Explore Hanoi’s Top 10 Traditional Craft Villages

One of Hanoi’s most notable features is its traditional craft villages, where locals preserve and develop unique and refined crafts.

Explore these exceptional places to discover 10 traditional craft villages in Hanoi, with their distinctive features and authentic cultural values.

1. Bat Trang Pottery Village

Located in the Gia Lam district of Hanoi, the pottery village of Bat Trang has a history of over 500 years and is only 10 kilometers from the city center. Renowned for its exquisite and high-quality ceramics, Bat Trang’s crafts are recognized internationally, with products exported to many countries.

Here you will discover a wide range of creations, from everyday utensils and decorative objects to intricate works of art, all characterized by unique designs and vibrant colors. You can explore local workshops, witness the different stages of manufacturing, such as molding, firing, glazing and decoration, or even try your hand at creating their own piece of pottery, making their visit unforgettable.

2. Van Phuc Silk Village

Just 15 kilometers from Hanoi, in Ha Dong district, the village of Van Phuc has been a symbol of traditional Vietnamese weaving for over a millennium. Known as the source of “silk for the royal family,” this village produces fabrics of exceptional quality. Van Phuc is renowned for its wide range of products: soft silk, luxurious brocade, warm velvet and distinctively patterned silk, available in a wide variety of colors and designs.

Discover the stages of the artisanal process, from the selection of threads to the finishing of the fabrics, and discover the unique know-how of local artisans. It is also an opportunity to leave with refined silk items, combining tradition and elegance, available at affordable prices.

3. The Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau

About 40 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, the village of Quang Phu Cau is a mecca for Vietnamese crafts, famous for its fragrant incense sticks. More than a utilitarian product, these incenses are symbols of tradition and spirituality, widely used in rituals, ceremonies, traditional festivals and even to harmonize living spaces according to the principles of Feng Shui.

Visitors can admire an incredible diversity of colors, shapes and scents: incense sticks in bright hues, ranging from red to purple, and varied scents, such as cinnamon, lemongrass or agarwood. As you explore the village, you’ll learn about the complete artisanal process, from wood selection to dyeing and blending scents. Leave with unique incense sticks, true witnesses of the cultural and artistic heritage of Quang Phu Cau.

4. The Conical Hat Village of Chuong My

30 kilometers from Hanoi, the village of Chuong My is an emblematic place of Vietnamese crafts, famous for its traditional conical hats. Made from natural materials like palm leaves and bamboo, these hats are more than functional accessories for the sun or rain: they are true works of art. Each hat is adorned with elegant designs, from floral designs to depictions of birds and fish, highlighting the talent of local artisans.

Visitors can experience the careful manufacturing process, from leaf selection to weaving, dyeing and drying. This immersion in traditional crafts not only offers a unique insight into the skills passed down from generation to generation, but also the opportunity to leave with a unique conical hat, a true symbol of Vietnamese cultural identity.

5. The Bamboo and Rattan Weaving Village of Phu Vinh

Located about 40 km from the center of Hanoi, in Phu Xuyen district, the village of Phu Vinh is famous for its ancient expertise in weaving bamboo and rattan. Local artisans make a variety of products there, including baskets, trays, handcrafted furniture, traditional hats, decorative lamps, and much more.

Each creation is the result of meticulous work, reflecting both the skill and uniqueness of the artisans. During your visit, you will be able to discover the manufacturing process and leave with unique and authentic souvenirs.

6. Thach Xa’s Bamboo Dragonfly Village

Located 35 kilometers from Hanoi, in the district of Thạch Thất, the village of Thach Xa is famous for its traditional bamboo dragonfly crafts. These unique creations, in varied sizes, colors and shapes, range from small monochrome models to larger multi-colored pieces, representing flowers, birds or fish. The bamboo dragonflies of Thach Xa adorn festivals, games and interior decorations, testifying to the know-how and creativity of local artisans.

Visitors can explore each stage of manufacturing, from bamboo selection to dyeing and painting, and discover the dedication of the artisans. This immersive experience also allows you to acquire original bamboo dragonflies, perfect as authentic souvenirs and symbols of Vietnamese cultural richness.

7. Cu Da Vermicelli Village

Located about 20 kilometers from Hanoi, in Thanh Oai district, the village of Cu Da is renowned for its traditional vermicelli crafts. Made from natural ingredients such as rice, cassava, yam and green beans, Cu Da vermicelli is distinguished by its firm, soft and non-pasty texture when cooked.

Visitors can experience every step of the manufacturing process, from soaking ingredients to grinding, pressing, drying and cooking. Once there, they will also have the opportunity to taste traditional vermicelli dishes, such as eel, chicken or crab vermicelli, for an authentic and tasty culinary experience.

8. Quat Dong Hand Embroidery Village

Located 30 kilometers from Hanoi, in the district of Thuong Tin, the village of Quat Dong is an emblematic place for the art of hand embroidery, with a rich history and know-how passed down from generation to generation. This village is the cradle of high quality embroidered works: meticulous, elegant paintings áo dài and colorful scarves, all made with remarkable precision and expertise, showcasing the tradition and beauty of Vietnam.

You can observe the detailed and sophisticated process of embroidery, from the choice of designs to the meticulous work of the artisans. It is also an ideal destination to purchase unique pieces, imbued with culture and symbolism, perfect as gifts for loved ones or to enrich a personal collection.

9. Dinh Cong Jewelry Village

Just 10 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, in Hoang Mai district, the village of Dinh Cong is a mecca of Vietnamese craftsmanship, rich in more than 400 years of history. Known for its gold and silver jewelry of exceptional quality, it offers varied creations: rings, bracelets, necklaces and earrings, combining classic and modern designs and imbued with culture and elegance.

This peaceful place offers the opportunity to discover the meticulous stages of jewelry manufacturing and to admire unique pieces, true symbols of beauty and luxury. Each piece of jewelry, carefully crafted by skilled artisans, is a meaningful cultural gift and a timeless work of art.

10. Chang Son Fan Village

The village of Chang Son, located about 40 kilometers from central Hanoi in Thach That district, is famous for its traditional paper fan crafts. Here, fan making is not limited to a profession, but embodies a cultural pride passed down from generation to generation. Chang Son fans are distinguished by their diversity of sizes, colors and patterns, ranging from small decorative models to large pieces decorated with complex patterns, meeting both daily uses and specific needs during festivals or events. ‘events.

The manufacturing process, carried out with care, includes the careful selection of paper, folding, gluing and decoration, with artistic motifs, landscapes or even calligraphy. This place offers the unique opportunity to discover each stage of creation and leave with unique paper fans, true witnesses of culture and traditional know-how.