Traditional handicraft villages in Vietnam offer a captivating glimpse into the country’s rich cultural and artisanal heritage, where centuries-old traditions continue to thrive. These villages are not just places of production but living museums of creativity, community, and culture. As a highlight of many curated Vietnam Cambodia tours, visiting traditional craft villages in Vietnam allows travelers to connect deeply with the nation’s soul. Join us on a journey through Northern, Central, and Southern Vietnam to explore the finest and most fascinating traditional handicraft villages in Vietnam.
Handicraft Villages in Northern Vietnam
Bat Trang Pottery Village – Hanoi
Located just 13 kilometers from central Hanoi, Bat Trang is one of the most renowned traditional handicraft villages in Vietnam. With over 700 years of history, it’s celebrated for its high-quality ceramics and distinctive glazing techniques.
Unique Activities:
- Join a hands-on pottery-making class and create your own ceramic piece.
- Visit traditional kilns and learn about the firing process.
- Explore the Bat Trang Ceramic Museum with its modern architecture and rich exhibits.
Why Visit: Bat Trang blends tradition and creativity, showcasing the enduring legacy of one of the top traditional craft villages in Vietnam.
Van Phuc Silk Village – Hanoi
Nestled along the Nhue River, Van Phuc Village has been producing fine silk for over a thousand years. Known for its smooth texture and vibrant patterns, its silk once adorned royal courts.
Unique Activities:
- Watch weavers operate antique wooden looms.
- Shop for high-quality silk scarves, ao dai, and tailored goods.
- Learn the history of Vietnamese silk through local guides.
Why Visit: Van Phuc is a textile lover’s paradise and a quintessential example of traditional handicraft villages in Vietnam, preserving the art of silk weaving.
Dong Ho Folk Painting Village – Bac Ninh
Located 35 km from Hanoi, Dong Ho is the birthplace of Vietnam’s iconic folk art. This traditional craft village in Vietnam is known for its symbolic woodblock prints and natural pigments, preserved through generations.
Unique Activities:
- Try woodblock printing using traditional methods.
- Discover the stories behind motifs like “Rat’s Wedding” and “Jealousy.”
- Meet master artisans and hear their personal stories.
Why Visit: Dong Ho offers a rare insight into the spiritual and everyday life of the Vietnamese through vivid art, making it a standout among traditional craft villages in Vietnam.
Handicraft Villages in Central Vietnam
Thanh Ha Pottery Village – Hoi An
Situated on the Thu Bon River, just a few kilometers from ancient Hoi An, Thanh Ha has been crafting pottery since the 16th century. Unlike Bat Trang’s glazed ceramics, this traditional craft village in Vietnam specializes in red clay earthenware.
Unique Activities:
- Craft your own terracotta figurines or plant pots.
- Visit the Terracotta Park to see life-size clay models of world-famous landmarks.
- Enjoy a peaceful boat ride from Hoi An to the village.
Why Visit: Thanh Ha’s laid-back charm and hands-on experiences make it a family-friendly destination among traditional handicraft villages in Vietnam.
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village – Da Nang
At the foot of the Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc is famous for its stone sculptures and marble artistry, a craft dating back over 300 years.
Unique Activities:
- Watch artisans carve religious statues, decorative items, and souvenirs.
- Visit workshops and customize your own piece.
- Explore nearby Marble Mountains for panoramic views and Buddhist shrines.
Why Visit: This traditional craft village in Vietnam transforms stone into art, offering unique keepsakes crafted by skilled hands.
Handicraft Villages in Southern Vietnam
Tho Ha Ancient Village – Bac Giang (Accessible from Hanoi)
Though located in the north, Tho Ha is often included in Southern-bound cultural tours due to its proximity to major transit routes. This traditional craft village in Vietnam is known for rice paper and dry vermicelli production, alongside its ancient architecture.
Unique Activities:
- See how rice paper is sun-dried on bamboo frames.
- Explore narrow alleys lined with old brick houses and communal temples.
- Sample freshly made rice crackers.
Why Visit: Tho Ha offers a multi-sensory experience, blending taste, touch, and timeless scenery, making it a unique stop among traditional craft villages in Vietnam.
An Hoi Wood Carving Village – Binh Duong
Located near Ho Chi Minh City, An Hoi is a traditional craft village in Vietnam renowned for intricate wood carving and lacquerware. Artisans here have supplied religious and decorative wooden art to temples for generations.
Unique Activities:
- Visit family-run workshops and observe fine wood carving techniques.
- Shop for hand-carved furniture, altars, and decorative items.
- Learn about the symbolism behind traditional motifs.
Why Visit: An Hoi highlights the spiritual and communal significance of traditional craft villages in Vietnam.
Go Vap Incense Village – Ho Chi Minh City
In a quiet corner of bustling HCMC, Go Vap is a traditional craft village in Vietnam where the art of incense making thrives. This small neighborhood bursts with color and fragrance.
Unique Activities:
- Watch the vibrant process of rolling and drying incense sticks.
- Take photographs of rainbow-colored incense fans spread out under the sun.
- Chat with artisans about traditional scents and their uses in Vietnamese rituals.
Why Visit: Go Vap offers a sensory experience—vivid, fragrant, and spiritual—showcasing how traditional craft villages in Vietnam persist in urban settings.
0 Comment