Top 14 Unique Traditional Craft Villages in Kiên Giang Province

Along the road to Thạnh Hưng commune, Giồng Riềng district, numerous racks of rice paper are sunbathing, awaiting drying to be packed for traders. This signals to distant travelers that they have arrived in the land of rice paper in Kiên Giang province. Despite only a few dozen households currently engaged in the profession in Thạnh Hưng commune, the craft village remains vibrant and lively. According to experienced rice paper makers in Thạnh Hưng, the craft village has been established for about 100 years. Initially, only a few households in the commune produced rice paper for domestic use. However, due to its distinctive fragrance and flexibility, Thạnh Hưng rice paper gradually gained popularity, attracting orders from people in other areas and becoming a famous specialty in the region.

To create delicious rice paper, the most crucial step is rice selection. The rice must be good, fragrant, soaked for 2 - 3 days, ground into a fine powder. The key is to grind the powder finely so that the rice paper is elastic and evenly thin when hand-rolled. Infused with the aromatic flavor of local rice grains, Thạnh Hưng rice paper is renowned throughout the region and favored by many locals and visitors in and outside Kiên Giang province. In addition to the rice paper used for regular meat rolls, the craft village also produces sweet rice paper varieties such as sugar-coated and mung bean-coated rice papers, which are delicious. Particularly, sweet rice papers can be purchased as gifts for family and friends.

Address: Thạnh Trung, Thạnh Hưng, Giồng Riềng, Kiên Giang

Aside from the traditional 'ao ba ba' and 'khan ran' (scarf), conical hats made from leaves are familiar accessories for women in the Mekong Delta. Hence, scattered across the region are hat weaving craft villages, with a history spanning a century. Though not as renowned as the craft village in Thoi Lai, Can Tho, the hat weaving village in Thanh Dong still possesses its unique allure. Hats, be they made of fabric or leaves, serve various purposes such as shading from the sun, protection against rain, acting as a fan, and symbolizing the Vietnamese people.

Most of the artisans practicing the hat weaving craft are women accustomed to agricultural and household chores. This craft not only supplements their income during leisure time but also preserves a cultural tradition spanning generations in Tan Hiep district and, in general, Kien Giang province. The meticulously woven hats from dried palm leaves, though simple, hold a unique charm, making the Thanh Dong hat weaving village memorable.

Address: Thanh Dong, Tan Hiep, Kien Giang

The craft of making rice crackers in Vinh Phuoc B village is most vibrant during the Lunar New Year, but due to increased demand, the production continues year-round. Phu My rice crackers are considered a traditional delicacy with a distinctive flavor, processed from local glutinous rice known as 'Phu Tan' rice. Thanks to this unique local ingredient, Phu My rice crackers have a distinct taste, aroma, richness, and sweetness, setting them apart from rice crackers elsewhere. This factor has contributed to the survival of the craft to this day. Phu My rice crackers come in various types, with the most delicious being the milk-flavored and sesame-flavored crackers, which always attract many customers during the Tet holiday.

The main ingredients for making rice crackers are sticky rice and wheat flour. The distinctive feature that creates the exquisite flavor of rice crackers is the use of local varieties of rice and wheat. Therefore, the finished crackers are not only delicious but also safe for the health of consumers. The most interesting part of making rice crackers is the grinding process. This task is usually done around midnight to allow the dough to ferment. Grinding the crackers is a joyful task that requires two people: one uses a pestle to grind the dough, and the other 'vua' - meaning they take coconut milk mixed with sugar and pour it into the dough. Afterward, the crackers are rolled, spread on bamboo mats, and dried under the sun for a few hours. If you have the opportunity to visit, don't forget to try grinding the crackers with the local people!

Address: Vinh Phuoc B, Go Quao, Kien Giang

Located in the bustling heart of Rach Gia city, there is a traditional handicraft village that has been thriving for over three hundred years - the village craft of bamboo weaving. The main products include baskets for storing fruits, vegetables, and woven mats. The products are mainly sold in the large markets of Rach Gia, such as the April 30th market and the Bac Son market. Witnessing the nimble hands of the people weaving, you will deeply understand the title 'weaving bamboo is the craft of skillful hands.' According to locals, in the 12th century, when people first settled here, along with farming, fishing, bamboo weaving emerged very early. Over time, the craft has been preserved until now.

The supply of raw materials includes bamboo and rattan, mostly purchased by those who specialize in trading bamboo and rattan from nearby areas and then sold to weavers. Bamboo and rattan are cut into sections for specific purposes, such as weaving baskets to hold about 15kg of rice (20 liters according to the measurement of the people in the South). The sections are cut to a length of 75 cm. After that, the outer layer of bark is scraped off, and the bamboo is split into 6-8 pieces. The thin layer of inner bark on the inside is scraped off, and it is split and discarded, leaving the hard outer layer (rattan) if making woven mats, and taking both the skin and a portion of the inner bark if making bamboo weaves. Woven mats are about 0.6 cm wide and 70 cm long, while bamboo weaves are smaller, usually shorter than woven mats by 3-5 cm. The weaving process begins after the materials are prepared. The weaving techniques using bamboo are mainly techniques such as 'long mot' (weaving one strand), 'long hai' (weaving two strands), 'long ba' (weaving three strands), and 'long tu' (weaving four strands) to form a square shape. The unfinished sections on the four sides are pushed in tightly to weave the bamboo into a complete product.

Address: Phi Thong, Rach Gia, Kien Giang

Phú Mỹ commune is renowned as a land of resilience in Kiên Giang province. Despite the arid soil and scorching sun throughout the year, there is a plant that thrives vigorously, much like the resilience of the local people—the sedge grass. Sedge grass has become the primary material for traditional mat weaving, providing a livelihood for numerous individuals. The Khmer people, who have been practicing this craft for generations, share that sedge grass mats are highly favored for their uniqueness, rarity, and ease of use. Presently, these mats are exported to Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces in the Southeastern region, where they are widely sold in tourist areas around Hà Tiên town, Kiên Giang.

Sedge grass weaving remains a promising craft due to its environmental friendliness and high market demand, particularly in developed countries. The Phú Mỹ species conservation area is creating employment opportunities for approximately 200 workers, with 90% being Khmer ethnic people. The stable average income for each individual is 3 million VND/month, which is quite satisfactory for the living standards of the local ethnic minority. The products crafted by the community are guaranteed to have a market through the Vinh Long Production-Trade-Import-Export Joint Stock Company. The annual production of the craft village is around 200,000 items, generating revenue of 6 - 7 billion VND. The products are exported to various countries in Europe, Japan, China, and domestically to Ho Chi Minh City, Phú Quốc, and other tourist destinations in the Southern region.

Address: Phú Mỹ, Giang Thành, Kiên Giang

Unlike other crafts, the pineapple jam making profession truly comes alive when spring arrives. Châu Thành district is blessed with an abundant and high-quality supply of fresh pineapples for this craft. The most delicious product from the craft village is dried pineapple, known for its characteristic sweet and fragrant taste, especially delightful when paired with dried pineapple while drinking tea.

Currently, there are two methods for making dried pineapple: natural sun drying and drying by machine. Most of the Hoa ethnic people in Bình An commune, Châu Thành district, manually produce dried pineapple. In addition to dried pineapple, fresh pineapple juice is also renowned for its delicious and distinctive flavor. Pineapple jam is a delectable and enticing treat due to its sweet and tangy taste, along with a unique fragrance. Therefore, the craft of making pineapple jam is preserved and thrives, especially during the Tet festival.

Address: Bình An, Châu Thành, Kiên Giang

Hà Tiên, blessed with natural advantages, especially in seafood, particularly shrimp, experienced abundant harvests in the 60s and 70s. However, fishermen faced challenges in transportation and preservation, leading them to explore the sole option of making dried shrimp for markets beyond the province. With a longstanding tradition, many establishments still maintain the craft of dried shrimp making. Due to abundant raw materials, the craft operates throughout the year. The period from October to December in the lunar calendar is considered the peak season when the craft village prepares to supply local specialties for the Tet festival. The unique flavor and long shelf life make dried shrimp a high-value export commodity, increasingly favored by customers both domestically and internationally.

Hà Tiên dried shrimp, Kiên Giang, is made from shrimp sourced from both rivers and the sea, harvested from the Gulf of Thailand and brackish water areas of Đông Hồ. Due to abundant raw materials, the craft operates throughout the year. The period from October to December in the lunar calendar is considered the peak season when residents of Bình San ward and Tô Châu ward in the city of Hà Tiên prepare to supply local specialties for Tet. During the shrimp drying season, Hà Tiên becomes bustling with the arrival of fresh shrimp. Fishermen note that during the windy season, they harvest brown shrimp. After January or post-Tet, the volume of brown shrimp gradually decreases, but, in return, there is a supply of prawns and sea shrimp. These prawns are large in size and boast beautiful colors.

Address: Tô Châu, Hà Tiên, Kiên Giang

Someone once said that Chau Thanh district is the homeland of traditional crafts, and indeed, it is true. In addition to the renowned village skilled in making delicious candied treats, Chau Thanh is also home to the art of mat weaving, a craft that has withstood the test of time throughout the history of the local people. Every native of Kien Giang remembers the legendary national hero Nguyen Trung Truc, who once visited this land. When he was executed, the locals spread mats along the path he took to the execution site, a gesture of deep gratitude from the people of the Mekong Delta!

Mat weaving may not be overly complicated, but it is quite labor-intensive, involving several stages such as cutting, drying, dyeing, and weaving the mats. There are two basic methods of mat weaving: smooth mat weaving and floral mat weaving. Floral mats include flower weaving and printing, aiming to create patterns and themes based on predefined designs or customer requests. Some common types of floral mats include 'phet' mats, Mien striped mats, sesame seed mats, and 'lay' mats...

Address: Vinh Hoa Phu, Chau Thanh, Kien Giang

Known as the 'soul sculptors of the earth,' those devoted to the craft of clay pottery in Nam Thai Son, Hon Dat district, are true artisans. Their skill and artistry transform seemingly lifeless clay into various useful items for human life, such as clay pots, traditional stoves, molds for small savory pancakes, and rolling pins.... Each product has its own unique character, collectively contributing to the rich tapestry of the clay pottery village. Some elderly craftsmen and craftswomen, aged 70 to 80, still pursue their craft. While they may no longer engage in strenuous tasks, their love for the craft endures. With experience and understanding, they pass on to the younger generation a love for the land, fire, and the myriad forms of products crafted from the local soil.

The raw material for pottery is clay, which must meet specific standards such as being easy to polish, withstand high temperatures, and have high adhesive properties... To complete a product from clay, it must go through multiple stages. The initial stage involves molding or shaping, as all products have a frame made of wood or fired clay. The next stage is beating the clay; since wet clay contains a lot of water, the initial products tend to deform, requiring craftsmen to have the skill of beating with bamboo sticks. Following this is the stage of smoothing and creating patterns to achieve the final polished and decorated product.

Address: Nam Thai Son, Hon Dat, Kien Giang

For generations, the art of crafting handmade fine arts has been preserved and thriving in Hà Tiên town. Under the skillful hands of many artisans in Dong Ho ward, various handcrafted fine art products made from antlers and precious stones have been created. Handcrafted items from antlers, such as mirrors, combs, and headpins, are highly favored by foreign tourists. In addition to their decorative function and use as souvenirs, locals believe that products made from antlers and precious stones are also beneficial to health according to feng shui beliefs.

Previously, in Hà Tiên, there were many points and establishments selling antler products, but the 'Hà Tiên antlers' brand from the Phan and Nguyễn families was the most famous. Handcrafted fine art products from antlers are popular because these items, when used for a long time, develop an attractive coffee-brown patina. If you have the opportunity to visit Hà Tiên, consider purchasing a souvenir from there.

Location: Dong Ho, Hà Tiên, Kien Giang

Exploring the traditional crafts of Kiên Giang province wouldn't be complete without mentioning Fish Sauce Crafting in the Pearl Island of Phú Quốc. Visitors to this tropical paradise often buy fish sauce as a unique souvenir, capturing the essence of the ocean's flavor. The art of making fish sauce has deep roots, originating from the practice of preserving leftover small fish. Over time, this craft has evolved, giving rise to renowned and trustworthy fish sauce producers across the region.

Any type of fish can be used to make fish sauce, but producers of Phú Quốc fish sauce exclusively use anchovies for the highest quality. Anchovies come in various types, with Sọc Tiêu, Cơm Ðỏ, and Cơm Than being the top choices. What sets Phú Quốc fish sauce apart is the practice of mixing fresh fish on the boat. The primary fishing season is from July to December. After catching the fish, they are immediately washed with seawater, mixed with salt in a ratio of 3 fish to 1 salt, and then placed in the boat's hold. This fresh mixing process prevents fish decomposition, resulting in fish sauce with the highest protein content and no unpleasant odor.

Address: Dương Đông, Phú Quốc, Kiên Giang

Next to the common marine species like fish, shrimp, crab, and squid, the black sandy shores of Bình San and Pháo Đài wards are home to a unique delicacy known as Cà Xỉu. Cà Xỉu appears similar to bivalves like clams and oysters but shares characteristics with insects, featuring antennae, long tails, and a robust shell. The Cà Xỉu season typically spans from June to August each year. Locals catch Cà Xỉu using methods similar to harvesting clams, cleaning them thoroughly, separating the meat from the shell and tail, and then fermenting them to create fish sauce.

Cà Xỉu is consumed salted in the morning and evening. To preserve this delicacy, after cleaning, processors soak the Cà Xỉu in a mixture of salt, fish sauce, and spices. Salted Cà Xỉu can be used to prepare various enticing dishes. In the past, fishermen in Hà Tiên always kept a few jars of salted Cà Xỉu on their boats for a quick meal with hot rice during long fishing journeys. Nowadays, the craft of making Cà Xỉu fish sauce has evolved into a profession, offering a unique and exotic culinary experience for the town of Hà Tiên.

Address: Bình San, Hà Tiên, Kiên Giang

Woven reed baskets are one of the aquatic plants that grow wild across the canals of the Mekong Delta. In previous years, these baskets were mainly used for fertilizing plants or as animal feed. However, in recent times, woven reed baskets have given rise to a traditional craft for the locals in Vĩnh Thắng commune, Gò Quao district, and Vĩnh Hiệp ward, Rạch Giá city. The traditional handicraft of weaving woven reed baskets has become a prominent brand known to many in the Kiên Giang region. Taking advantage of idle farming periods, many households in the area utilize the riverbank to cultivate and weave reed baskets, providing a stable source of income.

The characteristic flexibility of woven reed baskets when dried makes them suitable for crafting handmade products such as cabinets, bookshelves, flower vases, handbags, and more. Due to the high-quality raw materials and the skill of the artisans, products made from woven reed baskets are not only beautiful but also durable. Going beyond, the villagers creatively use dried corn husks, dyeing them to create vibrant and elegant products.

Address: Vĩnh Thắng, Gò Quao, Kiên Giang

Nowadays, many families in Minh Hoa commune cultivate ornamental flowers for Tet and year-round sales. They grow various characteristic flowers such as orchids, apricots, bonsai, chrysanthemums, and more. Some families cultivate on a small scale, while others manage several dozen hectares. Hence, people from other places often refer to this peaceful land as the 'flower village.' Flower cultivation involves different plant species depending on the yearly weather conditions. The flower growers experience joy and sorrow with each gust of wind, every sunny day, and the cold nights under the sky. Their dedication to flower cultivation is not merely for high profits but for the enduring connection and love for these blossoms.

During the planting and blooming phases, the most crucial factor is the experience of the ornamental flower growers. They diligently observe and care for every growth stage to ensure the natural development of the flowers, producing the most beautiful blooms at the right time. Only then can ornamental flowers command a good price and win the favor of customers.

Address: Minh Hoa, Giong Rieng, Kien Giang