10 Must-See Traditional Craft Villages in Vietnam

10 Nov

10 Traditional Craft Villages You Must See in Vietnam

Vietnam is not only renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and delicious cuisine, but it is also a country rich in traditional craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. Visiting these villages offers a great chance to get to know Vietnamese culture and allows travelers to witness the artistry and passion behind handmade creations.

In this guide, Prime Travel will introduce you to 10 traditional craft villages you must see in Vietnam. Here, you can learn directly from local artisans, join hands-on workshops, and take home meaningful souvenirs crafted with care. These craft villages will add a unique and memorable touch to your Vietnam journey.

10 Must-Visit Traditional Craft Villages in Vietnam

Bat Trang Pottery Making Village (Hanoi)

Located just 30 minutes from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is the most famous pottery village in Vietnam, known for its high-quality ceramics and centuries-old craftsmanship. For over 700 years, Bat Trang has produced beautifully handcrafted pottery, from everyday household items to exquisite decorative pieces.

One of the best things to do in Bat Trang is to join a hands-on pottery workshop, where you can try shaping your own ceramic product on a traditional wheel and paint it as a personalized souvenir. Walking through the village, you’ll see talented artisans crafting bowls, vases, tea sets, and intricate ceramic art with great precision.

The Bat Trang Pottery Market is also a must-visit, offering a wide range of unique ceramic items to bring home. You can easily get to Bat Trang Village from Hanoi’s city center or Noi Bai Airport for a half-day or full-day excursion.

Van Phuc Silk Village (Hanoi)

Located about 10 km from central Hanoi, Van Phuc Silk Village is the oldest and most famous silk-producing village in Vietnam. Established more than 100 years ago, Van Phuc Silk Village is well-known for its high-quality silk that is soft, lightweight, and beautifully patterned.

One of the highlights of Van Phuc Silk Village is that visitors can join in the weaving workshop and watch the full process of silk production, gaining a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship and patience behind each piece.

Some workshops even allow visitors to try weaving or dyeing silk, making the experience more interactive and memorable. The village is also home to cultural sites, old houses, and photo spots decorated with lanterns and silk items, creating a lovely atmosphere for a relaxing stroll. A half-day trip to Van Phuc Village offers a rich cultural experience for travelers.

Quat Dong Embroidery Village (Hanoi)

Around 20 km from Hanoi’s center, Quat Dong Embroidery Village is famous for its delicate hand-embroidered artwork and long-standing craftsmanship. Quat Dong artisans are known for their incredible precision and creativity, producing elegant pieces such as embroidered clothing, pillowcases, tablecloths, and framed art.

Many designs depict Vietnamese landscapes, flowers, and daily life scenes, all stitched with impressive detail and vibrant colors. It is just amazing to witness how wonderful art can be created from simple cloth.

Visitors to Quat Dong can join hands-on embroidery workshops to learn basic stitching techniques and create a small embroidery piece as a meaningful souvenir. You can also meet and talk to local artisans to understand their passion. If you appreciate traditional crafts, Quat Dong Embroidery Village is a unique and inspiring day trip from Hanoi that showcases the beauty of Vietnam’s heritage.

Phu Lang Pottery Village (Bac Ninh)

Located along the Cau River in Bac Ninh Province, Phu Lang Pottery Village is one of Vietnam’s oldest pottery centers, dating back to the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty. Unlike the glossy ceramics of Bat Trang, Phu Lang pottery is known for its earthy tones, rustic charm, and natural beauty, created using traditional wood-fired kilns.

Local artisans still use age-old techniques, from shaping clay by hand to glazing pieces with natural materials such as tree sap and ash. As you walk through the village, you’ll see rows of drying pottery and open-air workshops where families have practiced this craft for generations, giving visitors a close-up look at the village’s authentic artistic heritage.

You can join a pottery-making workshop, guided by skilled artisans who will show you how to shape clay and create some basic items such as small cups or vases. Travelers can shop for unique ceramic items such as vases, jars, teapots, and decorative pieces that make thoughtful, locally crafted souvenirs.

Dong Ho Folk Painting Village (Bac Ninh)

Located in Bac Ninh Province, Dong Ho Folk Painting Village is the birthplace of Vietnam’s most famous traditional folk art. For centuries, local artisans have created hand-painted works that reflect Vietnamese life, festivals, legends, and cultural values.

What makes Dong Ho paintings unique is their use of natural materials: paper made from Dó tree bark and colors sourced from natural powders such as seashells, coal, and plant leaves. These paintings used to be an essential part of Tet (Lunar New Year) celebrations, as families bought them to decorate their homes and welcome good fortune.

Today, visitors can explore family-run workshops, watch artisans carve wooden printing blocks, and learn how each painting is skillfully stamped and colored by hand. The village also has a small museum showcasing traditional tools, old paintings, and cultural stories.

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village (Da Nang)

Located at the foot of the Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village in Da Nang is one of Vietnam’s most famous traditional craft villages, with a history of more than 400 years. Skilled artisans here transform natural stone into stunning works of art, ranging from small souvenirs to large sculptures and architectural pieces.

As you explore the village, you’ll see craftsmen carving statues, decorative items, and spiritual artworks with impressive detail. The village offers a fascinating look into the precision, patience, and creativity behind stone carving, a craft deeply tied to local culture and religion.

Visitors can walk through workshops, observe the carving process – from rough blocks to polished masterpiece, and browse the local stores for unique handmade souvenirs carved from marble, limestone, or jade. With its rich history, cultural value, and location near one of Da Nang’s top attractions, Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is a must-visit for travelers interested in traditional craftsmanship.

Kim Bong Carpentry Village (Hoi An)

Kim Bong Carpentry Village is one of the most famous craft villages that has been known for its carpentry skills since the 15th century. Kim Bong craftsmen are highly respected for their ability to create both practical and artistic woodwork, from furniture and household items to intricate carvings and architectural details.

Their craftsmanship reflects a blend of Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese influences, shaped by Hoi An’s multicultural trading history. It’s a delightful experience for travelers who want to discover how traditional carpentry has played a role in preserving local heritage.

A visit to Kim Bong Carpentry Village is a peaceful escape from Hoi An’s busy center and an enriching cultural experience that highlights the beauty of traditional craftsmanship and the importance of preserving local artisan skills.

Sa Huynh Salt Village (Quang Ngai)

Located along the coastline of Quang Ngai Province, Sa Huynh Salt Village offers a fascinating glimpse into one of Vietnam’s oldest traditional livelihoods – salt making. For generations, local families have harvested sea salt using techniques that depend heavily on nature, patience, and hard work.

Visiting Sa Huynh offers travelers a unique opportunity to witness the traditional salt-making process, from preparing the fields to harvesting sparkling white salt under the sun. The sight of salt farmers working at sunrise, with vast fields reflecting the sky like mirrors, creates a stunning and unforgettable scene for photography lovers.

A trip to Sa Huynh Salt Village is not only visually captivating but also culturally enriching. Travelers can walk through the salt fields, meet local farmers, and observe their salt-making process. Sa Huynh is also known for its peaceful coastal charm, traditional houses, and friendly locals who are always happy to share stories about their heritage.

Chuong Conical Hat Making Village (Hanoi)

Vietnamese conical hat, along with “ao dai”, is considered one of the most iconic traditional costumes in Vietnam. For generations, Chuong artisans have handcrafted these traditional hats using palm leaves, bamboo, and a great deal of patience and skill. The village’s reputation comes from its high-quality hats, known for being lightweight, durable, and beautifully shaped.

As you explore Chuong Village, you’ll see locals sitting in front of their homes, meticulously sewing layers of palm leaves onto bamboo frames – a scene that reflects the charm of traditional Vietnamese village life.

Visiting Chuong Village offers a meaningful cultural experience, especially for those curious about Vietnamese heritage. Travelers can watch the full hat-making process and even try stitching a few lines under the guidance of local artisans. A trip to Chuong Conical Hat Village provides a deeper appreciation for this cultural symbol of Vietnam.

Vong Sticky Rice Making Village (Hanoi)

Situated near the heart of Hanoi, Vong Village is famously known as the birthplace of “cốm” – Vietnamese green sticky rice. This specialty is a favorite during the fall season in Hanoi. Strolling through Vong Village during autumn, you’ll often catch the gentle aroma of freshly roasted young rice wrapped in lotus leaves.

Visitors to Vong Village can learn about the traditional cốm-making process and try tasting various cốm-based treats, such as cốm cakes, sweet soup, or sticky rice with green rice flakes. Other than that, this food can be eaten by hand or enjoyed with ripe bananas.

If you love Vietnamese traditional food and an authentic cultural experience, paying a visit to Vong Village is one of the best things to add to your bucket list.

Tips for Visiting Craft Villages in Vietnam

Visiting Vietnam’s traditional craft villages is a wonderful way to connect with local culture, support artisans, and enjoy hands-on experiences. To make the most of your trip, here are some insights that might be helpful:

Many villages are living communities, not tourist sites, so be mindful of daily routines and personal spaces when exploring.
Booking through a local guide or tour operator can also enhance your visit, especially when you want deeper insights into the history, cultural meaning, and craftsmanship of each village.
Consider buying souvenirs directly from artisans to support their livelihoods and keep the craft alive.
Dress comfortably, as some villages require walking through narrow alleys or outdoor spaces.
Ask for permission before taking photos of artisans, especially when they are working in their homes.
For village markets, mornings are often the best time to visit, as you can see artisans at work and enjoy a more authentic atmosphere.

By keeping these simple tips in mind, you’ll enjoy a more meaningful, respectful, and memorable experience while discovering Vietnam’s traditional craft villages.