Cam Ne Mat Village

Cam Ne Village is in Hoa Tien Commune, Hoa Vang District. It is 14 kilometers southwest of the center of Da Nang. The village is in the middle of a delta made by the Cam Le River's rich silt. It is famous for the traditional craft of weaving mats that has been passed down from generation to generation.

Visitors to Cam Ne Mat Village will experience a unique cultural environment, learn about the history and method of creating traditional mats, and immerse themselves in the quiet daily lives of the locals.

How to get there 

Address: Hoa Tien Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City

Cam Ne Mat Village is located about 14 kilometers from the city center. You can use the route Duy Tan - Nguyen Huu Tho - Le Dai Hanh - Truong Chinh/National Road 1A. Once in the Hoa Chau neighborhood, simply ask the locals for directions to Hoa Tien Commune. The drive normally takes around 20 minutes, and you can use a personal vehicle or a moderately priced taxi.

You will see Cam Ne Village Gate on the entry (Source: Da Nang) 

Best time to come 

Visiting Cam Ne Mat village during the sedge harvest season, from November to January (just before the Lunar New Year), offers a vibrant and unique cultural experience. This is when locals begin weaving spring mats, and the gentle scent of freshly harvested sedge fills the air, painting a lively and charming picture of rural life.

Cam Ne Mat village - a lively and charming picture of rural life (Source: Vntrip)

History of Cam Ne Mat Village 

The mat weaving craft in Cam Ne traces its roots back to Hoang Hoa district, Thanh Hoa province. It was brought to the South during a turbulent historical period. After King Le Thanh Tong defeated Champa and annexed Do Ban into Quang Nam – Da Nang, many people from Thanh Hoa migrated southward, bringing with them traditional handicrafts, including mat weaving.

The technique of making the mat has been passed down for many generations (Source: News)

According to village legends and the stories of Cam Ne’s elders, the Cam Ne mat village was established during the Nguyen Dynasty and has since left a strong imprint on Vietnam’s handicraft history. It is said that Cam Ne mats were once used in the royal court due to their exceptional quality and the villagers’ exquisite weaving techniques. Many artisans from the village were granted royal commendations for preserving and developing this traditional craft.

Cam Ne’s natural conditions, with abundant sedge and hemp growing along the riverside, provided a rich source of raw materials. From these simple fibers, the skillful hands of artisans created plain and patterned mats with vibrant colors. For generations, mat weaving was not only a livelihood but also a deep source of pride for the people of Cam Ne.

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Things to do in Cam Ne Mat Village 

The Colorful Paths of Sedge

To create the vibrant floral-patterned mats, Cam Ne artisans must go through the additional step of dyeing each strand of sedge. Bright yellow, soft green, vivid red, and serene blue — all these colors blend and interweave to form intricate patterns across the surface of the mats.

The colorful paths of sedge (Source: Vietsence)

After dyeing, the sedge is laid out to dry under the golden sun, turning the village’s paths into a dazzling mosaic of colors. Visitors to Cam Ne are often amazed by this striking scene, where vibrant hues and the distinctive scent of drying sedge come together to offer an unforgettable sensory experience.

Explore the Mat-Making by the skillful artist

Each Cam Ne mat is a testament to the artisan’s skill, precision, and heartfelt dedication. Visitors have the opportunity to observe the entire production process - from selecting raw materials, drying the sedge, dyeing the fibers, weaving the mat, to the final sun-drying stage. This hands-on experience offers deep insight into the traditional craft of mat weaving that has been passed down through generations.

Explore the Mat-Making by the skillful artist (Source: Da Nang News) 

To complete a finished mat, two weavers must work in perfect harmony: one holds the frame while the other operates the shuttle. It takes about ten continuous hours of careful labor to produce one and a half to two pairs of mats, depending on the type. The meticulous attention to detail in every step ensures the high quality of each product, which continues to satisfy and impress customers near and far.

Making Mats with Locals

At Cam Ne Mat Village, you can visit mat-weaving households to explore the traditional production process up close. Under the patient guidance of experienced artisans, you’ll have the chance to take part in every step, from collecting raw materials and dyeing the sedge to weaving and finishing a mat.

Making mats with locals (Source: Vietnaplus)

This hands-on experience is a wonderful opportunity to gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and craftsmanship behind each woven piece, and to connect more closely with the cultural heritage of the region.

Conclusion 

Despite the many changes over time, Cam Ne Mat Village still preserves its precious cultural values. Although fewer households continue the craft today, the looms, weaving techniques, and the quality of the mats remain well preserved, keeping the ancestral traditions alive. Each Cam Ne mat is more than just a household item - it is a work of art infused with the spirit of the countryside and the dedication of its weavers.

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