Top 5 Traditional Craft Village Brands Flourishing in Bac Ninh Province

Phu Lang Ceramic Village is located in Phu Lang Commune, Que Vo District, Bac Ninh Province, about 60 km from Hanoi and 4 km from the Luc Dau River. With a history dating back to the 13th century, the village is known for its rich ceramic tradition, said to have been introduced by its founder, Luu Phong Tu, who learned the craft during a diplomatic mission to China. The ceramics are made from red clay sourced from the Thong Vat and Cung Khiem regions in Bac Giang. Visiting Phu Lang offers a journey back in time, where visitors can experience the charm of a traditional pottery village. The main products include jars, vases, and pots, though modern, artistic ceramics have also become popular among younger artisans who are keeping the craft relevant in contemporary times. Despite fewer potters than before, the essence of Phu Lang ceramics remains in the simple, rustic beauty of its glazed pottery, characterized by a graceful yet durable finish. The village’s warm hospitality and simplicity attract tourists, particularly young visitors interested in local culture and photography.

Address: Phu Lang Commune, Que Vo District, Bac Ninh Province.

Phu Khe is a commune located in Tu Son Town, Bac Ninh Province, just 25 km south of Hanoi. According to local elders, the village was established during the reign of An Duong Vuong, when the ancient Co Loa citadel was built, and prospered during the reign of King Ly Thai To, when the capital was moved to Thang Long. During this time, there was a significant demand for the construction of palaces and fortresses, which attracted skilled artisans from various regions, contributing to the development of Phu Khe into a renowned carving village.

Phu Khe’s traditional crafts include intricate dragon carvings, ceremonial objects, and household items. The woodworking craft has long been a cornerstone of the village, known for its diverse and refined techniques that have high artistic value. Though the craft faced a decline during the wartime years, it has flourished since 1990, gaining recognition both domestically and internationally. Many of the village’s products are exported abroad. The tradition of passing down the craft is still maintained through a family-based mentorship system, though today, the artisans are open to teaching anyone passionate about the craft.

Dong Ky Village is located in Dong Quang Commune, Tu Son District, Bac Ninh Province, about 25 km from Hanoi. Known for its rich tradition in producing handcrafted wooden products, Dong Ky began its woodworking craft in the 1960s and gained significant momentum starting in the 1980s. Today, the village is famous for its fine wood furniture, including tables, chairs, and cabinets, in both antique and modern styles, which are sold across the country under various brand names. As Bac Ninh has developed in recent years, Dong Ky has transformed, with numerous showrooms, factories, and expanded infrastructure, all now part of the Tu Son Industrial Zone.

Dong Ky has attracted around 200 businesses, 2,300 households, and over 100 stores that sell and promote local wooden products. The woodwork industry here provides jobs for 12,300 workers, 49% of whom are women, with 42% coming from other regions. In addition to its commercial success, Dong Ky offers vocational training programs for youth from neighboring provinces.

Dong Ky villagers are known for their entrepreneurial spirit, and they have embraced sustainable market trends, linking regional strengths and incorporating East Asian culture into their products, which have proven popular with customers. Many locals have become successful business owners, making Dong Ky one of the wealthiest villages in Vietnam, home to many directors and car owners.
Address: Dong Quang Commune, Tu Son, Bac Ninh

Dai Bai Bronze Casting Village, also known as Buoi Noi Village, is located in Dai Bai Commune, Gia Binh District, Bac Ninh Province, about 35 km from Hanoi. The village is situated on a high strip of land along the Bai Giang River (a branch of the old Thien Duc River). It is renowned for its bronze products, such as bronze statues, incense burners, flower vases, paintings, and couplets, all crafted using traditional bronze casting techniques. Historically, the village specialized in producing household bronze tools, and in the early 11th century, the craft flourished under the leadership of Nguyen Cong Truyen, who organized production and created designs. The villagers honor him as the "Tiền tiên sư" (Master of the Art).

The Dai Bai Bronze Village has evolved over time, adapting to technological advancements and expanding its scope to include intricate handcrafted decorative items. The energetic people of Dai Bai have created a wide range of silver-plated bronze items, including vases, tea and wine sets, and embossed bronze paintings. This shift in demand, driven by the growing popularity of fine silver-plated and inlaid bronze artwork, has made their products highly sought after both domestically and internationally.

This development has granted Dai Bai, and the traditional bronze casting industry, a new position in the market economy. Today, the village continues to grow and preserve its traditional craft through cooperatives and large private enterprises, alongside technological improvements such as self-made machines for rolling, stamping, and polishing, all while seeking new export markets.
Address: Dai Bai Commune, Gia Binh, Bac Ninh

Dong Ho paintings, also known as Dong Ho folk woodcut prints, are a type of traditional Vietnamese art that originates from Dong Ho Village, Song Ho Commune, Thuận Thành District, Bac Ninh Province. The paintings are printed on Do paper with simple yet striking designs and colors. The image of the Dong Ho paintings, especially the one depicting the Duong River, has become iconic and familiar to Vietnamese people, often referenced in literature and taught in schools.

In the past, these paintings were mainly sold for festive occasions, such as Tết (Lunar New Year), when people would buy paintings to decorate their homes and then replace them with new ones for the next holiday. Dong Ho paintings were widely popular, and nearly every household in the village was involved in the craft. However, with the advancement of technology, the demand for Dong Ho paintings has decreased, and people no longer maintain the tradition of buying wall paintings every year. Today, only a few artisans continue to practice this craft. Nevertheless, efforts to preserve the traditional cultural heritage have led to the establishment of Dong Ho Village as a tourist attraction, with the paintings being updated to meet market trends. They are now available in various styles and framed, attracting both domestic and international visitors who purchase them as souvenirs or gifts. Some restaurants and hotels also commission large paintings for decoration in their lobbies and dining rooms.

The village is beautifully situated by the Duong River, near historical sites such as the Kinh Lang Duong Vương and the Phat Tich Pagoda. The synergy between tourism and the traditional craft of Dong Ho paintings is being harnessed effectively, contributing to the revival of the village after a period of decline. Dong Ho Village is gradually recovering and regaining its former vibrancy.