Where to Go in Hanoi for an Unforgettable Cultural Journey?

Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, stands not only as the political and cultural heart of the nation, but also as a birthplace of time-honored crafts. Surrounding this historic city are a number of villages that have long been guardians of traditional skills, stories, and the spirit of Vietnamese artisans, passed down through generations. Let’s explore some of the most traditional craft villages you can visit! 

1. Quang Phu Cau Incense Village (Làng hương Quảng Phú Cầu)

📍 Quang Phu Cau, Ung Hoa District, Hanoi
Ideal for: Photography, cultural discovery, traditional crafts.
Best time to visit: January–March (before Tet holiday).

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Quang Phu Cau is famous for its vibrant, hand-rolled incense sticks dyed in striking red, pink, and yellow hues. Incense making here is a deeply rooted tradition that supports hundreds of households. The village is particularly picturesque during the drying process, when bundles of incense form colorful flower-like displays.

2. Bat Trang Pottery Village (Làng gốm Bát Tràng)

📍 Bat Trang village, Gia Lam District, Hanoi (about 13km southeast of Hanoi Old Quarter)
Ideal for: Family trips, hands-on experiences, art lovers
Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM

Bat Trang Pottery Village

One of Vietnam’s most well-known craft villages, Bat Trang has been producing ceramics for over 700 years. The village is famous for its high-quality pottery, featuring traditional and modern designs. Visitors can try their hand at wheel-throwing and painting ceramics at local workshops.

3. Thu Sy Bamboo Fish Trap Village (Làng đan ló Thủ Sỹ)

📍 Thu Sy village, Tien Lu District, Hung Yen Province (40km from Hanoi)
Ideal for: Rural tours, eco-tourism, photography

Thu Sy Bamboo Fish Trap Village

This village specializes in making traditional fish traps from bamboo, a skill that has existed for over 200 years. The conical fish traps are not only functional tools but also beautiful examples of rural craftsmanship.

4. Yen Nhan Soy Sauce Village (Làng tương bần Yên Nhân)

📍 Yen Nhan Town, My Hao District, Hung Yen Province (about 25km from Hanoi)
Ideal for: Culinary lovers, traditional food tours
Tip: You can buy bottles of Tuong Ban directly from local producers

Yen Nhan Soy Sauce Village

Yen Nhan is renowned for its traditional soy sauce (Tuong Ban), made from soybeans, glutinous rice, and salt through a slow, natural fermentation process. The sauce is a staple in northern Vietnamese cuisine and carries a deep, umami-rich flavor.

5. Chuong Conical Hat Village (Làng nón Chuông)

📍 Phuong Trung Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi (30km southwest of the city center)
Ideal for: Cultural souvenirs, photography, craft demonstrations
Highlight: Visit during local festivals to see hat-making contests

Chuong Conical Hat Village

This village is famous for crafting non la – the iconic Vietnamese conical hat. Using palm leaves, bamboo, and a lot of patience, artisans here create durable and beautifully shaped hats that are both functional and symbolic.

6. Van Phuc Silk Village (Làng lụa Vạn Phúc)

📍 Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi (10km from central Hanoi)
Ideal for: Fashion lovers, shopping, history enthusiasts
Opening hours: Open daily, best visited in the morning

Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phuc is Vietnam’s oldest and most prestigious silk weaving village. Known for its smooth texture and elegant patterns, the silk from Van Phuc was once used in royal courts. Today, the village is a popular destination with showrooms, workshops, and a walking street showcasing silk products.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with the culture and people of these traditional craft villages — plan your visit today and create unforgettable memories!