If you're an enthusiast of handmade crafts, Vietnam is the place to be. From vibrant craft villages to the bustling streets of the capital, the country is a treasure trove of traditional craftsmanship that will take you on a fascinating journey. Let's explore the time-honored crafts of Vietnam, including scarf making and jewelry craftsmanship.
Dó Paper: Preserving a Unique Vietnamese Tradition
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Vietnam's dó paper is a thick fabric-like paper made by only a few villages in the North. Its production involves traditional processes such as soaking, pounding, filtering pulp, coloring the fibers with natural dyes, and drying the paper sheets in the sun. You can find dó paper products like notebooks and calendars in select stationery stores across Vietnam.
If you want to experience the art of dó papermaking firsthand, the Zó Paper tour will take you to a traditional dó paper village in Hòa Bình province. You'll have the opportunity to make your own paper from scratch. In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, you can also buy dó paper calendars and notebooks at Collective Memory.
Lacquerware: A Fusion of Vietnamese and French Art
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Vietnamese lacquerware gained international recognition in the 1930s when innovative students from Ha Noi University combined this traditional craft with principles of French fine art. The result is a collection of extraordinary lacquer pieces that require hundreds of days of meticulous work. Vietnamese lacquerware is renowned for its class and elegance.
For those looking to acquire exquisite lacquerware, Hanoia is a high-end boutique that collaborates with craftsmen from traditional lacquer villages. Their contemporary designs, like those from Ha Thai village near the capital, showcase trendy lacquer wood sandals, playful sculptures, and vibrant hand-painted vases.
Silk Weaving: A Millennial Artform
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Silk production has played a significant role in Vietnam for centuries. One of the most famous silk villages, Van Phuc village, is located on the outskirts of Hanoi. Artisans from Van Phuc are renowned for their sophisticated weaving patterns. Vietnamese silk comes in various styles, with two popular handmade varieties being Lismore bud silk and satin silk.
In the Old Quarter of Hanoi, Hang Gai street used to be entirely dedicated to silk. You can still find beautiful silk tunics and dresses in the area. Another wonderful place to shop for silk or have custom-made silk clothes is Hoi An's public market.
Calligraphy: A Unique Blend of Tradition and Modernity
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Calligraphy in Vietnam has a rich history. Originally done in Chinese lettering, a new generation of Ong đồ, or masters of scriptures, reimagined this art form using the Vietnamese alphabet. The result is a stunning combination of tradition and modernity. Calligraphy masters are sought after to write messages for special occasions, such as the Lunar New Year, and they now also paint English sayings and fun Vietnamese expressions in calligraphic style.
To witness the beauty of calligraphy up close, you can ask for a personalized poster by a street artist on calligraphy streets like Phố Ông Đồ in Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, you can join a calligraphy workshop, such as the Calligraphy and Coffee Trail by Saigon Street Eats, and create your own masterpiece.
Handmade Ceramics: Earthy Elegance
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Vietnamese pottery ranges from earthy and unpretentious to refined and elegant. Bát Tràng ceramics village, just an hour's drive from Hanoi, is famous for exporting ceramics worldwide. You can also visit the daily market in Bát Tràng village to find ceramics straight out of the family kiln.
During your travels, you may come across shops selling pottery from Bát Tràng village. Another place to visit is Reaching Out in Hoi An, where you can purchase beautiful ceramics and tea cups made by disabled artisans.
Water Puppetry: A Magical Traditional Performance
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Water puppetry is a fascinating art form that combines puppetry and storytelling. This traditional performance dates back to a time when farming villages used to entertain youngsters with puppet shows in flooded rice paddies. Puppeteers skillfully maneuver little wooden dolls using rods and strings hidden underwater, while musicians and singers provide live music for each show.
To witness the magic of water puppetry, visit one of the puppet theaters around Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi. For a more personal experience, head to the home theater at Khâm Thiên Market Lane in Đống Đa District.
Ethnic Textiles: A Tapestry of Color and Tradition
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Vietnam's ethnic textiles are a feast for the eyes, showcasing the country's diverse cultural heritage. Each ethnic minority group has its unique traditional costume, characterized by fringes, pompoms, and colorful weaving. For example, the H'Mông people wear jackets dyed deep indigo, while the Red Dao people are known for their intricate geometric embroidery and clashing patterns.
To explore the fascinating world of Vietnamese ethnic textiles, visit the Vietnam Women's Museum in Hanoi. There, you can compare the various styles from Vietnam's ethnic minority groups.
Now that you've discovered some of Vietnam's incredible craftsmanship, why not plan a trip to this beautiful country? Sign up for our newsletter to receive more travel ideas and the best stories from Vietnam straight to your inbox.
