Beyond the bustling cities and serene natural wonders, a different Vietnam awaits - a realm where homes to a treasure trove of traditional craft villages, where sophisticated skills are passed down through generations, and everyday objects are transformed into works of art. For centuries, Vietnamese craft villages have thrived, each specializing in a unique tradition that reflects the rich tapestry of the nation’s culture. These are not mere workshops but living museums where time slows its gear, and the soul of Vietnam is handcrafted with meticulous care. Join us as we explore five among the most extraordinary traditional craft villages that Vietnam has to offer. 

 

Dong Xam Silver Village

Located in Hong Thai Commune, to the north of Kien Xuong District of Thai Binh Province, Dong Xam Village holds the gleam of silver and narrates a history stretching back over 600 years. Blooming at the twilight of the Tran Dynasty and the dawn of the Ho Dynasty, the village has honored the complex art of silver carving to a high of breathtaking finesse. Here patience, diligence, and meticulous attention to details are not just virtues. They are the cornerstones of a craft that transforms raw silver into exquisite decorative patterns. 

Using rudimentary tools - chisels, sticks, nails and hammers - artisans of Dong Xam Village conjure sophisticated designs that reveal their delicate skills. Each artisan specializes in a specific stage of creation, contributing to the harmonious symphony required to produce each stunning piece. 

In the silver carving process, “chạm” - the engraving technique - is considered the most demanding phase. It requires unwavering concentration, dexterity, and an almost impossible standard of zero error. Even one slightest mistake can spoil an entire piece, forcing artisans to discard it and redone from scratch     This relentless pursuit of perfection is the key that makes Dong Xam silverwork not just mere objects, but treasures of art.      

What to do in Dong Xam Silver Village:

- Explore Dong Xam Temple: Learn about the history of silver art and the history of the village.

- Join in Dong Xam Temple Festival: Held annually from the 1st to the 3rd day of the 4th lunar month, the festival features an exciting boat-racing competition with local young men and traditional performances like ca tru and cheo singing. - Explore stunning silver carving exhibits and purchase exquisite handcrafted items as souvenirs.

Dong Tam Shrimp Trap-weaving Village

Nestled in Phuc An Commune of Yen Binh District, Yen Bai Province, Dong Tam Shrimp Trap-weaving handicraft village is where the rhythmic rustle of weaving reeds has been a part of daily life for the residents here since the early 1970s. Shrimp trap-weaving is more than just a profession in Dong Tam, it is a communal activity, accessible to everyone, ranging from the elderly to the youngsters. It embodies precisely the spirit of hard work and resilience that characterizes rural Vietnam. 

What sets the shrimp traps here apart is the relentless commitment to quality and design. Each step of the weaving process is executed with fastidious care and caution, ensuring that every trap is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing. Such profound dedication has earned them a stellar reputation among traders far and wide. 

The core beauty of Dong Tam Village lies in its simplicity and inclusivity. It is a testament to the village’s industrious spirit, where families across generations contribute to crafting these essential tools of the local fishing business. Visiting Dong Tam Village offers a heartwarming glimpse into the daily life and diligent craftsmanship of rural Vietnamese communities, where even the simplest tools are made with extraordinary care and community involvement. 

What to do in Dong Tam Village:

• Weave your own shrimp trap: Participate in a hands-on workshop where local artisans teach the weaving techniques used for crafting traditional traps. 

• Enjoy a boat ride on Thac Ba Lake: Experience firsthand how these handmade traps are used in traditional fishing practices. 

• Learn folk dance of the Dao ethnic group: Engage in cultural exchanges by learning the traditional dances of the Dao people, an enriching way to connect with their heritage.

Dong Trieu Ceramics Village

60km away from the bustling Ha Long City lies Dong Trieu Village - an artisanal community of exquisite ceramics. Though relatively young compared to other pottery villages, Dong Trieu’s pottery possesses a unique charm and artistry that captivates connoisseurs. 

Creating Dong Trieu ceramics is a rigorous yet diligent process. Every step is crucial, demanding utter attention. Dong Trieu remains a “heavy fire” ceramics village, meaning production remains largely manual. This commitment to traditional methods imbues each piece with a distinct soul, a nuanced character      absents on mass-produced wares. 

The magic charm of Dong Trieu’s pottery happens in the kiln. Different types of firewood grant unique colors to the glaze due to varying temperatures and wood ash, creating subtle yet striking variations. Dong Trieu artisans have masterfully honed their material preparation and kiln design. This dedication results in ceramics of exceptional durability and lustrous glazes. 

What to do in Dong Trieu Village:

• Purchase handcrafted ceramics: Bring home beautifully handcrafted ceramics with a reasonable price, from elegant vases to intricate teacups, as one-of-a-kind souvenirs. 

• Admire the pottery making process: Seeing artisans at work is most definitely a spectacle that leaves visitors spellbound by the dedication and artistry on display. 

• Create your own pottery piece: Try your hand at shaping clay on a potter’s wheel and freely try your creativity by painting your favorite patterns under the guidance of experienced and friendly craftsmen.

Sa Huynh Salt Village

Along the sun-kissed coast in Quang Ngai Province lies Sa Huynh - a village where the landscape itself is a work of art. Here, sprawling salt fields, covering over 110 hectares, stretch as far as the eye can see, creating a surreal tableau of sparkling white against the azure sky. Sa Huynh’s salt production, dating back to the 19th century, is deeply intertwined with the rhythms of the sea.

Following the tides, villagers channel seawater into meticulously prepared fields. Under the intense tropical sun, the water gradually evaporates, leaving behind glistening crystals of salt. To achieve the coveted pure white, large, and lustrous salt grains, the seawater undergoes a three-sun drying process.  In the early summer days, when the sea is crystal clear, the salt fields become a breathtaking spectacle, dazzling under the sunlight, captivating all who behold them. 

Visiting Sa Huynh offers more than just scenic beauty, it’s an opportunity to witness the ancient salt-making process firsthand, to taste the pure, briny essence of the ocean, and to experience the tranquil rhythm of life for the Sa Huynh salt farmers.  As the sun dips below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and gold, the salt fields mirror the spectacle, creating a breathtakingly beautiful and uniquely serene landscape.

What to do in Sa Huynh Village:

• Walk through the salt fields at sunrise or sunset: Witness the breathtaking beauty of the salt flats reflecting the golden hues of the sky. 

• Take part in the salt harvesting process: Join the local farmers in raking and collecting crystallized salt—a physically demanding yet rewarding experience. 

• Taste local cuisine made with freshly harvested sea salt: Sample the local food specialties with newly harvested salt can be a one-of-a-lifetime, unforgettable experience.

Doi Tam Drum Craft Village

With the echoes of over a thousand years of history, Doi Tam Village in Ha Nam Province is a living cultural artifact, a vital part of Vietnam’s heritage. The distinctive sound of Doi Tam drums is deeply embedded in the consciousness of the people of Ha Nam and the entire nation.      These drums are not just instruments; they are the heartbeat of ceremonies, festivals, and cultural celebrations.

Artisans in Doi Tam Village work not just with their hands but also with their hearts and souls. The tools are more than just implements but extensions of artistry and technique, refined over countless generations. The craft involves a diverse array of specialized tools – “ván bài” for the drum base, “yếm bào” and “đòn ống” to create the resonant sound, “da bào” to smooth the drumhead, and “dao dựa” to carve intricate decorations. “ca hạt mớp”, “ca dọc”, wood splitters, planes, and knives further contribute to this intricate craft.

Doi Tam Drum Craft Village is a dedication to preserving a sound that has resonated through Vietnamese life for centuries. Each drum is more than just an instrument; it is a vessel of cultural memory, carrying the rhythm of Vietnam’s past into its future.

What to do in Doi Tam Village:

• Experience the drum-making process: Watch artisans make traditional drums using age-old techniques from scratch. 

• Try playing a drum: Feel the deep vibrations of a handcrafted drum as you learn basic rhythms from a village drummer.

• Attend a live drum performance: If visiting during festival season, you can witness a powerful and memorable drum performance that echoes the village’s rich culture and it definitely leaves you in awe of excitement.