Recently updated on November 27th, 2023 at 05:25 pm
Over the centuries Vietnam has become known for the quality of its artisans and the products they make. Methods have remained unchanged over hundreds of years as skills are passed down from generation to generation. We take a look at some of Vietnam’s skilled craftsmen and how visitors can experience a little of these long-held traditions in Vietnam.
Many people begin their Vietnamese journey in the culturally-rich capital Hanoi where modern life intertwines with centuries of tradition, which is richly represented in the frenetic city’s Old Quarter. It’s also in the capital that one of the country’s most curious folk arts is showcased; the Northern Vietnamese art form of water puppetry. Illustrating scenes of rural life throughout history, this tradition goes back around 800 years, combining the artistry of carving and decorating puppets, with the execution of performances depicting folkloric tales.
On the route between Halong Bay and Hanoi, then lies the Dong Trieu district, which is the area of Vietnam most noted for its ceramics. Even though this tradition has long been dominant here, Dong Trieu’s cooperative of artisans was developed in the ’50s, with the purpose of retaining the techniques used, as well as the decorative style that’s so unique to the region. Those travelling through can see these local ceramicists at work, while seeing for themselves the distinct decorative designs of Dong Trieu.
Moving down the map of Vietnam’s creativity is the UNESCO World Heritage town of Hoi An, where silk is sold in the colourful market, and where lanterns decorate the old merchant houses that lie along well-preserved streets. These lanterns have more significance than their decorative appeal, too, representing luck, happiness and wealth to locals. And as these lanterns are such an integral aspect of Hoi An’s culture, local artisans host workshops in lantern making.
Of course this isn’t the only craft visitors can try their hand at. In Hue, the artisan Triet Do is known for his expertise in Enamel Hue, a specific enamelware used in imperial structures and by royalty during the Nguyen Dynasty – an art that was lost for around 200 years, before going through a revival. Now, guests have the chance to meet and learn from this respected artisan, who in collaboration with goldsmiths, silversmiths and specialists in metal crafting and pottery, paints enamel onto ornamental objects with finesse.
On reaching the south, a river journey along the small canals of the Mekong Delta with Trafalgar takes visitors to a village where guests can meet a former soldier who now earns a living making rice paper. The rice paper sheets that encase fresh ingredients to form summer rolls are made by first grinding rice and water to make a dough. This dough is then thinly spread into perfect circles, which are covered with a bamboo lid before being steamed. Each one is then cooled and dried to end up with the final product.
While this is just a cross-section of the artisans keeping Vietnam’s traditions alive, meeting these craftsmen as they showcase the work they take such pride in undoubtedly gives visitors a ticket to the heart of the country.
Travel through Vietnam on the Highlights of Vietnam or Highlights of Vietnam with Cambodia trip with Trafalgar.
Image credits: Cover photo of the lanterns in Hoi An © iStock / panyajampatong. Water Puppetry © iStock / Leo Dang. Ceramics in Vietnam © iStock / Blues and Views. Hoi An Lanterns © iStock. Rice paper Makers © iStock / Bart Co.