—an ideal hands-on experience for craft lovers and culture seekers.
Silk Weaving at Hoi An Silk Village
Learn the traditional Vietnamese silk-making process from cocoon to fabric. You’ll get to try your hand at weaving and take home your own silk piece. hoiansilk.com
Pottery at Thanh Ha Terracotta Park
Shape clay the way artisans have for generations in Hoi An’s historic pottery village. This is a tactile and family-friendly workshop for all ages.
thanhhaterracotta.com.vn
Looking for something more personal?
Whether you're an artist, an art lover, or simply curious to connect more deeply with Hoi An’s creative scene, we’d love to craft something special for you. From private bookings and gallery tours to curated SecretEATS dinners and cocktail events in these inspiring spaces — many galleries welcome intimate, upscale gatherings.
Want to explore with one of our local hosts? We can arrange that, too.