Explore the Rich Artisan Heritage of Hanoi: A Cultural Journey through the City’s Historic Craft Villages

Published on December 9, 2025

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital, is well-known for its historic landmarks and vibrant culture. However, venturing beyond the typical tourist destinations reveals a side of the city that is deeply rooted in traditional craftsmanship. The Hanoi Department of Tourism’s recent initiative, launched in October 2025, invites visitors to explore the lesser-known but captivating artisan villages at the city’s southern gateway. These tours introduce visitors to a tapestry of age-old crafts, ranging from tailoring to inlay art, that are still practised in these villages.

A New Cultural Tour Experience

As part of the “Southern Thang Long Heritage Route – The Essence of Vietnamese Craft Villages”, the Hanoi Department of Tourism has created an immersive cultural experience. This one-day tour links the communes of Dai Thanh, Hong Van, Ngoc Hoi, and Chuyen My, each holding unique ties to the rich cultural traditions of Vietnam. These villages offer an insight into the craftsmanship that has been handed down through generations, from the intricate art of lacquerware to the fine tailoring techniques of Van Tu Village.

This new route, aptly named “The Gathering of Quintessence,” is designed to preserve and showcase the essence of Vietnam’s artisan heritage, while also contributing to the cultural preservation and economic development of these communities. By encouraging tourism in these regions, the initiative not only offers travelers an unforgettable experience but also ensures the survival of these traditional practices.

Chuyen My: A Hub of Inlay Art and Lacquerware

Situated approximately 40 kilometres from the heart of Hanoi, Chuyen My commune is home to one of Vietnam’s most treasured artisan traditions: the art of mother-of-pearl inlay. This craft, which involves embedding delicate pieces of pearl into wood or other materials to create stunning patterns, is deeply embedded in the village’s identity. The Nationally Recognized Shrine to the Ancestors of Inlay Craft stands as a testament to the origins and ongoing preservation of this ancient tradition.

Apart from its inlay art, Chuyen My is also known for its lacquerware, a practice that has flourished here for centuries. Visitors to the commune can witness artisans at work, meticulously crafting lacquered objects, ranging from decorative pieces to functional items. The village is a must-visit for anyone fascinated by Vietnamese craftsmanship, offering a rare opportunity to observe the intricate processes behind each masterpiece.

Additionally, the commune has made strides in integrating tourism with its cultural heritage. The transformation of the old primary school campus into a 12,000-square-metre craft exhibition and shopping centre has made it a focal point for both locals and tourists. This creative hub also serves as a platform for promoting OCOP (One Commune, One Product) goods, linking cultural preservation with sustainable tourism.

Van Tu: A Legacy of Tailoring Excellence

The village of Van Tu is celebrated for its long-standing tradition of tailoring, particularly for its expertly crafted suits. For over a century, the village has upheld its reputation for producing high-quality garments, which are not only sought after in domestic markets but are also exported internationally. Despite the changing times, the art of suit tailoring remains strong in Van Tu, with around 1,000 active workshops and retail outlets that continue to offer bespoke services to a growing clientele.

Tourists visiting Van Tu can gain insight into the tailoring process by observing skilled artisans at work, creating custom-made suits from scratch. Some workshops even offer visitors the chance to place their own orders, ensuring that the experience is both educational and interactive. The success of Van Tu lies in its ability to blend tradition with innovation, making it a model for preserving artisanal skills while also embracing modern business practices.

Cuu Village: A Living Museum of Vietnamese Architecture

Cuu Village, often referred to as a “living museum”, is a charming destination where visitors can experience the traditional architecture of Vietnam alongside remnants of its colonial past. Known for its unique East-West architectural fusion, Cuu is home to quaint French-inspired villas, which stand in stark contrast to the village’s more traditional structures, such as banyan trees and communal courtyards. This blend of historical influences makes Cuu a favourite spot for photographers, history enthusiasts, and architecture lovers alike.

The village’s prosperity during the French colonial era left a lasting mark on its appearance, with many of the French-style villas now serving as landmarks that attract both domestic and international visitors. Today, Cuu Village is actively working with the Hanoi Department of Tourism to position itself as a cultural destination. The village’s efforts to preserve its rich heritage, alongside its growing reputation for traditional tailoring, continue to attract a steady stream of tourists.

The Impact of Tourism on Craft Preservation

The collaboration between the Hanoi Department of Tourism and local artisans has proven to be a powerful catalyst for preserving traditional crafts while simultaneously promoting sustainable tourism. By offering visitors a chance to explore these craft villages, the region is creating a symbiotic relationship between cultural preservation and economic development. The focus is not only on showcasing the beauty of the crafts but also on ensuring that artisans can sustain their livelihoods through tourism.

In Chuyen My, for instance, local artisans have embraced technology to promote their craft, launching e-commerce platforms and offering training on livestreaming and online selling. This has allowed them to reach a broader audience, both locally and internationally. Meanwhile, in Van Tu, the tailoring tradition is being revitalised with custom orders and interactive tours, enabling tourists to engage directly with the craft.

Preserving Craftsmanship through Tourism

As Hanoi grows into a modern metropolis, these artisan villages serve as a reminder of the city’s cultural heritage. Through initiatives such as the “Southern Thang Long Heritage Route”, Hanoi is not only preserving its traditional crafts but also ensuring that they thrive in the face of modernisation. These villages help to preserve Vietnam’s cultural heritage for future generations by supporting local artisans and promoting sustainable tourism.

Travellers looking for a deeper connection to Vietnam’s history and culture will find these artisan villages to be a rewarding and unforgettable experience. They truly embody Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry, with their dedication to both craft preservation and tourism development.