Discover the Essence of Northern Culture: 11 Craft Villages in Hanoi

Hanoi, the thousand-year-old capital, always attracts both domestic and international tourists with its profound cultural values. In the journey to explore Hanoi, traditional craft villages that have existed for hundreds of years will offer #teamKlook unforgettable and unique experiences.

Follow this article with Klook Vietnam and explore 11 famous craft villages in Hanoi that preserve the traditional cultural characteristics of the Northern region.

Address: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi

Bat Trang Ceramic Village, a renowned traditional craft village nationwide, is located in Gia Lam district, only 15km from the city center. The pottery village has its roots dating back to the Ly Dynasty, enduring for over 500 years until today. In Bat Trang, #teamKlook will explore the perfect blend of tradition and modernity. Ancient-style villages, ancient temples, and moss-covered clay houses create a vintage painting.

One of the most exciting experiences when visiting Bat Trang is the chance to make pottery by hand. For just about 10,000 VND, you can transform clay into ceramic products with the shapes of your choice. After completion, you can choose to fire the product and take it home as a souvenir.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village also has attractions such as the Ancient Van Van House - where over 400 valuable ancient pottery items are exhibited, and the Bat Trang Pottery Museum with its unique architecture. Additionally, you can visit the ancient kilns, which have played a significant role in the traditional pottery production of the village.

Visit the pottery village and create small, exquisite products for yourself with the Hanoi City Tour with Bat Trang Ceramic Village Vietnam Tour on Klook Vietnam.

Address: National Highway 6A, Phu Nghia commune, Chuong My district

Bamboo weaving village Phu Vinh is a traditional craft village showcasing the unique art of Vietnamese bamboo weaving. Located in Phu Nghia commune, Chuong My district, 27km southwest of Hanoi center, Phu Vinh bamboo weaving village has thrived for over 300 years.

Established around 1700, originally named Phu Hoa Trang, meaning 'sky blessing the skilled hands of the people with silk.' Generations in the village have passed down the craft of bamboo weaving, forming a deep connection with bamboo and rattan.

When visiting Phu Vinh bamboo weaving village, #teamKlook will immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere of the northern countryside, with lush green bamboo hills and simple thatched-roof houses. Here, you can explore a diverse range of woven bamboo products, from baskets, trays, and portraits to tables, chairs, and various other handicrafts. Each bamboo product reflects the meticulousness and high craftsmanship of the local artisans.

Visitors can witness the bamboo weaving process, each stage requiring skill and unique techniques within each family. Additionally, you have the opportunity to converse with bamboo weaving artisans and attend impressive art performances.

Address: National Highway 1A, Quat Dong commune, Thuong Tin district

Quat Dong village, located 25km from the center of Hanoi, remains renowned for Vietnam's traditional hand embroidery art. At the village entrance, you'll encounter the shrine of Le Cong Hanh, the ancestral figure of embroidery in Thuong Tin and Vietnam.

The art of embroidery in Quat Dong has experienced historical ups and downs, from its peak with hundreds of workshops and artisans exporting to Eastern Europe, to challenging times with a decline in workshops and craftsmen. However, the love and attachment of the people of Quat Dong have revived and revitalized the art of embroidery.

Within the village, both men and women, from the elderly to children, contribute to the development of the craft with their talented hands. The embroidered paintings in Quat Dong carry a delicate beauty, depicting everything from rustic landscapes to enchanting orchids.

Quat Dong embroidery village is not only a place that produces exquisite artistic products but also a destination that attracts international tourists. The embroidered works from this village have been exported to many countries, promoting the Vietnamese embroidery industry on the world map. #teamKlook has the opportunity to explore the village, meet skilled artisans, and admire unique embroidered artworks, gaining insight into the culture and history of the country.

Address: Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District

Van Phuc Silk Village, situated in Ha Dong, proudly stands as one of the most renowned traditional silk weaving villages in Vietnam. Recognized as the 'Oldest Active Silk Weaving Village,' this silk village carries a unique cultural and artistic heritage with over 1000 years of history.

Despite being amidst the rapid development of Hanoi, Van Phuc maintains its ancient charm with village gates, banyan trees, wells, and communal yards. With nearly 800 households, the village continues to preserve and develop the traditional silk weaving craft, contributing to the conservation of Vietnam's silk weaving industry.

Van Phuc Silk Village has long been famous for its unique and exquisite silk products. The silk material creates meticulous handmade products, from clothing and silk scarves to traditional silk fabric and special types of silk like crepe, brocade, and various other silk fabrics. These products are often adorned with intricate patterns of animals, plants, objects, and illustrations.

When visiting Van Phuc Silk Village, #teamKlook can explore the robust village gate, vibrant streets, bustling silk market, impressive mural walls, and Thanh Hoang communal yard along with an ancient pagoda. Especially, if you visit on the 5th and 6th lunar days, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the Van Phuc Craft Village Festival to discover the unique culture and artistry of the silk village.

Address: Cu Khe Commune, Thanh Oai District

Nestled along the banks of the Nhue River, Cu Da Village captivates tourists far and wide not only with its unique architecture but also with the traditional vermicelli craft practiced in the locality. The art of making vermicelli in Cu Da Village has a history spanning over 100 years.

What sets Cu Da vermicelli apart is its shimmering yellow or smooth white strands, making it exceptionally distinctive. To create this vermicelli, the villagers use pure arrowroot powder sourced from regions like Bac Kan, Lai Chau, Son La, and Moc Chau. The vermicelli production process in Cu Da is meticulous, requiring skill and perseverance. The arrowroot powder is soaked, filtered, beaten, and then molded into cakes, steamed to perfection before being cut and sun-dried. Each day, Cu Da Village produces around 15 tons of vermicelli, widely consumed in Hanoi and southern provinces.

Visiting Cu Da vermicelli village, #teamKlook has the opportunity to learn about the traditional vermicelli production process and explore unique ancient houses with a blend of French and traditional Vietnamese architecture. Additionally, you can visit the village communal house, ancient village temple, and pay respects at the Cu Da Pagoda, delving deeper into the cultural and spiritual diversity in the lives of the Vietnamese people.

Address: Dinh Cong Ward, Hoang Mai District

With over 1500 years of history, Dinh Cong Goldsmith Village is a precious gem of Hanoi and one of the historic craft villages that has experienced the ebb and flow of the capital. The craft village was established during the reign of Ly Nam De by three brothers: Tran, Tran Dien, Tran Dien, and Tran Hoa. They were skillful gold and silver artisans, passing down their craft to the villagers and creating a name for Dinh Cong Village.

Although Dinh Cong Village faced challenges after 1954, the traditional craft has been revitalized through the innovation and creativity of artisan Quach Van Truong. Today, Dinh Cong Goldsmith Village is not just a hub for crafting exquisite gold and silver jewelry but also a place where #teamKlook can experience the vibrant atmosphere of thousands of households practicing this craft.

If you have a passion for dazzling jewelry, there's nothing better than exploring Dinh Cong Goldsmith Village. Here, you'll find shops showcasing beautiful and unique handmade artistry. A must-visit stop in Dinh Cong Village is the solemn temple dedicated to the three craft founders, preserving the invaluable spirit and tradition of the goldsmith village.

Address: Quang Phu Cau Commune, Ung Hoa District

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, one of Hanoi's longstanding craft villages, has existed for over 100 years. Located 35km from the city center, it is renowned for its unique traditional incense-making craft in the region. This is not only a place preserving a part of Vietnam's traditional culture but also providing employment for thousands of locals.

Quang Phu Cau Village has weathered many historical ups and downs and continues to persist over time. With experience passed down through generations, it produces unique incense types from natural ingredients such as agarwood, pine, aloeswood, and various herbs. The incense production process is a refined art, from processing raw materials to scenting, drying, and packaging—each step is meticulously and skillfully done by hand.

When visiting Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, #teamKlook has the opportunity to learn about the traditional incense production process and participate in incense-making activities. Additionally, the yards filled with vibrant red and yellow hues, along with traditional houses, will serve as an impressive backdrop for creating unique and sharp photos.

Address: Thuy Lam Commune, Dong Anh District

Dao Thuc Water Puppet Village is a tourist destination for #teamKlook to experience unique and fascinating culture in Hanoi. Located in Thuy Lam Commune, about 25km from Hanoi's center, this village is famous for its skilled water puppet artists and the unique tradition of making water puppets.

The art of water puppetry in Dao Thuc Village dates back to the Post-Le Dynasty period and was developed by Mr. Nguyen Dang Vinh. He learned and inherited various techniques from different craft villages, passing them on to the local residents.

When visiting Dao Thuc Water Puppet Village, you will witness outstanding water puppet performances. The puppet shows are often inspired by the daily lives of people, depicting activities such as farming, fishing, and folktales. Particularly, vivid stories about the victory at Dien Bien Phu and the procession of Uncle Ho's image are also vividly recreated.

Dao Thuc Water Puppet Village is not only a place to showcase the art of water puppetry but also allows tourists to experience exciting activities. You can visit the behind-the-scenes puppet control room to see artisans manipulating water puppets. Additionally, you have the opportunity to learn about the process of making water puppets, how to control them, and even try your hand at controlling unique puppets. The village also features stalls selling handmade wooden products, including adorable puppet figures.

Address: Chang Son Commune, Thach That District

Chang Son Fan Village is one of the renowned traditional craft villages in Hanoi. Located 30km northwest of Hanoi's center, Chang Son Fan Village will transport you to a beautiful world rich in the cultural values of the Northern region.

Chang Son is not just a place for producing traditional hand fans; it's a historical preservation site and a repository of the artistic cultural essence passed down through generations. Chang Son Fans were exhibited in the capital city of Paris, becoming a distinctive cultural icon of Hanoi since the 19th century.

In Chang Son Fan Village, #teamKlook has the opportunity to learn about the meticulous process of crafting traditional fans, from selecting quality bamboo tubes to the delicate decoration process with unique handcrafted patterns. Especially, you can actively participate in the production process and create your own charming paper fans as souvenirs. Beyond the fan-making experience, you also get to hear stories about the history and development of the village, providing deeper insights into the culture and traditions of the Vietnamese ethnic group.

Address: Quoc Trung Commune, Thanh Oai District

Chuong Village, also known as Thanh Oai Conical Hat Village, stands out as a unique tourist destination in the list of traditional craft villages in Hanoi. Located approximately 30 km from the capital city center, Chuong Village offers visitors a chance to explore the ancient beauty and long-standing traditions of the conical hat craft.

Chuong Village has thrived for over 1000 years, providing various types of traditional hats, such as the conical hat with straps and assembled palm-leaf hats. Particularly, Chuong Village is renowned for its palm-leaf hats, an iconic symbol of Vietnamese culture.

When visiting Chuong Village, #teamKlook can witness the detailed process of making palm-leaf hats from fresh palm leaves. The soft palm leaves are sun-dried and skillfully shaped by the hands of the villagers. In addition to observing the hat-making process, you can also participate in traditional festivals in Chuong Village, such as the festival on the 10th day of the third lunar month, or join local fairs. You also have the opportunity to explore cultural landmarks like the village communal house and ancient pagoda, delving deeper into the diverse history and traditions of the village.

Address: Thach Xa Commune, Thach That District

Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village, located about 40km west of Hanoi's center, is a craft village that takes you back to childhood. The picturesque countryside amidst the bustling capital features lush landscapes, bamboo forests, and unique bamboo dragonflies, making it an appealing destination for both adults and children.

Explore the cultural richness of Hanoi's craft villages. Discover the heritage through these travel articles by Klook: 27 Famous Hanoi Attractions for New Experiences, 15 Museums in Hanoi Worth Visiting, Solo Travel in Hanoi - Tips and Experiences, 3 Days 2 Nights Hanoi Itinerary, Day Trip to Hanoi - A Comprehensive Guide, list of resorts near Hanoi, Hanoi hotels, Hanoi homestays, Hanoi museums, and more useful travel tips.

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