Top Vietnamese Traditional Craft Villages to Explore

For most people, when it comes to Vietnam, you will think of Ha Long Bay and many scenic spots that attract many tourists. However, there is one more thing that travelers are still surprised about and that is the art and craft of Vietnam.

Thanks to its stunning landscapes and enduring Vietnamese traditional crafts villages, Vietnam ranks as one of the top and most beloved destinations in Southeast Asia. These villages have been established and preserved for centuries by many generations.

Handicrafts of Vietnam products are renowned in both domestic and international markets, spreading Vietnamese customs, traditions, and culture to all international travelers. If you have the opportunity to visit Vietnam, be sure to include one of the Vietnam traditional crafts villages listed below in your itinerary.

Silk Weaving - Van Phuc Village

The first Vietnamese traditional crafts village we want to introduce is Van Phuc's silk-weaving tradition dates back to at least the 9th century. The village gained significant prominence during the Ly Dynasty (1009-1225) and reached its zenith during the Nguyen Dynasty (1802-1945). Over the centuries, Van Phuc silk has become synonymous with luxury, elegance, and durability.

The process of silk weaving involves several intricate steps. First, silkworms are raised on mulberry leaves until they spin cocoons. Next, the silk threads are carefully extracted from these cocoons in a process known as reeling. The extracted silk is then dyed using natural dyes, often derived from plants, to achieve a range of vibrant colors. Finally, skilled artisans use traditional wooden looms to weave the silk into various patterns and textures, creating exquisite pieces that reflect the rich heritage of the craft.

Known as the "Silk Village," Van Phuc has been producing exquisite silk for over a thousand years, making it one of the oldest and most renowned Vietnamese weaving villages in the country. The iconic Ao Dai, Vietnam's traditional long dress, is often made from Van Phuc silk - one of the famous handicrafts of Vietnam. These dresses are worn during important ceremonies, festivals, and celebrations, symbolizing grace, tradition, and national pride.

A silk store in Van Phuc Village

Ceramics and Pottery - Bat Trang Village

When discussing "Vietnamese traditional crafts villages," Bat Trang Village is often the first name that comes to mind for many. Located less than an hour's drive from the center of Hanoi, this village has been renowned for producing meticulous pottery products for centuries. Ceramics and pottery are used in daily life, religious ceremonies, and as decorative items. They reflect the artistic ingenuity and cultural depth of the Vietnamese people. Each piece tells a story of the land, the people, and their way of life.

Be sure to visit the Bat Trang Pottery Museum, a distinctive building designed to resemble the spinning wheels signature by potters. While still being fully operational, it has become a popular destination for many visitors. The museum showcases impressive pottery exhibitions, houses a souvenir shop, and even includes a café.

One of the favorite activities in Bat Trang Pottery Village is creating your pottery piece, a service readily available at many local pottery shops. Visitors have the option to have their creations fired for added durability and can personalize them with their preferred colors.

Bat Trang Village

Lacquerware Vietnam - Ha Thai Village

Located about 20 kilometers south of Hanoi, Ha Thai Village is celebrated for its exquisite lacquerware. This traditional handicraft of Vietnam, which has been practiced in the village for centuries, showcases the remarkable skill and creativity of Vietnamese artisans. Although established a long time ago, today, Ha Thai Village continues to be a thriving center for lacquerware production.

The village's artisans blend traditional techniques with modern innovations to create a diverse range of products, including furniture, vases, trays, and decorative panels. They usually use bamboo or wood that is shaped and smoothed. Next, several layers of lacquer, extracted from lacquer tree sap, are applied to the base, each layer requiring weeks to dry completely before the next is added. Artisans then inlay intricate designs using materials like mother-of-pearl, eggshell, or gold leaf with exceptional precision. Finally, the lacquered item is polished to achieve a smooth, glossy finish, enhancing its beauty and durability.

For visitors, a trip to Ha Thai Village offers a fascinating insight into the art of lacquerware. Tourists can observe the meticulous crafting process, interact with local artisans, and purchase unique lacquer items directly from the source. The village's proximity to Hanoi makes it an ideal destination for a cultural day trip.

Lacquerware is one of the traditional handicrafts of Vietnam

Embroidery Vietnam - Quat Dong Village

Embroidery in Vietnam is a deeply rooted art form and it has significant intricate designs and vibrant colors. For anyone who wants to experience Vietnamese embroidery firsthand, a visit to one of the renowned embroidery villages is a must. Places like Quat Dong Village offer visitors the opportunity to observe skilled artisans at work, learn about the history and techniques of embroidery, and purchase the unique handicrafts of Vietnam.

Embroidery holds a special place in Vietnamese culture. It is used to decorate traditional clothing, such as the áo dài, as well as household items and ceremonial garments. Embroidered pieces are often gifted during significant events like weddings, birthdays, and festivals, symbolizing good luck and prosperity. This art form is a testament to the patience, precision, and artistic talent of Vietnamese craftsmen, preserving cultural narratives and traditions through each stitch.

Beautiful patterns on handicraft embroidery

Vietnam Wood Carving - Dong Ky Village

Ky Dong Village, located in the Bac Ninh Province of northern Vietnam, is renowned for its masterful woodcarving. This traditional craft, with a history spanning centuries, highlights the exceptional skill and creativity of Vietnamese artisans. The woodcarvings of Ky Dong Village are not only works of art but also cultural treasures that embody the heritage and Vietnamese traditional crafts.

To carve the wood, people will use chisels, knives, and other specialized tools. This step requires exceptional precision and artistry, as even the smallest detail can significantly impact the overall piece. The carved wood is then polished to a smooth finish. Sometimes, additional treatments such as lacquering or painting are applied to enhance the wood's natural beauty and protect it from the elements.

Artisans in Ky Dong meticulously carve intricate designs, often depicting mythical creatures, religious motifs, and scenes from nature, into high-quality wood such as teak and mahogany. These carvings adorn temples, pagodas, and homes throughout Vietnam, symbolizing prosperity, protection, and cultural heritage. Ky Dong woodcarvings are revered for their craftsmanship and artistic expression, reflecting the deep cultural roots and spiritual beliefs of the Vietnamese people.

Vietnam wood carving products

Experience All The Vietnamese Traditional Crafts Villages

Vietnamese traditional crafts are a vibrant tapestry of history, culture, and artistic expression. Each craft, from silk weaving to wood carving, tells a story of the Vietnamese people’s connection to their land, their ancestors, and their creativity through handicrafts of Vietnam. These crafts are not only a source of pride but also a living heritage that continues to inspire and enrich the cultural landscape of Vietnam. As modernity advances, preserving and promoting these traditional crafts becomes ever more crucial, ensuring that future generations can appreciate and continue this rich legacy.

If you are interested in Vietnamese traditional crafts, apply for a Vietnam visa for your own country and then come to this nation to experience the culture. Vietnam Immigration Services will help you with the process without any difficulties. After a few days, you can obtain your travel documents and travel to Vietnam. Let’s travel now!