Vietnam is home to some of the most stunning and intricate handicrafts in the world. From the northern highlands to the southern deltas, the country has a wealth of artistic traditions that have been passed down through generations. You must check out the best places to visit in Vietnam. These handicrafts in Vietnam reflect the rich cultural heritage of the country and have played a crucial role in its economy for centuries. The various craft traditions are a window into the lives of the Vietnamese people, showcasing their resourcefulness, creativity, and dedication to their art. Handicrafts in Vietnam also serve as a bridge between the past and the present, keeping old traditions alive while adapting to modern needs. Travel during the best time to visit Vietnam, and enjoy exploring these art forms.
Whether it’s the silk weaving in Hanoi or the delicate wood carvings from traditional workshops, Vietnam’s artisans produce work that speaks to the country’s history and spirit. Visitors to the country are often drawn to these handicrafts, not only because of their beauty but because they represent the handicraft traditions of Vietnam.
You must follow our travel tips to Vietnam for a breezy tour. Travelers can take home a piece of Vietnam’s culture by purchasing items from busy markets or visiting a handicraft workshop in Vietnam to learn the techniques firsthand. The following guide will explore the top 15 traditional handicrafts in Vietnam, each one a testament to the craft heritage of this beautiful country which you can experience with our Vietnam tour Packages!
1. Lacquerware
One of the most renowned handicrafts in Vietnam is lacquerware, a craft that dates back centuries. Vietnamese lacquerware is prized for its glossy surface, created through the application of numerous layers of resin. Each layer is meticulously sanded down before the next is applied, creating an impeccable finish. The pieces are often decorated with gold leaf, mother-of-pearl inlays, or intricate hand-painted designs. This craft thrives in both northern and southern regions of the country, with cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City being major production hubs. Lacquerware products, including bowls, vases, and trays, make for authentic souvenirs of Vietnam, representing a perfect blend of artistry and utility.
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2. Silk Weaving
Vietnam is internationally known for its silk, and the art of silk weaving in Vietnam has been practiced for thousands of years. Villages such as Van Phuc, near Hanoi, are famous for their high-quality silk production. The smooth texture and brilliant colors of Vietnamese silk are widely admired, and it is used to create everything from scarves to the iconic Ao Dai, Vietnam’s traditional long dress. Visitors often take tours of handicraft workshops in Vietnam, where they can observe the entire process, from spinning the silk threads to weaving them into fabric. Silk weaving remains a vital part of the handicraft traditions of Vietnam, with artisans passing their skills down through generations. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
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3. Wood Carvings
Wood carvings in Vietnam are renowned for their intricate detail and artistry. This craft is particularly prominent in villages such as Son Dong, where artisans produce religious statues, altarpieces, and decorative furniture. Vietnamese wood carvers work with a variety of woods, including teak and rosewood, creating both functional and decorative pieces that reflect Vietnam’s cultural and spiritual heritage. The skill of these artisans is extraordinary, making wood carving one of the most popular forms of art in Vietnam. Whether it’s a finely carved Buddha statue or an intricately detailed piece of furniture, the wood carvings of Vietnam represent the country’s deep connection to both nature and spirituality. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
4. Dong Ho Folk Painting
Known as one of the best things to do in Vietnam, Dong Ho Village, located in northern Vietnam, is famous for its Dong Ho folk paintings. These traditional woodblock prints are known for their vivid colors and simple yet powerful depictions of rural life, legends, and folklore. The prints are made using natural materials like bamboo leaf ink and crushed seashells for the pigments. Dong Ho paintings were traditionally displayed during the Lunar New Year, and today they are cherished both as artworks and as historical artifacts that highlight the handicraft traditions of Vietnam. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
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5. Bat Trang Pottery
Bat Trang, located near Hanoi, is one of Vietnam’s most famous pottery villages. Bat Trang ceramics are known for their durability and intricate designs, which include both traditional and contemporary styles. The village has been producing pottery for over 700 years, and its products are found in homes throughout Vietnam and around the world. Visitors can explore the village’s many shops or participate in a handicraft workshop in Vietnam, where they can try their hand at making their ceramic pieces. These workshops offer a firsthand look into one of the most ancient and revered handicraft traditions of Vietnam. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
6. Embroidery
Vietnamese embroidery is famous for its intricate and delicate designs. Artisans typically depict landscapes, animals, or scenes from daily life, all sewn by hand onto silk or cotton fabrics. Handicrafts in Vietnam like these embroidered pieces are treasured both locally and internationally for their fine craftsmanship. Villages such as Quat Dong are known for their embroidery traditions, which have been passed down for generations. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
7. Vietnamese Water Puppetry
Vietnamese water puppetry is one of the most unique and celebrated traditional art forms in the country. The puppets are intricately carved from wood and painted with vibrant colors, representing characters from Vietnamese folklore and history. This traditional form of entertainment dates back over 1,000 years, and the puppets themselves are considered prized authentic souvenirs of Vietnam.Suggested Read: Phu Quoc
8. Conical Hats (Non-La)
The Non-La conical hat is one of the most recognizable symbols of Vietnam. Crafted from palm leaves, bamboo, and rattan, these hats are not only practical, protecting wearers from the sun and rain, but also highly symbolic of Vietnamese culture. In regions like Tay Ho near Hue, artisans produce conical hats with intricate designs woven into the structure, including poems or decorative patterns. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
9. Ao Dai (Traditional Costume)
The Ao Dai traditional costume is a symbol of Vietnamese elegance and tradition. While the Ao Dai itself is a garment, its design is deeply rooted in Vietnam’s artistic culture. Many Ao Dai dresses are handmade from silk and feature elaborate embroidery, showcasing the skill of Vietnam’s artisans. The Ao Dai is a beloved traditional art in Vietnam and continues to be worn at special occasions and cultural festivals. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir. Suggested Read: Hon Tre Island Travel Guide
10. Bamboo and Rattan Weaving
Bamboo and rattan weaving is a widespread traditional handicraft in Vietnam, particularly in rural areas. Artisans create baskets, trays, furniture, and even intricate decor items from these natural materials. This craft is celebrated for its sustainability, as bamboo and rattan are abundant and renewable resources in Vietnam. Products woven from bamboo and rattan are both functional and beautiful, making them popular authentic souvenirs of Vietnam. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
11. Lacquer Painting
While lacquerware is a well-known craft, lacquer painting in Vietnam takes this art form to another level. These paintings are created using traditional lacquer techniques but feature intricate, hand-painted scenes. The resulting works are not only glossy and vibrant but also highly detailed, making them a cherished part of the unique arts in Vietnam. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
12. Silk Embroidery Paintings
Another specialized form of embroidery, silk embroidery paintings depict traditional Vietnamese scenes and are so intricately crafted that they resemble actual paintings. These pieces are made by hand, with each stitch carefully placed to create highly detailed, lifelike images. They are a fusion of traditional silk embroidery and fine art, often considered among the most popular forms of art in Vietnam. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir. Suggested Read: Adventure Activities in Vietnam
13. Bronze Casting
Bronze casting is one of Vietnam’s oldest crafts, dating back to the Dong Son culture. Artisans create intricate bronze items, from small figurines to large gongs used in ceremonial events. This ancient tradition is still alive in villages like Dai Bai, where the handicraft traditions of Vietnam are preserved through the production of both artistic and functional items. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir.
14. Handcrafted Paper Lanterns
Handcrafted paper lanterns are an integral part of cultural festivals in Vietnam, particularly the Mid-Autumn Festival. These lanterns come in all shapes and sizes and are often decorated with traditional designs. Hoi An is particularly famous for its lantern-making, where visitors can take part in workshops and learn to craft their lanterns. It is among the best handicrafts in Vietnam that you can buy as a souvenir. Conclusion
The handicrafts in Vietnam are not just objects; they are expressions of the country’s soul and history. From lacquerware to silk weaving, traditional handicrafts of Vietnam have been passed down through generations, preserving the skills and artistry of the past while adapting to modern times. By visiting handicraft workshops in Vietnam or exploring handicraft markets in Vietnam, travelers can gain a deeper understanding of the country’s cultural richness and perhaps take home a piece of this fascinating heritage. The enduring appeal of these crafts, from wood carvings in Vietnam to ceramic art in Vietnam, highlights the remarkable creativity and dedication of Vietnamese artisans.
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