- Apr 23, 2025
Vietnamese Dó Paper: A Tradition That Lives On
Throughout history, countless new materials have emerged. Yet, it’s a blessing that certain traditional materials quietly persist - like cultural currents that never run dry.
Vietnamese Dó paper is a living testament to this legacy. What’s even more remarkable is that this material not only preserves ancient craftsmanship but also gracefully adapts to the pulse of modern life.
What makes its journey so fascinating? And what makes gifts made from Dó paper so unique? Let CHUS take you on an inspiring exploration of this age-old Vietnamese tradition.
What is Vietnamese Dó Paper?
Vietnamese Dó paper (poonah paper) is a traditional type of handmade paper crafted from the bark of the dó tree (poonah), a species found in the mountainous regions of Northern Vietnam. With a history spanning more than 1,000 years, this unique Vietnamese paper was once the primary medium for recording scriptures, imperial documents, royal decrees, and especially the famous folk paintings like Đông Hồ.
Vietnamese Dó Paper Craft Exhibition Area at the Vietnamese Literature Museum (Image via
The standout features of this type of paper:
- Exceptional durability, resistant to decay over time
- Naturally ivory-white tone, offering a rustic and organic beauty
- Tough and resilient, yet soft and lightweight
- Naturally resistant to termites and mold
Dó paper is not only durable and high-quality but also rich in the identity of Vietnam's traditional craft villages (Photo: Zó Project)
The Art of Dó Papermaking
The traditionally handmade process of Vietnamese Dó paper is intricate and requires great patience and skill from artisans. The craft involves meticulous steps such as:
1. Harvesting Materials
Only dó trees aged between 3–5 years are selected. The bark is stripped during the ideal harvesting season.
2. Prepping the Bark
The outer black bark is husked off and the inner bark is sun-dried to prevent mold. It’s then soaked for 2–3 days to soften.
3. Boiling the Bark
The bark bundles are soaked in limewater, boiled continuously for 10 hours, then fermented for a day and night until soft and odorless.
4. Selecting the Core
The finest, smoothest white core is used for high-grade paper. Any remaining dark spots or knots are removed. The bark is then soaked again for 7 - 10 days to eliminate lime and resin.
5. Pulping
The pre-treated bark is ground into a fine pulp using a mortar and pestle or specialized mill.
6. Creating the Paper Mixture
The pulp is mixed with clean water and sap from the mo tree (a natural binder) to create a sticky solution.
7. Sheet Formation
Using a bamboo screen (called liềm xeo), artisans skillfully swirl the pulp mixture in a large vat to form even, thin sheets.
8. Pressing and Drying
The sheets are gently pressed to remove excess water and dried under the sun layer by layer.
Crafting each sheet of Vietnamese Dó paper requires intense attention and care
Each traditional paper-making village in Vietnam - like Đống Cao (Bắc Ninh province) and Yên Thái (Hà Nội) - has its own secret techniques, adding distinctive cultural signatures to their paper.
Returning to a traditional Vietnamese Dó paper village (Photo: Vietnam News Agency)
Vietnamese Dó Paper in the Modern World
Once reserved for dynastic record-keeping, Vietnamese Dó paper has evolved to thrive in the modern era. Historically, it was used to print Buddhist scriptures, folk paintings, and official documents. Today, it inspires contemporary artists and artisans to craft beautiful artworks and creative souvenirs.
While modern Vietnamese Dó paper retains its soulful heritage, it has been refined in texture, color, and application. The fusion of traditional craftsmanship with contemporary aesthetics has birthed a range of Vietnamese Dó paper handicrafts that appeal to today’s lifestyle and design preferences.
The allure of traditional materials like poonah paper remains strong (Photo: Zó Project)
7 Unique Gifts Made from Vietnamese Dó Paper
1. Dó Paper Paintings
These paintings offer a subtle yet elegant charm, with evenly absorbed colors that last for decades. They make refined and thoughtful gifts for art lovers and cultural enthusiasts.
From Đông Hồ folk paintings to artistic works by painter Vũ Thái Bình (Image: VOV Vietnam)
2. Dó Paper Fans
Handheld fans made with Dó paper are both functional and decorative. A wooden fan frame wrapped in Vietnamese Dó paper, adorned with modern or playful designs, makes for a chic souvenir suitable for all ages.
3. Dó Paper Notebooks
These notebooks combine vintage aesthetics with practicality. They're perfect gifts for note-takers and dreamers, featuring thick handmade paper covers and creative designs.
Dó paper reimagined in a modern, charming style (Photo: Hana Mascot | CHUS)
4. Dó Paper Lamps
Vietnamese Dó paper emits a warm, gentle glow from lanterns to table lamps. Often crafted with bamboo or wooden frames, these poonah paper handicrafts bring nature and comfort into any living space.
Modern Dó paper lamps still carry timeless, classic elegance (Photo: Việt Make)
5. Dó Paper Greeting Cards
Thanks to its fine texture and ink-absorbent qualities, Dó paper makes stunning greeting cards. These are often embossed, hand-painted, or decorated with handmade elements- ideal for special occasions.
6. Dó Paper Calendars
More than just date-keepers, these calendars carry a rustic, traditional vibe. Printed manually and adorned with artistic motifs, they’re popular among office workers who appreciate cultural flair.
7. Dó Paper Gift Boxes
Crafted with wooden or bamboo frames, then decorated with Dó paper art, these boxes exude natural beauty. Even as a decorative accent, Dó paper adds a distinct charm that elevates any gift it contains.
Gift boxes decorated with dó paper dó remain a quite common selection for traditional gift
Why Do Foreigners Love Vietnamese Dó Paper Products?
1. Sustainability: Eco-Friendly and Chemical-Free
Vietnamese Dó paper stands out for its completely handmade production process, using only natural materials and no harmful chemicals. This makes Dó paper handicrafts particularly appealing to tourists from developed countries, where environmental awareness is high. Gifts made from Dó paper are appreciated not only for their beauty but also for their gentle impact on the Earth.
2. Leaving a Mark Through Simplicity
The rustic beauty and cultural stories behind each Vietnamese Dó paper product make them uniquely special in the eyes of international travelers. These handmade Vietnamese gifts offer a tangible connection to the traditions of ancient craft villages. Visitors often see more than just a souvenir – they feel the spirit of Vietnamese folk art embedded in every fiber.
Dó paper creates souvenirs that are simple yet refined – perfect for sharing a piece of Vietnam with the world.
3. Lightweight and Ideal for Vietnamese Souvenirs
Souvenirs made from Vietnamese Dó paper are lightweight, easy to fold, and convenient to carry – meeting the needs of travelers who want to bring something back home without taking up too much luggage space. This is why items like Dó paper fans or notebooks have become popular Vietnamese souvenirs. Their practicality blends with tradition, creating gifts that are easy to love and easy to give.
4. A Hit Among Art and East Asian Culture Enthusiasts
Lovers of Asian art and admirers of East Asian culture are particularly drawn to the texture and aesthetic of Vietnamese Dó paper. Within each sheet, they find shades reminiscent of regional styles, yet unmistakably imbued with Vietnamese identity. This harmony of familiarity and uniqueness comes from the artistry of Vietnamese craft villages – where generations of skill and soul meet.
Conclusion
Gifts made from Vietnamese Dó paper offer a truly different kind of present—not flashy or extravagant, but profound and emotionally resonant. If you are looking for a gift that carries cultural depth and a sense of legacy, Vietnamese Dó paper products are an unmissable choice.
And CHUS – a platform dedicated to honoring Vietnamese craftsmanship – is ready to accompany you on that journey. Explore meaningful, handcrafted gifts from Vietnam today on CHUS!
