Traditional Handicraft Villages in Hanoi

With a rich history of more than 1000 years, Hanoi becomes more and more modern and busy nowadays. However, there is another side of dynamic Hanoi, the more peaceful and quiet one. Visiting traditional handicraft villages, you will have a chance to discover the handicraft industry which has developed since the feudal period. Moreover, you can buy unique products as souvenirs or gifts for your friends and relatives.

1. Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Bat Trang ceramic village is about 20km to the south east of Hanoi Old Quarter. This village has more than 500 years of historic development. Bat Trang village specializes in producing pottery and porcelain which are well known from near to far.

When in Bat Trang, you can visit the local workshop to watch pottery making process. The most interesting activity in Bat Trang maybe try your hands in making your own ceramic products at the worshop. After finishing, you can bring your products home as souvenirs. The price for this service is incredibly cheap. You can buy ceramic products at the workshop or at the village ceramic market.

Near the ceramics market, there are some local food stalls serve snacks, local food.

To visit Bat Trang Village, you can go by bus, motorbike or take a biking tour.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village

2. Duong Lam Ancient Village

About 50km from Hanoi city center, Duong Lam ancient village is situated in Son Tay town. Beside of the ancient house collection, this village is also famous for producing ‘tuong’ (Vietnamese soybean sauce). Each family in Duong Lam has a few jars of ‘tuong’ in their house’s front yard.

Duong Lam Village

3. Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phuc is the most ancient silk village in Viet Nam. It is about 10km south west of the center of Hanoi. Traditional silk weaving has been developed in this village more than 1200 years. Van Phuc silk became the most famous silk brand in Viet Nam. Silk products of Van Phuc village is exported to many countries in the world. Nowadays, there are more than 100 shops create a ‘town of silk’ that sell beautiful and high quality silk products. Tourist can visit local house to discover the silk making industry and buy silk products as souvenirs. Price is different based on silk type.

Van Phuc Silk Village

4. Ha Thai Lacquerware Village

Ha Thai Lacquerware Village is situated at Duyen Thai commune, Thuong Tin District, suburban of Hanoi. Ha Thai village’s lacquer painting has developed for more than 200 years. Ha Thai’s products are diverse with thousands of different designs and models. If you have a chance to visit Hanoi, spend a little time to visit Ha Thai village to get a look at how the craftsmen here blow soul in art lacquer.

Ha Thai lacquer products are on display at the ‘Vietnam traditional craft village product’ exhibition area of Me Linh Plaza. Foreign guests can visit and go shopping on the way to the airport.