Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage is beautifully reflected in its vibrant crafts. From the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the traditional craft villages, the country offers a captivating journey into its time-honored traditions. Join me as I take you on a guide to exploring Vietnam’s vibrant crafts.
Dó Paper
One of Vietnam’s unique crafts is Dó paper. Made from the bark of the dó tree, this fabric-like paper is produced using traditional techniques passed down through generations. Small communities in the North grow and harvest the dó trees, then soak, pound, filter, and color the pulp using natural dyes. The sheets of paper are finally dried in the sun.
Where to find it: The Zó Paper tour takes you to a traditional Dó paper village in Hòa Bình province, where you can even make your own paper from scratch. For ready-made Dó paper products, visit Collective Memory in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Lacquerware
Vietnamese lacquerware gained international recognition in the 1930s when innovative students blended traditional Vietnamese handicraft with French fine art principles. The result is extraordinary pieces that require hundreds of days of meticulous work. Vietnamese lacquerware is known for its class and elegance.
Where to find it: Hanoia, a high-end lacquerware boutique, collaborates with craftsmen from traditional lacquer villages to create contemporary designs. Ha Thai village, located near Hanoi, is a perfect example of this collaboration. Hanoia offers trendy lacquer wood sandals, playful sculptures, and vibrant hand-painted vases.
Silk Weaving
Silk production has a long-standing history in Vietnam. Van Phuc village, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, is renowned for its skilled artisans and intricate weaving patterns. Vietnamese silk comes in various styles, with sturdy Lismore bud silk and satin silk being commonly used.
Where to find it: In Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Hang Gai street is famous for its silk shops, offering beautiful silk tunics and dresses. Hoi An’s public market is another excellent place to shop for silk or have bespoke silk clothes tailored to your preferences.
Calligraphy
Calligraphy in Vietnam has evolved beyond Chinese lettering. Ong đồ, or masters of scriptures, have reimagined this art form using the Vietnamese alphabet. Calligraphy masters are called upon for special occasions, such as the Lunar New Year, to write messages wishing good health and prosperity. Today, they also create calligraphic art with English sayings and Vietnamese expressions.
Where to find it: Visit calligraphy streets like Phố Ông Đồ in Ho Chi Minh City to request personalized calligraphy posters from street artists. Alternatively, join a calligraphy workshop, such as the Calligraphy and Coffee Trail by Saigon Street Eats, to create your own masterpiece.
Handmade Ceramics
Vietnamese pottery ranges from earthy and unpretentious to refined and elegant. Bát Tràng ceramics village, located just an hour from Hanoi, is famous for its ceramics, which are exported worldwide. At the village’s daily market, you can purchase ceramics straight from the family kiln.
Where to find it: Look out for shops selling pottery from Bát Tràng village during your travels. For unique ceramics made by disabled artisans, visit Reaching Out in Hoi An.
Water Puppetry
Water puppetry is a fascinating traditional art form in Vietnam. These puppet shows, traditionally performed in flooded rice paddies, captivate audiences of all ages. Skilled puppeteers manipulate the wooden dolls using rods and strings hidden underwater, accompanied by live music. Enjoy the slapstick humor and charming stories told on water at one of the puppet theaters around Hoàn Kiếm Lake in Hanoi.
Where to find it: For a more personal experience, visit the home theater at Khâm Thiên Market Lane in Đống Đa District.
Ethnic Textiles
Vietnam’s rich textile heritage is particularly evident in the traditional costumes of its 54 ethnic minorities. Each costume showcases unique fringes, pompoms, and colorful weaving techniques. Explore Vietnam’s Women Museum in Hanoi to compare the various styles of ethnic minority costumes.
Where to find it: Indigo Cat, a social enterprise in Sa Pa, offers beautiful clothes made by Vietnam’s ethnic minorities. You’ll find delightful autumn jackets and bags handcrafted by the H’Mông minority.
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