Where to Visit in Vietnam: Traditional Villages Beyond the Tourist Path

Have you ever encountered difficulty in deciding where to visit in Vietnam? If so, this article is for you.

Vietnam's traditional villages, a treasure trove of culture and handicrafts, can be found in almost every region of the country. If you're traveling through the provinces, be sure to add a visit to one of these charming villages to your itinerary.

Join CHUS to discover the beauty of Vietnam's craft villages and add them to your travel plans today!

6 traditional villages in Vietnam that you can’t miss

1. Quang Phu Cau incense village (Ung Hoa, Hanoi)

Located in Ung Hoa district, about 35 kilometers from the city center, Quang Phu Cau has been making incense for over 100 years. It's one of the most beautiful craft villages in the Northern Delta, and it's a great place to learn about Vietnamese culture.

When you arrive, you'll be greeted by the sight of thousands of incense sticks dried in the sun. From a distance or from above, the bundles of incense look no different than clusters of blooming flowers. It's a truly breathtaking sight, and you can't help but feel the sense of peace and tranquility that surrounds the village.

2. Van Phuc silk village (Ha Dong, Hanoi)

Van Phúc silk village, a charming and historic craft village in Ha Dong district, is one of the most beautiful silk weaving villages in Vietnam. With a history spanning over a thousand years, Van Phúc silk is renowned for its exquisite beauty, high durability, and enduring cultural significance. This is a really good traditional village to visit when you come to the capital city. 

A stroll through the village's narrow streets reveals a treasure trove of silk shops, where visitors can marvel at the vibrant colors and intricate patterns of the silk fabrics on display.

3. Chuon Ngo mother-of-pearl inlay village (Phu Xuan, Hanoi)

Chuon Ngo, a traditional mother-of-pearl inlay village hidden in Phu Xuan district, Hanoi, has a rich and storied history dating back nearly a thousand years. Specializing in the intricate art of mother-of-pearl inlay on furniture, the village's artisans have passed down their skills and traditions from generation to generation. Mother-of-pearl inlay craft creates artisanal furniture items such as cabinets, tables, and storage boxes. These handcrafted pieces exude an elegant and antique charm, reminiscent of ancient Vietnamese aesthetics.

Despite the many ups and downs it has faced throughout history, Chuon Ngo has persevered and continues to thrive today, earning its reputation as one of the oldest and most renowned craft villages in Vietnam.

4. Sa Huynh salt village (Duc Pho, Quang Ngai)

Quang Ngai province is renowned for its stunning coastline and the long-standing salt-making village of Sa Huynh, a vital salt granary in the Central region of Vietnam.

Nestled in Duc Pho district, the southernmost part of Quang Ngai, Sa Huynh's name originally spelled “tsar”, meaning "golden sand," aptly captures the village's magnificent natural beauty.

5. Bau Truc ceramic village (Ninh Phuoc, Ninh Thuan)

Bau Truc Pottery Village, a centuries-old treasure trove of Cham culture, is nestled in Ninh Phuoc district, Ninh Thuan province. This picturesque village is renowned for its unique pottery making method, which is steeped in ancient Cham traditions and relies on the whims of nature.

Referred to as "Flowers blooming from the soil", ceramic products here are the essence of terracotta, the skilled hands of artisans and noble artistic values. If you have the opportunity to visit Ninh Thuan, make sure to include a visit to this place.

6. Chau Giang brocade village (Tan Chau, An Giang)

Chau Giang brocade village, a gem of the Mekong Delta, is a vibrant tapestry of Western and ancient cultures.

Nestled in Tan Chau district, An Giang province, this traditional village preserves the sophisticated art of brocade weaving, passed down from generation to generation.

Skilled artisans craft colorful brocades that embody the identity of the Southern people, with each pattern being a unique work of art.

Bottom lines

Each of the craft villages mentioned above is a testament to the rich diversity of traditional Vietnamese handicrafts. From the warm incense sticks of Quang Phu Cau to the shiny silk strips of Van Phúc, and to the salt grains cared for by Sa Huynh's salt makers, each place produces products that bear the cultural imprint and passion of the artisans.

CHUS hopes that this article has inspired you to add new destinations to your travel guide. But if there is a place that you miss the opportunity to visit or experience the unique products there, CHUS has you covered! We offer a wide range of quintessential Vietnamese items for you to explore.