Vietnam is one of the biggest handicraft suppliers in Asia with a rich cultural heritage and a thriving handicraft industry. The country is home to over 4,500 craft villages, including 400 traditional villages that employ over 12 million people and create millions of seasonal jobs for farmers. The handicraft industry generates more than $1 billion USD annually from exports alone. Today let's follow King Craft Viet in discovering interesting facts about the handicraft industry in Vietnam.

Traditional craft villages with a long history: Serene Life Amidst the Waves of Modernization

Vietnam is home to several traditional handicraft villages that have been preserved for centuries and are famous for their unique and skillful handicrafts. Vietnam handicraft exporters focus on natural materials such as water hyacinth, rattan or seagrass. One of the oldest handicraft villages in Vietnam was born 300 years ago.

Bamboo and rattan handicraft products are created by the experienced hands of Vietnamese women.

Some of the most famous traditional craft villages in Vietnam:

1. Bat Trang Pottery Making Village:

Bat Trang Pottery Making Village is a traditional pottery-making village located in Gia Lam district, Hanoi, Vietnam.  Renowned for its exquisite craftsmanship, this village produces a wide array of high-quality ceramics, including vases, bowls, plates, and decorative items, utilizing techniques passed down through generations of skilled potters.

2. Quat Dong Embroidery Village:

Also located in Hanoi, this village is famous for its embroidery craft. With a rich history dating back to the 17th century, this village is the birthplace of Vietnamese embroidery, recognized for its exceptional craftsmanship. The village's brand name has gained fame throughout the northern region and across the nation, thanks to its artisans' expertise in creating intricate embroidered pieces, including royal court garments.

      3. Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phuc Silk Village is a traditional weaving village located in the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam. Boasting a rich heritage spanning centuries, this village is renowned as one of the country's oldest and most prestigious silk weaving centers. Delight in the exquisite craftsmanship as local artisans create high-quality silk products that have captivated generations with their elegance and finesse.

These traditional craft villages have been deeply engraved in Vietnamese culture and lifestyle. They provide a glimpse into Vietnamese customs, traditions, and cultures through their products. They have been well-preserved from generation to generation and continue to generate economic benefits while helping to preserve Vietnam’s cultural and historical heritage. 

Products with Modern Designs that Still Embody the Ancient Values of the Vietnamese people

Vietnamese handicraft products are a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity. The colors and patterns on each handmade item are designed with diverse styles, sizes, and eye-catching colors that keep up with trends. However, this does not diminish the value of the traditional culture that each artisan incorporates into these handicraft products.

A prime example is the traditional Vietnamese bamboo tray, which has been modified with vibrant colors and varying sizes. The patterns are diverse and unique, woven into each product. However, the essence of the shape, material, and weaving technique remains unchanged for hundreds of years. In the past, it was used by ancient Vietnamese people for storing goods, food, drying grains, and as a rice threshing floor. Today, the bamboo tray is also used as a unique decoration for homes and restaurants.

The conical hat, known as the iconic symbol of Vietnamese women, has become a traditional beauty associated with the image of the Vietnamese people. It is not just a rain or sunshade, but also holds the historical treasure of the Vietnamese people's rice civilization. Nowadays, these conical hats have been modified with unique patterns and vibrant colors printed on them."

A Growing Market - "Spearhead" of the cultural industry

The handicraft industry in Vietnam is experiencing growth and has the potential for export. According to the Vietnam Handicraft Exporters Association (VHEA), the global demand for handicrafts is substantial, with a market value of $100 billion USD.

Vietnam's handicraft industry encompasses five product groups: bags, purses, suitcases, hats, and umbrellas; toys, sports equipment, and parts; ceramics; rattan, bamboo, seagrass, sedge products; and art wood products. Many of these products are highly sought after in foreign markets, including ceramics, rattan and bamboo products, handmade embroidery, and textile products.

Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, Vietnam's export of handmade products has continued to grow. Shipments of rattan, bamboo,...products increased by 25 percent year-on-year, reaching $542 million USD in the last 11 months. Additionally, exports of ceramics grew by 7 percent, reaching $517 million USD. The country also has greater opportunities for export due to its participation in significant free trade agreements such as CPTPP and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

With greater opportunities opening up from free trade deals and a growing demand for eco-friendly products worldwide, Vietnam’s handicraft industry is poised for growth in the coming years.

If you’re considering importing handicrafts from Vietnam, you can reach out to King Craft Viet. King Craft Viet is an experienced handicraft manufacturer and exporter in Vietnam with many lines of handmade products diverse in color, use and design.