Top 5 traditional craft villages not to be missed in Hanoi
1. BAT TRANG - VILLAGE OF CERAMIC
The village of ceramic Bat Trang is a famous destination for both local citizens of Hanoi as well as foreign tourists. As indicated from its name, the village is known for ceramic products and traditional craft techniques. The ancient destination is located 10 km southeast of the capital of Hanoi, there are also buses to take individual visitors to the village.
Arriving at Bat Trang, you can explore deep into the village antiquity, illustrated in the architecture, the buildings and of course, the process of making a ceramic product. You will have a chance to learn about the detailed, extraordinary decoration of each product. At the same time, you can try making your own product with the help of a specialised craftsman
Ceramic products at Bat Trang village - Source: Collective
Manual decoration for ceramic products - Source: Collective
Visitors try making their own ceramic product - Source: Công luận
2. VAN PHUC - VILLAGE OF SILK
The second destination not to be missed is the village of silk Van Phuc. This is the centre of the most beautiful traditional clothing in Hanoi. The village is situated 10 km away from the center of Hanoi. With more than 1.000 years of traditional craft, the village has produced tons of delegate costumes.
Van Phuc village can still keep its authentic beauty from time to time, despite the capital’s modernization. It is also the source-destination of diverse types of thin, light silk fabric. The silk that helps to each costume will give the wearer a more elegant look, demonstrated with the simple but eye-catching decoration and details.
Drying silk fabric at Van Phuc village - Source: Công luận
The process of making silk fabric - Source: Thương hiệu và pháp luật
3. TAY TUU - VILLAGE OF FLOWERS
Only 20 km away from the centre of Hanoi, Tay Tuu is listed among the most famous villages of flowers in the capital. The village is the place of plantation of multiple flower kinds, from roses to lilies, from chrysanthemums to orchids, etc. The perfect time to visit the village is in December and January, when local florists plant colorful flowers in order to prepare for the New Year’s Eve. Visitors can enjoy the glamorous sites of the village and take photos as souvenirs for their trip there. The plus for a short exploration to Tay Tuu village is that there’s no entrance fee.
Chrysanthemums at a flower farm at Tay Tuu village - Source:VnExpress
A florist waters his flower farm - Source: VnExpress
A florist collects the flowers in her garden - Source: Báo người lao động
4. HA THAI - VILLAGE OF LACQUER
For those who love art, Ha Thai village is the destination to be listed in their checklist for this is where Hanoians preserve the technique of lacquer artworks. The technique of lacquer was created in the 17th century, from the very first simple steps to highly specialised details as of today. There, you can discover the 9 processes of making a lacquer picture with extraordinary beauty and unique style. After the visit, you can buy some small artworks to give your family and friends as gifts.
Decoration stage of lacquer products - Source: Đại biểu nhân dân
Lacquer products - Source: Người Việt dùng hàng Việt
5. CHUONG - VILLAGE OF CONICAL HAT
Among the long-last craft villages that remain in existence in the present, we have to mention the Village Chuong, specialised in making conical hats. The hat, along with the elegant ao dai, creates the unique beauty of Vietnamese women both in former times and the present days.
Coming to Chuong village, you will be amazed by the calm and peaceful ambiance of the destination. This place has always kept the look and the soul of a rustic, ancient habitat of Vietnamese. You cannot miss the traditional market which is also an authentic aspect in Vietnamese culture. There you will have the chance to learn about the various types of conical hats as well as how they are made. It is the village’s honour to keep the traditional craft for over 5 centuries.
A coin at the traditional market of Chuong village - Source: Collective
Local people during festival in traditional costumes - Source: Collective
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Published on 26th August, 2021
Written by Khanh Le, Assistant Manager at Trusted DMC