Nestled in Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh is a destination of breathtaking landscapes and timeless traditions, recognized by UNESCO for its outstanding natural beauty. While places like Trang An and Tam Coc often steal the spotlight with their dramatic karst scenery, Ninh Binh has much more to offer beyond its iconic landmarks. Scattered across its peaceful countryside are traditional craft villages, where age-old skills have been passed down through generations. Visiting these villages allows travelers to connect with authentic local culture, witness the artistry of Vietnamese craftsmen, and bring home truly meaningful souvenirs. In this article, we will guide you through the Top 10 Traditional Craft Villages in Ninh Binh that European travelers should not miss on their journey to Vietnam.

What Makes Ninh Binh’s Craft Villages Special?

Visiting Ninh Binh’s traditional craft villages is more than just a sightseeing stop—it is an immersive cultural journey. Each village offers something different, from the warmth of local hospitality to the beauty of centuries-old skills. Here are some of the reasons why these villages are truly special:

Experience Authentic Culture and Connect with Locals

Traditional craft villages are living museums where time-honored customs are still part of everyday life. By visiting, you step into the daily rhythm of rural Vietnam, meeting artisans in their own homes and workshops. It is a unique chance to connect with locals, share smiles, and learn their stories beyond the typical tourist path.

Discover Generations of Handicraft Skills

Each village preserves techniques that have been handed down for centuries, from delicate embroidery to intricate stone carving. Observing these processes offers a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s heritage, showing how artistry and tradition continue to shape local identity today.

Join Hands-on Workshops

Many villages welcome travelers to roll up their sleeves and try the craft themselves—whether it is throwing clay on a potter’s wheel, weaving mats from rush, or practicing simple embroidery stitches. These interactive experiences create unforgettable memories and allow you to appreciate the skill behind every handmade product.

Bring Home Sustainable and Unique Souvenirs

Unlike mass-produced goods, items from Ninh Binh’s craft villages are eco-friendly, made from natural materials like wood, rattan, and stone. Choosing these pieces means not only supporting local artisans and preserving traditional craftsmanship but also promoting sustainable tourism. Each handmade item—from a woven basket to a carved stone statue—carries the warmth, creativity, and soul of the people who made it. Taking one home is more than just buying a souvenir; it’s bringing with you a story of heritage, culture, and responsible travel.

Top 10 Traditional Craft Villages in Ninh Binh

Ninh Van Stone Carving Village

Location: Xuan Vu Village, Ninh Van Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

If you are looking for a place that truly showcases the soul of Ninh Binh’s heritage, Ninh Van Stone Carving Village is a must-visit. For more than 400 years, stone carving has been part of everyday life here, with nearly every family carrying on the tradition. What sets Ninh Van apart is not just the skill of its artisans, but the scale of their creations—majestic works that grace temples, pagodas, tombs, and monuments across Vietnam.

Walking through the village, you can watch talented craftsmen turn rough stone into beautiful statues, animal figures, flower pots, and even elegant tables and chairs. Each piece feels alive, telling its own story through the hands of the maker. Despite the changes of time, Ninh Van remains a proud guardian of this unique art form—waiting for you to come, explore, and be inspired.

Van Lam Embroidery Village

Location: Ninh Hai Commune, Hoa Lu District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

Tucked right beside the famous Trang An Landscape Complex, Van Lam Embroidery Village is one of the oldest and most charming craft villages in Ninh Binh. For over 800 years, embroidery has been a way of life here—legend says it was first taught during the Tran Dynasty by Lady Tran Thi Dung, who passed down her skills to the villagers.

Even today, the tradition is alive in every home. From children just learning to sew to elderly artisans with decades of experience, embroidery frames are a common sight in Ninh Hai. Watching their nimble hands bring delicate patterns to life is like seeing art painted with thread. Visitors will find a variety of hand-embroidered treasures—clothing, pillowcases, table linens, and framed artworks—each piece carrying the patience, beauty, and soul of Vietnamese tradition. Van Lam is not just a place to shop, but a place to connect with history and craftsmanship that continues to inspire.

Gia Thuy Pottery Village

Location: Gia Thuy Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

Nestled in Gia Thuy Commune, Nho Quan District, lies a small but charming pottery village that has been crafting clay products for more than 50 years. What makes this place special is the unique yellow-brown clay found only in the area—smooth, sticky, and wonderfully heat-resistant, perfect for shaping into beautiful ceramics.

As you wander through the village, you’ll see rows of wine jars, water pots, and storage vases, each one decorated with patterns and countryside scenes that reflect the soul of rural Vietnam. More than just functional items, these pieces tell stories of tradition and artistry passed down through generations. A visit to Gia Thuy Pottery Village is not only a chance to admire its craftsmanship but also to bring home a piece of Ninh Binh’s cultural heritage.

Phuc Loc Carpentry Village

Location: Phuc Loc Village, Ninh Phong Ward, Ninh Binh City, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

Phuc Loc Carpentry Village is the only traditional woodworking village in the area—and it’s a true treasure for anyone who loves craftsmanship. For centuries, the artisans here have transformed raw wood into exquisite works of art, from intricate carvings for temples and pagodas to elegant furniture pieces that carry a distinctly Vietnamese spirit.

In the old days, every step—chiseling, cutting, planing—was done completely by hand. That dedication and creativity helped Phuc Loc’s reputation spread across Northern Vietnam, and today the village is still known for its finely carved statues, altars, and luxurious wooden furniture. Visitors can also discover one of its rarest traditions: the restoration of ancient wooden houses, a delicate craft passed down from father to son, holding secrets that even modern architects cannot replicate.

A stroll through Phuc Loc Carpentry Village is more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to witness living heritage, meet talented artisans, and feel the pride that flows through every finely carved detail.

Kim Son Sedge Weaving Village

Location: Near the Phat Diem Cathedral historical site, Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

As you explore the craft villages of Ninh Binh, Kim Son Sedge Weaving Village is one you simply shouldn’t miss. For generations, the people here have cultivated sedge and turned it into beautiful handicrafts. The village is especially famous for its Kim Son sedge mats, known across Vietnam for their durability and elegant patterns.

Today, the creativity of local artisans goes far beyond mats—you’ll find everything from carpets and baskets to handbags, trays, and even home décor pieces, all made from natural sedge. What’s more, Kim Son products have already made their way to more than 20 countries around the world. A visit here not only supports sustainable local livelihoods but also lets you experience the pride of a community that has kept its traditional craft alive for centuries.

Bo Bat Pottery Village 

Location: Bach Lien Hamlet, Yen Thanh Commune, Yen Mo District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

Among Ninh Binh’s remarkable traditional craft villages, Bo Bat Pottery Village is often called the “cradle” of Bat Trang Pottery, with roots stretching back thousands of years. The village was at its height during the 10th century, celebrated for its elegant white ceramics and the masterful skills of its craftsmen.

Today, wandering through Bo Bat, visitors can discover a wide variety of ceramics—from simple bowls, cups, and plates used in daily life to charming flower vases, wind chimes, ceramic paintings, and even artistic sculptures. Each piece carries traditional patterns and vibrant glazes, making Bo Bat pottery not just functional but also deeply cultural. A visit here offers the chance to step into Vietnam’s ceramic heritage and perhaps bring home a unique keepsake crafted by local hands.

Kim Son Rice Wine Village

Location: Kim Son District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

Kim Son rice wine is the result of the perfect fermentation of a special variety of sticky rice from the lowland fields of Kim Son, known as Nep Cai Hoa Vang. The rice is fermented with traditional herbal yeast made from 36 medicinal herbs, then distilled with natural well water, creating a crystal-clear liquor with a distinctive aroma and refined flavor.

More than just a local specialty, Kim Son rice wine is also believed to offer health benefits. Despite its relatively high alcohol content, it is remarkably smooth—leaving drinkers relaxed and comfortable without the headache, fatigue, or dizziness often associated with other spirits. This makes it a must-try cultural and culinary experience for visitors exploring Ninh Binh.

Yen Mac Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua Village)

Location: Yen Mac Commune, Yen Mo District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

If you visit Ninh Binh, one treat you shouldn’t miss is Nem Chua Yen Mac, a traditional specialty that captures the rustic charm of the Vietnamese countryside. Making it is an art in itself—fresh pork is finely mixed with shredded skin, roasted rice powder, garlic, chili, and pepper before being carefully wrapped in guava and banana leaves. After 3–4 days of natural fermentation, the rolls are ready to enjoy.

Served with fresh herbs, fig or guava leaves, and a dip of garlic–lime fish sauce, Nem Chua offers a perfect harmony of flavors: slightly sour, lightly spicy, and wonderfully aromatic. Pair it with a cup of local rice wine on a cool evening, and you’ll discover why this humble dish has become such a beloved part of Ninh Binh’s culinary heritage.

Khanh Thien Traditional Culinary Village

Location: Yen Khanh District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

For centuries, the peaceful countryside of Khanh Thien has been known for its traditional food-making craft, especially simple yet delicious rice-based dishes. From rice cakes and sticky rice cakes to fried cakes, mung bean cakes, and even sweet potato or honey cakes, the village has kept alive a rich culinary tradition rooted in farming life.

Its most famous specialty is the sesame rice cracker from Phong An hamlet. Baking these crackers is a patient, hands-on process—each one grilled over charcoal and flipped again and again until perfectly crisp. Fresh from the fire, the crackers are light, crunchy, and wonderfully fragrant, often enjoyed with peanuts or shredded coconut. Tasting them is like savoring a little piece of Vietnam’s countryside—humble, affordable, yet unforgettable.

Sinh Duoc Herbal Village

Location: Hamlet 4, Gia Sinh Commune, Gia Vien District, Ninh Binh Province, Vietnam.

At the foot of the mountains near the famous Bai Dinh Pagoda lies Sinh Duoc Village, literally meaning “the place where medicinal plants live.” Once known in legends for curing kings with rare local herbs, the village today is home to more than seven hectares of medicinal fields and a large workshop producing over 30 herbal products. From soothing foot soak salts and essential oils to natural soaps and balms, everything is crafted from local plants like lemongrass, basil, honeysuckle, and moringa.

Beyond its herbal treasures, Sinh Duoc invites travelers to enjoy eco-tourism and wellness experiences. Visitors can relax with herbal hot baths, traditional massages, explore the Bodhi Art Gallery, taste local dishes, or stay in homestays surrounded by fragrant medicinal fields. It’s a unique destination where culture, nature, and well-being come together—offering a truly refreshing stop in Ninh Binh.

Top 10 Traditional Craft Villages in Ninh Binh: Embrace the Living Heritage of Ninh Binh

Over centuries, Ninh Binh’s traditional craft villages have weathered changes and challenges, yet their spirit and artistry remain deeply alive. Each handmade piece is more than an object—it is a story of resilience, creativity, and the pride of generations. Visiting these villages is not only about admiring beautiful crafts but also about stepping into the heart of Vietnamese culture, meeting artisans, and experiencing traditions that continue to shape everyday life.

So, on your journey through Ninh Binh, don’t just stop at the famous landscapes. Take time to wander into its villages, join a workshop, or bring home a handcrafted souvenir. You will leave with more than memories—you’ll carry a piece of Vietnam’s living heritage with you.

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