Today, Vietnam is one of the world’s leading silk producers, with many regions specializing in the cultivation and production of this luxurious fabric.
Vietnamese silk is renowned for its quality and beautiful patterns. The fabric is made using traditional methods that involve rearing silkworms, spinning silk threads and weaving them into intricate patterns and designs. In recent years, interest in sustainable and eco-friendly silk production in Vietnam has increased.
Some companies are using organic methods to grow mulberry trees and raise silkworms, while others are experimenting with new technologies to reduce waste and improve the efficiency of the production process.
The history of Vietnamese silk
The millennial heritage of Vietnamese silk
Silk, Vietnam’s textile treasure, has its roots in a history dating back three millennia. Its origin, probably Chinese, is shrouded in legend. It is said that a Chinese empress, observing worms nestled in a mulberry tree, discovered by serendipity the secret of this precious filament. His ingenuity transformed these modest cocoons into a fabric of incomparable finesse: silk.
Although the modern era has democratized access to silky products, the true soul of this textile remains nestled in the heart of the traditional villages of Vietnam. It is there, in these artisanal havens, that the magic of Vietnamese silk continues to flourish, perpetuating ancestral know-how.
These villages are the guardians of a unique textile heritage, where each thread tells a thousand-year-old story. They embody the meeting between centuries-old tradition and contemporary creativity, making Vietnamese silk much more than a simple fabric: a true living art.
Thus, despite developments in the modern world, Vietnamese silk retains its timeless appeal, testifying to the cultural and artisanal richness of a country where the past constantly nourishes the present.
How much does real silk cost?
The price of Vietnamese silk depends on the brand, complexity of the patterns and decorations, the quality of the fabric, ranging from 400,000 to 2,500,000 VND ($17.25 to $107.8). Be wary of cheap items, as they may be made from faux silk and lack quality.
Top 5 Historic Vietnamese Silk Villages
Vietnam has a rich tradition of silk production. Here are five emblematic villages that perpetuate this ancestral craft:
Van Phuc
This thousand-year-old village, once a supplier to royal families, today produces more than 2 million meters of silk per year. Its 150 boutiques offer textiles with delicate and vibrant patterns, characteristic of the region.
Duy Xuyen
With 300 years of history, this village in the province of Quang Nam is distinguished by its artisanal know-how. Its silk embodies the softness of the Cham culture.
Tan Chau
Renowned for its shiny black fruit-dyed silk, this village in An Giang province produces a soft, durable and absorbent textile. Once a luxury product, Tan Chau silk has diversified to meet modern tastes.
Nha Xa
Since the 18th century, this village has attracted merchants for its high-quality silk, considered the second best after that of Van Phuc. Despite economic uncertainties, Nha Xa preserves its traditional weaving techniques.
Ma Chau
Renowned since the 16th century for mulberry cultivation and silkworm breeding, Ma Chau once supplied the royal courts. Today, around 300 households continue this tradition, overcoming the challenges of the modern market.
These villages offer a fascinating insight into the centuries-old art of Vietnamese silk, combining tradition and innovation.
3 Destinations to Buy Silk in Vietnam
Hanoi: The charm of the old quarter
In the heart of the historic district of Hanoi, the rue Hang Gai stands out as a silk paradise. This picturesque thoroughfare is full of specialty shops, offering a wide range of finely embroidered Vietnamese silk products. This is the ideal place to find high-end and authentic pieces.
- Dong Xuan Market (Hanoi): The largest covered market in the capital offers numerous silk stalls, especially on the ground floor.
- Van Phuc Village (near Hanoi): Visiting this historic silk village will allow you to buy directly from the artisans and see the manufacturing process.
- Tan My Design (Hanoi): This high-end boutique offers silk scarves from contemporary Vietnamese designers.
Hoi An: The capital of silk
Hoi An Old Town is a must-see for silk lovers. With nearly 400 dedicated stores, it offers an impressive diversity of silky products. For a more authentic experience, explore the local market or Hoi An silk village. There you’ll see local artisans at work, skillfully transforming silk into clothing on traditional looms.
Hoi An Workshop : This site allows you to buy from Vietnamese artisans, even if you cannot physically go to Vietnam.
Hoi An Night Market : Ideal for those who prefer to shop in the evening, this market offers silk scarves among other handicrafts.
Ho Chi Minh City: Beyond the beaten track
Contrary to popular belief, Ben Thanh Market is not the best place to find authentic silk at a reasonable price in Ho Chi Minh City. Instead, prefer the fabric markets of Tan Binh or Tan Dinh, or the lively Chinatown district (Cho Lon). These less touristy places often offer hidden gems at more affordable prices.
Each of these destinations offers a unique approach to Vietnamese silk, combining tradition, quality and authenticity. Whether you are looking for luxury pieces or artisanal creations, these places will satisfy your quest for Vietnamese silk.
Lua Viet (Ho Chi Minh City): Known for its modern designs and bright colors, this boutique offers a more refined shopping experience.
