Vietnam is a land rich in history and culture, and its vibrant crafts are a testament to the country’s soul. From bustling streets to traditional craft villages, exploring Vietnam’s crafts will take you on a fascinating journey. Join me as I guide you through the time-honored crafts of this beautiful country.
Dó Paper: Uniquely Vietnamese
One of Vietnam’s unique crafts is Dó paper, a thick fabric-like paper made by a few villages in the North. The process of making Dó paper involves traditional techniques such as soaking, pounding, and filtering pulp, coloring the fibers with natural dyes, and drying the sheets of paper in the sun. You can find notebooks, sketchbooks, and calendars made from Dó paper in select stationery stores across Vietnam. For an immersive experience, take a Zó Paper tour to a traditional Dó paper village in Hòa Bình province, where you can even make your own paper from scratch.
Lacquerware: A Fusion of Vietnamese and French Art
Vietnamese lacquerware gained international recognition in the 1930s when innovative students from Ha Noi University fused this traditional craft with principles of French fine art. The result is extraordinary pieces that require hundreds of days of meticulous work. Vietnamese lacquerware is now renowned for its class and elegance. To witness the skill of Vietnamese lacquer craftsmen, visit Hanoia, a high-end boutique that employs craftsmen from traditional lacquer villages. Their contemporary designs, including trendy lacquer wood sandals, playful sculptures, and vibrant hand-painted vases, are a sight to behold.
Silk Weaving: A Centuries-Old Tradition
Silk production has been an integral part of Vietnamese culture for centuries. Van Phuc village, located on the outskirts of Ha Noi, is famous for its skilled artisans and sophisticated weaving patterns. Vietnamese silk comes in various styles, including the sturdy Lismore bud silk and the luxurious satin silk. To experience the allure of Vietnamese silk, explore Hang Gai street in the Old Quarter, where you can find beautiful silk tunics and dresses. Alternatively, visit Hoi An’s public market to browse for silk or have custom-made silk clothes tailored to your preferences.
Calligraphy: An Art Form Reimagined
Calligraphy in Vietnam has a rich history, traditionally done in Chinese lettering. However, a new generation of masters has reimagined this art form using the Vietnamese alphabet with stunning results. Calligraphy masters are called Ong đồ, and they are sought after to write messages wishing good health and prosperity for special occasions. Street artists in Ho Chi Minh City’s Phố Ông Đồ area can create personalized posters, and you can also try your hand at calligraphy by participating in a workshop like the Calligraphy and Coffee Trail by Saigon Street Eats.
Handmade Ceramics: Earthy Elegance
Vietnamese pottery exhibits a range of styles, from earthy and unpretentious to refined and elegant. Bát Tràng ceramics village, located just an hour from Ha Noi, is renowned for its ceramics, including pots and table sets with velvety dark colors and vibrant blues. Visit the village’s daily market to witness artisans displaying ceramics fresh from the family kiln. Alternatively, you can find pottery from Bát Tràng village in shops throughout your travels. For a unique experience, visit Reaching Out in Hoi An, where you can purchase beautiful ceramics and tea cups made by disabled artisans.
Water Puppetry: A Delightful Tradition
Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese art form that amazes both children and adults alike. Originating from farming villages, puppet stages were set up in flooded rice paddies to entertain with folk tales and moonlit shows. In modern theaters, puppeteers skillfully manipulate wooden dolls using rods and strings hidden underwater, while musicians and singers provide live music. For an unforgettable experience, head to one of the puppet theaters around Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Ha Noi, or visit the home theater at Khâm Thiên Market Lane in Đống Đa District for a more personal show.
Ethnic Textiles: A Kaleidoscope of Colors
Vietnam’s ethnic textiles showcase the country’s diversity through intricate weaving, fringes, pompoms, and vibrant colors. With 54 ethnic minorities, each traditional costume is completely unique. The H’Mông people, for example, wear jackets dyed deep indigo, while the Red Dao people are known for their intricate geometric embroidery. At the Vietnam Women Museum in Ha Noi, you can explore and compare the various textile styles of Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. Indigo Cat, a social enterprise in Sa Pa, offers beautiful clothes made by Vietnam’s ethnic minorities, including stunning jackets and bags made by the H’Mông minority.
I hope this travel guide has ignited your curiosity to explore Vietnam’s vibrant crafts. Uncover the rich history and artistic traditions that shape this beautiful country. For more travel inspiration, sign up for our newsletter to receive the best stories in your inbox. And remember, the next time you plan a trip to Vietnam, let Travel Guide be your trusted companion.