Handicraft Villages in Vietnam are gateways to the country’s rich cultural heritage, where age-old traditions and artisanal skills are kept alive by local communities. These traditional craft villages in Vietnam are not just centers of production but living expressions of creativity, history, and identity. For travelers seeking authentic experiences beyond the typical tourist routes, exploring these handicraft villages in Vietnam offers a deeper connection to the nation's soul. From the northern mountains to the central coast and southern deltas, Vietnam’s most fascinating craft villages are must-visit highlights on many curated Indochina tours.
Handicraft Villages in Northern Vietnam
Bat Trang Pottery Village - Hanoi
Located just 13 kilometers from central Hanoi, Bat Trang is arguably the most famous traditional craft village in Vietnam. With over 700 years of history, this village is renowned 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 offers the perfect blend of tradition and creativity, where families have been passing down pottery secrets for generations.
Van Phuc Silk Village - Hanoi
Nestled along the banks of the Nhue River, Van Phuc Village has been producing fine silk for over a thousand years. Known for its smooth texture and vibrant patterns, Van Phuc 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 haven for textile lovers and those seeking to understand the fine art of traditional silk weaving in Vietnam.
Dong Ho Folk Painting Village - Bac Ninh
Located 35 km from Hanoi, Dong Ho is the birthplace of Vietnam's most iconic folk art. Known for its symbolic woodblock prints and natural pigments, the village has preserved this ancient technique through generations.
Unique Activities:
- Try your hand at woodblock printing using traditional methods.
- Discover the stories behind famous motifs such as "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 people through vivid, meaningful art.
Handicraft Villages in Central Vietnam
Thanh Ha Pottery Village - Hoi An
Situated on the banks of the Thu Bon River, just a few kilometers from ancient Hoi An, Thanh Ha has been making pottery since the 16th century. Unlike Bat Trang's glazed ceramics, Thanh Ha specializes in red clay earthenware.
Unique Activities:
- Craft your own terracotta figurines or plant pots.
- Visit the Terracotta Park to see life-size models of world-famous landmarks made from clay.
- Enjoy a peaceful boat ride from Hoi An to the village.
Why Visit: The village retains a laid-back charm and offers hands-on experiences that appeal to families and creative travelers.
Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village - Da Nang
At the foot of the Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc village is famous for its stone sculptures and marble artistry. The craft dates back over 300 years and continues to thrive with both traditional and modern designs.
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: It’s a unique chance to witness how stone becomes art, and to take home a meaningful keepsake carved by hand.
Handicraft Villages in Southern Vietnam
Tho Ha Ancient Village - Bac Giang (Accessible from Hanoi)
While technically in the north, Tho Ha is often included in Southern-bound cultural tours due to its proximity to major transit routes. Known for its traditional rice paper and dry vermicelli production, it also boasts 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 — from taste to touch to timeless scenery — ideal for photographers and foodies.
An Hoi Wood Carving Village - Binh Duong
Located near Ho Chi Minh City, An Hoi is a traditional village known for intricate wood carving and lacquerware. The village is home to generations of artisans who have supplied religious and decorative wooden art to temples across the country.
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: This village highlights the deep connection between craft, spirituality, and community life in Southern Vietnam.
Go Vap Incense Village - Ho Chi Minh City
Located in a quiet corner of bustling HCMC, Go Vap is where the age-old art of incense making still thrives. Though small, this neighborhood is filled 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 is a sensory experience - vivid, fragrant, and spiritual - a reminder of how tradition finds its place in urban life.
