Hanoi’s Traditional Villages: A Thousand Years of Craftsmanship

Discover 8 long-standing traditional craft villages in Hanoi, where the cultural, historical, and artistic values of the thousand-year-old capital are preserved. Hãy nghe Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh) một travel blogger nổi tiếng bật mí .

Hanoi, a city with a thousand years of history, is not only famous for its cultural and historical relics but also for preserving its unique traditional craft villages. Each village holds its own cultural value, serving as a vivid testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the Vietnamese people across generations. Join me as I explore 8 long-standing traditional craft villages in Hanoi that I had the opportunity to visit.

1. Bat Trang Pottery Village

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Address: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi.

Bat Trang Pottery Village, located along the banks of the Red River, is one of the most famous craft villages in Hanoi, with a history of over 500 years. Visiting Bat Trang felt like stepping into a world of ceramics, where lifeless clay is transformed into intricate, artistic products by the skilled hands of the artisans. The experience of touching the pottery and witnessing the entire production process from start to finish was truly fascinating.

2. Chuong Conical Hat Village

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Address: Phuong Trung Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi.

Chuong Village, also known as Thanh Oai Conical Hat Village, is one of the oldest traditional craft villages in Hanoi. This village is renowned for its graceful, elegant conical hats, which have contributed to the traditional beauty of Vietnamese women. When I visited, the village exuded a peaceful atmosphere, with the gentle sound of tools crafting the hats resonating from every home, giving me a deeper appreciation of this simple yet meaningful cultural practice.

3. Van Phuc Silk Village

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Address: Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi.

Just about 10km from Hanoi’s center, Van Phuc Silk Village is a must-visit destination for those interested in traditional silk weaving. The silk products from Van Phuc are not only famous domestically but are also exported to many other countries. Stepping into the village felt like entering a vibrant world of soft, colorful silk, woven by the skilled hands of experienced craftsmen. Each piece of silk is a work of art, deeply imbued with traditional Vietnamese culture.

4. Vong Green Rice Village

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Address: Vong Village, Dich Vong Ward, Cau Giay District, Hanoi.

When it comes to Hanoi’s green rice (com), one cannot forget Vong Village, which has been associated with this craft for generations. Despite the city’s rapid development, Vong Village still retains its serene, simple charm. I was deeply impressed by the taste of the green rice here—soft, fragrant, and wrapped carefully in lotus leaves, bringing a sense of elegance and delicacy. Visiting Vong Village, I also had the opportunity to learn about the traditional process of making green rice, from harvesting young rice to the meticulous and elaborate final product.

5. Quat Dong Embroidery Village

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Address: Thuong Tin District, Hanoi.

Nestled within the bustling pace of the capital, Quat Dong Embroidery Village still retains the tranquility and beauty of traditional embroidery. During my visit, I admired the intricate and meticulous embroidery works created by the skillful hands of artisans. Walking through the village, the sound of needles clicking echoed around, blending with the distinctive scent of embroidery threads, creating a unique atmosphere that made me appreciate the dedication and passion of the embroidery craftsmen.

6. Son Dong Wood Carving Village

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Address: Hoai Duc District, Hanoi.

Son Dong Village, famous for its wooden statues and worship items, is one of the oldest craft villages in Hanoi. I was truly captivated by the intricate carvings, which carry a strong spiritual and artistic significance. What’s special about this place is the combination of traditional carving techniques with modern technology, allowing the products to retain their sophistication while meeting the demands of today’s market.

7. Nhi Khe Woodturning Village

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Address: Thuong Tin District, Hanoi.

Nhi Khe Woodturning Village is famous for its meticulously crafted wooden products, ranging from household items like bowls and plates to intricately decorated items like wooden statues and paintings. I was thrilled to see the beautiful products, created from raw wood by the skilled hands of artisans. The sound of the lathes turning, combined with the regular thuds of carving tools, created a lively and inspiring working environment.

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Address: Chuyen My Commune, Phu Xuyen District, Hanoi.

Chuon Ngo Mother-of-Pearl Inlay Village, with a history of over a thousand years, is the place where the unique art of mother-of-pearl inlay in Vietnam is preserved and developed. At Chuon Ngo, I witnessed firsthand the process of creating exquisite inlaid products, shimmering under the talented hands of the artisans. Each inlaid product here is a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, adding unique beauty and enriching the cultural and artistic heritage of the nation.

Hanoi’s traditional craft villages are not only places where exquisite handicrafts are produced but also living museums of culture and history. Each craft village has its own stories and distinctive characteristics, contributing to the diversity and richness of Vietnamese culture. If you have the opportunity, I highly recommend taking the time to visit these craft villages to gain a deeper understanding of the beauty and value of the country’s traditional culture

Nguyễn Thế Dương (Quảng Ninh)