Top 25 Most Famous Traditional Craft Villages in Vietnam

When talking about drum making, one cannot ignore the Doi Tam Traditional Drum Village - Duy Tien - Ha Nam.

Doi Tam Drum Village has gained fame for its 1000-year history of drum making, with many skilled artisans renowned throughout the region. Drum making in Doi Tam is a family tradition passed down from generation to generation, ensuring the preservation and development of this craft. The village produces a wide variety of drums, with thousands being made each year. Doi Tam drums are renowned for their durability, beauty, and roundness, a result of the unique techniques passed down in the village along with the dedication of the craftsmen.

Doi Tam Drum Village has been recognized as a model traditional craft village at the national level, and its products have been exported to European countries, proving the value of Doi Tam drums.

Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village has gained widespread fame both domestically and internationally for its exquisite marble craftsmanship. The Non Nuoc Stone Craft Village is located in Hoa Hai Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District, Da Nang City. Every visitor to the Marble Mountains inevitably stops by the village to purchase its finely crafted souvenirs. The village was founded in the 18th century by a talented artisan from Thanh Hoa, named Huynh Ba Quat. Today, Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village is recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

The raw material for the stone products comes from marble once quarried in the Marble Mountains. The stone features vibrant multicolored veins, exuding a noble beauty, and is highly sought after in construction and architecture. From this lifeless stone, the village's artisans infuse their spirit and creativity to produce finely detailed and elegant works.

A visit to the village allows you to admire a wide range of artistic sculptures crafted from stone, including Buddha statues, human figures, and depictions of famous Vietnamese figures. All these creations are carved with intricate patterns and exceptional craftsmanship, making it a fascinating destination for tourists.

The Basket Boat Village has a long history, and while no one remembers exactly when it began, it has been an essential livelihood for the villagers for generations.

In earlier years, the village was in poor condition, but over time, it has grown and expanded internationally. Amid globalization, many traditional villages have not only endured but have also flourished. Recently, there has been great excitement as the basket boats have made their way to countries like Thailand, Switzerland, and others.

Phu Yen's basket boats are unique because they are made exclusively from local materials. According to the villagers, the bamboo grown in Phu Yen is highly durable, water-resistant, and flexible, while the resin used in the coating ensures the boats remain sturdy for a long time. Thanks to the attention from the local government and the efforts of the people, the village has continued to thrive.

Tuyet Diem means the purest white salt. In Phu Yen, there are three traditional salt-making villages with over 300 years of history: Trung Trinh, Le Uyen, and Tuyet Diem.

Tuyet Diem Salt, also known as Cu Mong Salt, has been produced in this village since 1870. Today, Tuyet Diem salt fields, located in Xuân Bình, Sông Cầu, Phu Yên, are 138 years old. Despite the hard work, the people of Tuyet Diem continue to keep the salt-making tradition alive, as it is their heritage and a way of life they hold dear.

The salt-making craft in Tuyet Diem is a unique aspect of Vietnamese village culture. Instead of a typical coastal vacation, a visit to Tuyet Diem will offer you an immersive experience, where you can learn about the history, culture, and distinctive features of this traditional seaside village.

Kim Son Reed Weaving Village, located in Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, is renowned for its century-old tradition of reed farming and weaving. Over the years, it has grown into a famous craft village both in Vietnam and abroad.

Through many challenges, Kim Son reeds have continually proven their value. With a wide variety of products that are visually appealing, the village's reed products have gained popularity, reaching over 20 countries and territories worldwide.

Today, 100% of the villages in Kim Son participate in reed weaving, providing employment for almost all of the district's population. As a result, Kim Son Reed Weaving Village has become one of Ninh Binh's latest tourist attractions.

Son Dong Traditional Craft Village, located in Hanoi, has been around for over a thousand years and is closely linked to the introduction of Buddhism to Vietnam. The village is renowned for its wood carving, particularly its statues such as the Thousand-Armed Buddha, the Buddha of Shakyamuni, and Amitabha Buddha. In addition to these sacred carvings, the village is famous for its religious items and unique lacquer art, especially the use of red lacquer and gold leaf. Today, products from Son Dong Village make up 50% of the market share in lacquered religious items, which are widely used in the cultural and spiritual lives of the people.

The craftsmanship of the Son Dong artisans has earned a reputation not only across Vietnam but also internationally. When people think of Buddha statues, they immediately associate them with Son Dong.

Chuon Ngo Inlaid Shell Craft Village is located in Ha Tay, now part of Chuong My, Hanoi. This traditional craft village dates back to the Ly Dynasty and has been preserved and developed for nearly a thousand years. The village is renowned for its exquisite, intricate, and diverse products, which hold significant artistic value.

The hallmark of Chuon Ngo inlaid shell artwork is the seamless, smooth placement of shell fragments onto wood, creating highly detailed and vivid decorations. The artisans, with their skilled hands, transform these lifeless shells into valuable cultural and artistic pieces, contributing to the craft's reputation. These once-forgotten shells now carry deep cultural significance and artistic value.

The craft of inlaid shellwork has been passed down through generations by hands-on mentoring. The artisans, with a deep respect for the craft and the wisdom of their ancestors, have ensured the preservation and development of this art for future generations.

In the past, the wood carving craft in Nhi Khe was focused on creating religious and household items such as candle holders, incense burners, altars, rice measuring bowls, and furniture legs. Today, to meet the growing demands of consumers, the craft has expanded into producing high-end household items such as curtains, car seat cushions, and home décor pieces.

To cater to the market's evolving needs, Nhi Khe Wood Carving Village has also ventured into carving products made from horn stone, transforming them into intricate and valuable jewelry and artistic pieces like vases, containers, ashtrays, and figurines.

The pottery craft in Tho Ha flourished since the 14th century, making it one of the three oldest ceramic centers of the Vietnamese people, alongside Phu Lang (Que Vo, Bac Ninh) and Bat Trang (Gia Lam, Hanoi). Tho Ha is known for its unique features: high-fired earthenware, water-resistant, and a bell-like sound when struck, with a smooth, warm, and inviting reddish-brown glaze. The pottery is durable, capable of enduring even burial in soil or immersion in water.

The village traditionally produced household pottery, with famous pieces such as jars, small earthenware pots, and decorative items. The ancient fragments found on the walls still retain their original shape, with the essence of the pottery remaining intact.

Dong Ky Woodworking Village is a renowned traditional craft village with a long history. Located in Dong Quang Commune, Tien Son District, Bac Ninh, about 20 km northeast of Hanoi, Dong Ky has been famous for producing high-end wooden furniture and decorative items used in daily life, interior design, and religious rituals. The village’s products are made from precious woods such as rosewood, ebony, sandalwood, and others.

The skilled artisans of Dong Ky create these beautiful pieces with great passion, passing down their techniques through generations to preserve the tradition. The products are meticulously crafted with attention to every detail, reflecting the craftsmen's dedication and love for their work.

With annual revenues reaching hundreds of billions of dong, the production of Dong Ky wooden art products has provided employment for thousands of workers, not only from the village but also from surrounding areas.

Chu Dau pottery is often referred to as 'sacred ceramics' due to its intricate designs that embody the profound values of Buddhism and Confucianism. The pottery from Chu Dau, located in Nam Sach District, Hai Duong, flourished from the 14th to the 17th century. After more than three centuries of decline, Chu Dau pottery has been revived and is now a valuable export item. This revival has also opened up numerous opportunities for the development of local craft tourism. Chu Dau pottery can be found in national museums around the world, including in countries like Turkey, France, Belgium, Japan, and the Netherlands, as well as in private collections globally.

One of the most distinctive features of Chu Dau pottery is its decorative motifs. The ancient patterns primarily feature lotus flowers and chrysanthemums, along with dozens of other stylized floral designs.

According to legend, in 1285, when King Tran Thai Tong turned 40 and abdicated in favor of his son to become the Retired Emperor, he retired to the Vu Lam mountains in Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu district. There, Tran Thi Dung, the wife of the Grand Chancellor Tran Thu Do, followed the royal court and taught the people of Van Lam village the art of lace embroidery. This craft has been passed down for over 700 years.

Today in Van Lam, many families are equipped with various sizes of embroidery frames. Through the skilled hands of the artisans, delicate threads of various colors are woven into fine, artistic masterpieces on chosen fabric.

The lace embroidery is incredibly intricate, smooth, and lively, almost like the brushstrokes of a painter. The products are diverse, including bed covers, curtains, pillows, tablecloths, handkerchiefs, and even paintings and photographs.

The art of silver carving in Dong Xam dates back to the 15th century. According to local legend, a man from Bao Lac (Cao Bang) traveled by boat and stopped at the banks of the Tra Ly River, where he taught the villagers the art of metal carving. According to the inscription at the silver carving shrine, in 1428, Nguyen Kim Lau came here to teach the craft, establishing the Phuc Loc guild, with a head and 7 sub-guilds managing 149 artisans from various families like Nguyen, Trieu, Tran, Dinh, Vu, Hoang, Ngo, and Do.

At its peak, the craft of Dong Xam spread to all corners of the country. During the Nguyen Dynasty, Dong Xam artisans traveled to Hue to carve palace weapons and jewelry for the imperial court. They, along with silver artisans from Chau Khe and Dinh Cong, founded the famous Hàng Bạc street in Hanoi.

Today, Dong Xam excels in three main product categories: jewelry, decorative items, and religious artifacts. The jewelry collection includes necklaces, rings, earrings, bracelets, pins, and crosses made of silver. Particularly popular among customers are the religious items, such as incense burners, altars, trays, candlesticks, and thrones.

Dong Xam silver carvings stand out for their unique shapes, design, and expert use of light and dark contrasts, utilizing the reflective properties of silver. The craftsmanship is highly refined, meeting the demands of even the most discerning customers.

Ke Mon Village, located in Phong Dien District, Thua Thien – Hue Province, has been a renowned jewelry-making village for over 300 years. The founder of this craft village is Mr. Cao Dinh Do, from Cam Tu Village, Cam Thuy District, Thanh Hoa Province, who migrated to Ke Mon during the reign of Lord Nguyen Phuc Khoat. Under King Quang Trung, Mr. Do was summoned to the royal court to establish a department specializing in crafting jewelry for the royal family. His legacy continued under King Gia Long, with Mr. Do and his son Cao Dinh Huong serving as the royal jewelers until their deaths (1810 and 1821).

The jewelry crafted in Ke Mon is highly regarded for its exceptional quality, surpassing many other places due to the meticulous craftsmanship and intricate designs created by skilled, experienced artisans with a strong sense of aesthetic creativity. This is especially evident in their creations such as rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and other ornaments made from gold and silver.

Tay Ho Village, located along the Nhu Y River in Phu Ho Commune, Phu Vang District, Thua Thien - Hue Province, is about 12 km from the city center. This traditional craft village has been making hats for centuries, with the famous poetic hats (nón bài thơ) emerging in the late 1950s and early 1960s.

Tay Ho's conical hats are renowned for their lightness, delicacy, subtle colors, and well-crafted stitching, making them highly favored by consumers. These hats are not only a decorative accessory that enhances the beauty of young women, but also an effective shield against the sun. Farmers and villagers wear these hats daily as they work in the fields or go to the market. The conical hat has naturally and enduringly been a part of the lives of the people of Tay Ho, remaining a constant despite changes in society. In addition to the poetic hats, the villagers of Tay Ho are also skilled in crafting double-layered, durable, and comfortable hats that are both stylish and practical.

A visit to this traditional village allows tourists to admire the unique beauty of the poetic hats and witness the intricate 15-step process involved in making them.

Kim Bong is a renowned woodcarving village with a long history. Located in the Cam Kim Commune of Hoi An, the village was founded in the 15th century by a man from Thanh Hoa, who migrated south and settled in the Kim Bong area, which was then part of Hoi An. Along with him came four clans: Phan, Truong, Huynh, and Nguyen. By the late 16th and early 17th centuries, Kim Bong's carpentry craft began to thrive, aided by the prosperity of the Hoi An trading port. By the 18th century, the village's woodcraft had flourished, becoming a well-established industry with three main branches: urban construction carpentry, household carpentry, and boatbuilding.

The artisans of Kim Bong are proud of their heritage, with their ancestors having been invited by the Nguyen emperors to the imperial capital to help build and restore royal structures and tombs. The village's woodwork has its origins in northern Vietnam, which was then enriched by the influences of Cham, Chinese, and Japanese carving techniques, resulting in wood sculptures that are both artistically and philosophically profound.

Kim Bong's woodcarvings can be found in homes and locations across Vietnam and in numerous countries around the world.

Phuoc Kieu Bronze Casting Village is located in Dien Phuong Commune, Dien Ban District. It is one of the most renowned traditional craft villages in Quang Nam. Along National Route 1A in the Dien Phuong area, visitors can find numerous shops showcasing a wide range of products from this craft village.

According to historical records (Vietnam Family Genealogy), the village was established in the 16th century by Mr. Duong Khong Lo, from De Kieu Commune, who came to the region for business. He cleared 10 acres of land to start a bronze casting business, renaming the area Phuoc Kieu. Since then, despite various national upheavals, the village has continued to grow and develop. Its reputation has spread beyond Quang Nam-Da Nang to other provinces across the country, from the northern midlands to the distant mountains.

Today, due to its strategic location near National Route 1A, and its proximity to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites — the Ancient Town of Hoi An and My Son Sanctuary — Phuoc Kieu has become a popular tourist destination. In October 2006, the village was selected by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism as a site for the APEC 2006 Ministerial Conference.

Bronze artisans in Phuoc Kieu produce a wide range of items used for religious ceremonies, festivals, and daily life, including bronze bells, gongs, incense holders, candlesticks, ancient vases, and even musical instruments made of bronze.

Bau Truc Traditional Pottery Village is an ancient pottery village in Southeast Asia, located in Phuoc Dan Town, Ninh Phuoc District, about 10 km south of Phan Rang-Thap Cham. Here, visitors can observe Cham artisans skillfully creating pottery using only their hands, visit open-air kilns, and purchase unique pottery products as souvenirs.

The pottery produced here is one of a kind, meticulously handmade with simple tools such as bamboo rings and seashells to create intricate patterns on the surface. The craft is a highly detailed process, and the choice of materials plays a key role in shaping the pottery of Bau Truc. A special type of clay is sourced from the Quao Riverbank, crushed, and mixed with fine sand to achieve the perfect texture. The amount of sand varies depending on the size and function of each piece, which is why Bau Truc pottery stands apart from others.

Located approximately 3 km southeast of Bau Truc Pottery Village, visitors can explore the My Nghiep-Chung My Textile Village, also known as Chakleng by the Cham people.

The distinctiveness of this village lies in its traditional hand-weaving techniques, where the textiles retain almost all of their ancient processes, materials, and intricate patterns passed down through generations. Here, visitors can witness the skilled hands of artisans as they craft beautiful, traditional textiles.

In recent years, the range of products from My Nghiep-Chung My has expanded beyond traditional blankets and garments. Now, visitors can find a variety of items like ties, bags, wallets, and purses, making for perfect souvenirs during a trip to Ninh Thuan.

Binh Duong is well-known for its diverse traditional craft villages, including lacquerware, pottery, bronze casting, and wood carving, scattered across the province. Among these, Lai Thieu pottery village stands out as one of the most renowned ceramic brands both locally and internationally. Through skilled hands and remarkable creativity, the artisans of this village have produced a wide range of ceramic products with various designs and styles.

The ceramic products from this village are distinctive for their smooth, durable, and beautiful finish, with a variety of styles that are highly favored by consumers. The pottery industry of the Sông Bé region and present-day Binh Duong has reached advanced levels, creating everything from household items and decorative pieces to industrial ceramics. In recent years, Binh Duong pottery has not only gained international recognition but also provided employment for thousands of local workers, contributing to the cultural and historical beauty of Tan Phuoc Khanh people.

The most famous in Binh Duong's lacquer painting village is the Tuong Binh Hiep village, located 7 km north of Thu Dau Mot city. Here, visitors can witness each step of the traditional lacquer painting process, a craft unique to Vietnam. With hundreds of families involved in making lacquer paintings, some only handle specific stages, leaving other households to complete the rest of the process.

In Tuong Binh Hiep, lacquer painting has been industrialized with clear production lines, yet still maintains the intricate, family-oriented craftsmanship that reflects a distinct Eastern style. These lacquer paintings are highly cherished by art lovers in Vietnam and around the world, often purchased to be displayed proudly in homes.

Chau Giang is a long-standing traditional textile village of the Cham people in Tan Chau (An Giang). The Cham women here are highly skilled, mastering weaving from a young age, and by adulthood, they become professional weavers of the region.

This village represents the deep cultural heritage of the Cham ethnic group through its textiles. Chau Giang Textiles not only preserve the traditional beauty of Cham weaving but also showcase the unique cultural features of the Cham people, with intricate designs and a wide variety of products such as sarongs, shawls, hats, and jackets. The materials used for weaving are silk threads dyed naturally from tree sap, bark, and fruits, creating vibrant, long-lasting colors. The patterns woven into the products combine both traditional and modern creativity, enhancing the value of this local craft.

If you have the chance to visit the Mekong Delta, don't miss the opportunity to visit the Chau Giang Textile Village in An Giang. Here, you can admire the exquisite traditional products made by local artisans and gain insight into a fascinating cultural aspect of this village's craft.

Bat Trang Pottery Village is located in Bat Trang commune, Gia Lam district, Hanoi. With a history spanning over 500 years, the village has been passed down through generations. Today, Bat Trang is renowned both domestically and internationally. The local families have preserved the craftsmanship handed down from their ancestors, resulting in products that are uniquely refined. As a result, the pottery made here is widely known, and exported to countries around the world.

With its rich history and diverse range of pottery products, Bat Trang continues to attract a large number of tourists who come to explore both its heritage and the pottery-making process.

A visit to Bat Trang Pottery Village offers the chance to tour the village, participate in pottery-making workshops guided by skilled artisans, and taste traditional dishes. For those interested in the cultural and historical aspects of Vietnam, this is a must-see destination.

Dong Ho Paintings are widely recognized by every Vietnamese person. This traditional art form, which has a long history, is now located in Song Ho commune, Thuận Thành district, Bac Ninh province. Dong Ho Village is a National Intangible Cultural Heritage, and its full name is Dong Ho Folk Woodblock Printing.

The unique features of Dong Ho paintings lie in their composition, the printed paper, and the harmonious colors that distinguish them. The artisans of Dong Ho have mastered the art of using natural materials to create vibrant, long-lasting colors, such as green from copper rust, indigo from indigo plants, and a rich red from the gold tree.

Dong Ho Paintings are most commonly sold during the Lunar New Year. In the days leading up to Tet, crowds gather at the painting market to purchase artwork, creating a lively atmosphere. This has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in Bac Ninh, drawing visitors both from within Vietnam and abroad.

"The sun in Saigon is warm, but the breeze feels cool
Because you wear the silk from Ha Dong"

Ha Dong Silk, also known as Van Phuc Silk, is an ancient silk weaving village with a history spanning over a thousand years. Van Phuc Silk is known for its oldest floral patterns in Vietnam.

In the past, Van Phuc Silk was highly prized by the royal court for its quality and beautiful designs. Today, about 800 households continue the tradition, using both ancient hand looms and modern machinery, blending tradition with innovation to thrive in the global market.

The range of products produced in Van Phuc includes silk, damask, brocade, gauze, velvet, satin, and more. With its famous brand and centuries-old craftsmanship, a trip to Van Phuc Silk Village promises not only an opportunity to buy authentic silk goods but also a chance to observe the meticulous process of silk production by skilled artisans.