10 must-visit traditional craft villages in Vietnam

Vietnam is home to a rich tapestry of traditional craft villages, many of which remain vibrant and active to this day. These villages are not only centers of centuries-old craftsmanship, but also play a vital role in preserving cultural heritage and supporting sustainable livelihoods for local communities. Through the skilled hands of artisans, traditional techniques in pottery, weaving, lacquerware and paper-making continue to thrive amid modern life.

For travelers seeking authentic cultural immersion, many Vietnam tours now include visits to these remarkable villages, offering firsthand experiences and deeper insights into the country’s creative soul.

A boutique shop in Bat Trang pottery village.

1. Bat Trang pottery village

Nestled beside the Red River, Bat Trang pottery village is not only a tourist destination but also the “soul” of Vietnamese handicraft art, with a history of over 700 years. Stepping into the village, you’ll be immediately captivated by the unique blend of the ancient charm of narrow alleys filled with drying pottery products and the modernity of the Pottery Museum, shaped like giant potter’s wheels.

In this village, every blocks of clay, through the skillful hands of artisans, have been transformed into exquisite ceramic masterpieces, exported worldwide since the 15th century. Beyond simply observing the artisans creating vases and bowls, you can also experience the feeling of being an artisan at a traditional potter’s wheel and take home a vietnamese souvernir made by you. Bat Trang will be the perfect stop in Hanoi, offering a fun, interactive experience and a glimpse into Vietnamese artisanal traditions.

2. Van Phuc silk village

Leaving the crowded city center of Hanoi, stepping through the gates of Van Phuc village, you’ll feel as if you’ve entered a space overflowing with color and silk. With a history spanning over 1,000 years, this is the oldest and most beautiful silk weaving village in Vietnam. Van Phuc silk (or Ha Dong silk) is renowned for its smooth, lightweight, and durable quality, once a precious item offered to emperors and kings in ancient times.

The highlight attracting visitors is the vibrant umbrella-lined path leading into the village and the multicolored silk fabrics drying in the golden sun, creating a stunning backdrop for photos. You’ll see traditional wooden looms and skilled weavers turning silk threads into exquisite garments and textiles. Here, you can not only learn about the meticulous hand-weaving process from silk selection to dyeing, but also choose exquisite ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dresses) made from this traditional silk with unique embossed patterns. Van Phuc doesn’t just sell fabric but also shares a rich cultural story of Hanoi.

Van Phuc silk village – A weaver at work.

3. Dong Ho painting village

Dong Ho painting village is where the beauty of traditional Vietnamese art is preserved in its most authentic form. Located in Bac Ninh province, famous for its quan ho folk songs, this village is also the birthplace of Vietnam’s most renowned folk painting style.

The unique vitality of Dong Ho paintings lies in their entirely natural materials. Each color used to paint the pictures is extracted from the nature: the white paint from the bark of the “diep” tree, the black paint from bamboo leaf charcoal, and yellow paint from the Sophora japonica flower. Many classic paintings such as “The Mouse Wedding,” “Buffalo Herding and Flute Playing,” or “Returning Home in Glory” are not only artistic works of art but also contain moral lessons about life and serve as blessings when given as gifts. Visiting Dong Ho, tourists can witness firsthand the artisans stamping wood molds, applying paint, and experience the traditional painting process themselves.

Hanoi has just launched Vietnam’s first double-decker train, taking passengers to explore the heritage sites of Hanoi and the ancient Kinh Bac region. You can take this train to Bac Ninh, then take a 10-15 minute bus ride to visit Dong Ho painting village.

4. Tay Ho conical hat village

In Vietnam, almost every region has a tradition of making non la (conical hats). Each has its own unique production methods, but Hue is the center of conical hat production in the country. Nestled beside a tranquil river, Tay Ho conical hat village is the birthplace of the non bai tho (poetic conical hat), a gentle symbol of the women of the ancient capital. More than just a simple sun and rain protection, the Tay Ho conical hat is an elaborate work of art, a culmination of the skillful hands and artistic souls of the craftsmen.

The magic of the poetic hat lies in the technique of inserting landscape paintings or lines of Chinese poetry between two layers of thin silk leaves. When viewed under sunlight, these hidden images truly shine, creating a delicate and subtle beauty. Visiting the village, you will witness the meticulous process from selecting leaves, drying them in the dew, ironing them flat, to each stitch and knot tying perfectly. It’s a perfect place to find and bring home the cultural symbole of Vietnam.

5. Thuy Xuan incense village

Thuy Xuan incense village is one of the most vibrant and romantic destinations in the ancient capital of Hue. With a history spanning over 700 years, it not only supplied pure incense to the royal palaces and temples of the past but also became a symbol of Vietnamese spiritual culture. Today, it produces millions of incense sticks used in the daily spiritual rituals of the Vietnamese people.

The first impression upon arriving in Thuy Xuan is the sight of colorful “incense blossoms”: green, red, purple, and yellow incense sticks skillfully arranged in circles along the pathways by skilled artisans. Each incense stick here is meticulously handcrafted from natural ingredients such as cinnamon, cardamom, and pine buds, creating a pure, warm, and distinctive aroma. Visitors can not only enjoy taking photos in this colorful space but also have the opportunity to directly experience the fascinating incense-making process with local artisans. Thuy Xuan is undoubtedly the perfect piece, adding a tranquil yet vibrant vibe to the journey of exploring craft villages across Vietnam.

Thuy Xuan incense village, Hue.

6. Thanh Ha pottery village

Located just 3 km from the UNESCO-listed town of Hội An, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a living museum of Vietnamese ceramic tradition. The village has been making pottery for over 500 years, originally supplying bricks and roof tiles for nearby towns. Today, it’s famous for unglazed, handmade clay pottery used for home décor, plant pots, and kitchenware.

What sets Thanh Hà apart is its handcrafting technique – potters shape the clay by hand without using a wheel, relying solely on experience and dexterity. Pieces are then fired in open-air wood-burning kilns, giving them a rustic and earthy finish.

Don’t miss: Visit the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, which showcases clay models of world-famous landmarks and offers workshops where you can try molding your own pot.

7. Kim Bong wood carving village

If you travel along the Thu Bon River in Hoi An, you will arrive at Kim Bong wood carving village, once the birthplace of some of the most talented artisans who contributed to the beauty of the Hoi An Ancient Town and Hue Imperial City. With a history of over 600 years, Kim Bong village is famous for its exquisite carving techniques, harmoniously combining Vietnamese culture with artistic elements from Japan and China.

Unlike the glitz and glamour of modern woodworking workshops in Vietnam today, Kim Bong welcomes visitors with the rhythmic sounds of chiseling and the distinctive aroma of wood. From fishing boats for the fishermen to majestic Buddha statues and exquisite furniture, everything is meticulously crafted, preserving its rustic beauty and durability. Visiting the craft village, tourists will witness the skilled hands of the craftsmen breathing life into the wood, feeling the vibrant atmosphere of labor while still embodying the refined character of the people of Quang Nam province.

Wooden lacquerware souvenirs in Kim Bong village.

8. Bau Truc pottery village

Nestled in the dry coastal plains of Ninh Thuan Province, Bau Truc is one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia, dating back over 800 years. This village is home to the Cham ethnic minority, who maintain their ancestors’ unique pottery-making techniques.

What sets Bau Truc pottery apart is the entirely hand-shaped process – no potter’s wheels are used. Artisans mold the clay directly with their hands, often kneeling on the ground, and fire their creations using open-air wood or straw kilns, rather than enclosed ovens. The results are warm-toned, slightly rough ceramics that feel both ancient and artistic.

Cultural note: Many designs carry spiritual or natural motifs that reflect Cham beliefs. These pots, vases, and figurines make for meaningful souvenirs.

9. Non Nuoc stone carving village

Located at the foot of the Marble Mountains, Non Nuoc stone carving village is a perfect stop on your Da Nang – Hoi An trip. This is one of the oldest and most impressive traditional craft villages in Central Vietnam, with over 400 years of history. Here, raw marble blocks are meticulously transformed by talented artisans into exquisite works of art.

Visiting Non Nuoc, tourists will be overwhelmed by a diverse world of stone sculptures: from majestic Buddha statues and lively dragon and phoenix mythical creatures to delicate, meticulously crafted jewelry. The sounds of chiseling and the sight of artisans engrossed in their carvings create an atmosphere of artistic labor. This is not only a place to shop for valuable and charming souvenirs, but also an ideal stop to feel the perseverance and pride of the people of Da Nang in preserving their national cultural heritage.

10. Trang Bang rice paper village

Famous throughout Vietnam, Trang Bang’s dew-dried rice paper (banh trang phoi suong) is both a culinary art and a cultural treasure. Made from a special blend of rice and tapioca, the rice sheets are steamed, sun-dried during the day, and then exposed to early morning dew – giving them a soft, chewy texture unlike any other.

This rice paper is the key ingredient in Trang Bang pork rolls, a must-try dish featuring herbs, boiled pork, and fermented fish sauce. Villagers here have perfected this delicate technique over generations, turning a simple food into a gastronomic symbol of Southern Vietnam.

Don’t miss: Join a cooking class or enjoy a fresh roll at a local eatery to truly appreciate the craftsmanship involved.

Trang Bang Rice Paper

Visiting traditional craft villages during your Vietnam tours

When you travel to Vietnam, exploring its vibrant culture goes beyond visiting popular tourist spots. A unique and enriching experience awaits in the country’s traditional craft villages. These villages are home to artisans who have preserved centuries-old techniques in pottery, silk weaving, wood carving, and lacquerware. Whether you’re wandering through Bat Trang’s ceramic workshops or watching silk being handwoven in Van Phuc, each village offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. These destinations are not only perfect for art and culture enthusiasts but also ideal for those seeking meaningful activities during their Vietnam family tours. Visiting a craft village is a great way to support local communities while creating unforgettable memories with your loved ones. Don’t miss the opportunity to step off the beaten path and discover the heart of Vietnamese tradition through its skilled artisans.