An Hoi Bronze Village is a century-old traditional craft village tucked away in Ward 12, Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City. Amidst the rapid modernization of the nation's fastest-growing city, it stands as the very last remaining bronze incense burner casting village in Saigon, preserving a peaceful and slow-paced atmosphere.

• Origins and the story: The craft in An Hoi dates back approximately 200 years to the late 19th century. In the past, Saigon was home to several famous bronze casting villages like Cho Quan and Phu Lam, but they have all faded into oblivion. An Hoi survived through the sheer dedication of its people. During its golden era, the village's products were sold throughout six southern provinces and exported to neighboring countries.

• A legacy of resilience: Today, only a handful of households (around five to ten workshops) are holding onto the trade. The story of the village is best represented by devoted artisans like 70-year-old Tran Van Thang (Hai Thang), whose family has preserved the craft for five generations. Despite the physically demanding nature of the job and the lure of higher-paying modern careers, these families remain resolute in passing down their ancestral techniques and keeping the traditional family business alive.

Activities and experiences at the village

• Witnessing the Traditional Casting Process: Visitors to the village can observe the fascinating yet challenging manual process of bronze casting. The production involves multiple meticulous phases, including mixing materials, shaping the pieces, molding, processing, and carving.

• Observing the Mold-Making: A unique aspect of the craft is the creation of casting molds, which are entirely handmade using a traditional mixture of clay, ash, and rice husk.

• Admiring Artisanal Carving: You can watch highly skilled artisans demonstrate immense patience and concentration as they manually carve intricate, ancient-style patterns onto the molds and the finished bronze burners.

• Learning the Secrets of the Craft: Artisans often share their generational secrets, teaching visitors how to distinguish authentic An Hoi products from mass-produced ones. While commercial burners turn black after a few years, authentic An Hoi incense burners remain a brilliant, shining gold when cleaned.

• Experiencing the Pre-Tet Atmosphere: If visiting in the lead-up to the Lunar New Year (Tet), you will experience the most bustling and vibrant time in the village. Dozens of workers race against time, working day and night to fulfill massive orders for families looking to refresh their sacred ancestral altars for the holidays.