Vietnam is a land where culture is woven from the hands of artisans, the scent of natural materials, and centuries of stories passed down through generations. Stretching from North to South, the country’s traditional craft villages are living museums—places where time slows down and every carved line or woven thread reflects pride, skill, and identity.
If you want to truly understand Vietnam beyond its landscapes and cuisine, these five iconic craft villages will take you into the heart of its heritage.
With more than 700 years of history, Bát Tràng is Vietnam’s most renowned ceramic village. Nestled along the Red River, its narrow alleys are filled with clay-scented air, glowing kilns, and artisans shaping pottery with remarkable precision.
Bát Tràng ceramics are known for their durability, diverse glazes, and elegant motifs—from daily household goods to artistic masterpieces.
For visitors, the highlight is the hands-on experience: shaping your own pottery on a traditional wheel, a memorable keepsake to bring home.
Located beside the Đuống River, Đông Hồ is the cradle of Vietnam’s best-known folk painting tradition. Each artwork is printed using wooden carving blocks, natural mineral colors, and dó paper made from tree bark.
The paintings depict everyday life, Vietnamese values, and humorous folklore—with iconic pieces such as “The Rat’s Wedding” and “Mother Pig & Piglets.”
Visitors can watch artisans mix natural pigments, carve wooden blocks, and try printing their own folk painting following the original centuries-old technique.
Replacing silk with scent, Central Vietnam’s most iconic craft village is Thủy Xuân, located at the foot of Vọng Cảnh Hill in Huế.
For centuries, this village supplied incense for royal ceremonies, pagodas, and festivals of the Imperial City. Today, it is famous for its vibrant bundles of incense—red, yellow, green, and purple—drying under the sun like blooming flowers.
The incense is crafted from natural materials such as cinnamon, agarwood powder, and aromatic herbs, resulting in a gentle, warm fragrance unique to Huế.
Visitors can stroll through photogenic streets lined with colorful incense bouquets, watch artisans hand-roll incense sticks, and learn about the spiritual traditions that have shaped the livelihood of this historic village.
Just a short ride from Hội An, Thanh Hà Pottery Village is a peaceful riverside community known for its reddish-brown pottery made from local clay. Unlike the glazed and decorative ceramics of Bát Tràng, Thanh Hà’s products emphasize traditional shapes, simplicity, and earthy beauty.
Visitors can walk through small workshops, see artisans shaping vases, cups, and figurines, and learn how the craft has been preserved for over 500 years.
The Thanh Hà Terracotta Park is a must-see highlight—an impressive outdoor museum featuring miniature clay replicas of world landmarks and Vietnam’s historical sites.
In the heart of Tây Ninh, Trảng Bàng Rice Paper Village stands as one of Southern Vietnam’s most celebrated culinary craft traditions. For generations, local families have perfected the art of making bánh tráng—thin, delicate rice papers that have become a signature of the region. Unlike ordinary rice paper, Trảng Bàng’s version is known for its soft texture, subtle fragrance, and versatility, often enjoyed fresh, grilled, or dipped in rich peanut sauce alongside local herbs and boiled pork.
Exploring this village offers a closer look at the meticulous process: stone-grinding rice into silky batter, steaming each sheet over charcoal, and sun-drying them under the golden southern sun. The simplicity of these steps belies the patience and precision required to achieve the village’s distinctive flavor and quality. For food lovers and cultural travelers alike, Trảng Bàng provides a warm, intimate window into southern Vietnamese craftsmanship—where daily life and culinary artistry blend seamlessly.
From the ancient kilns of the North to the silk looms of Central Vietnam and the colorful weaving of the Mekong Delta—each craft village is a doorway into the soul of Vietnamese culture.
To explore these places authentically, meaningfully, and at a pace that lets you feel the artistry behind every creation, let Asian Rainbow Travel guide your journey.
👉 Contact Asian Rainbow Travel today to design a personalized cultural itinerary that brings you closer to Vietnam’s timeless craftsmanship.
Member of Vinh Xanh Tourism Company Limited
Top Destination
Information