Beyond the majestic citadel and ancient pagodas, Hue is dotted with traditional craft villages that have been weaving its tapestry of cultural identity for centuries. These villages contribute not only to the local economy but are also guardians of traditions that have been passed down through generations. From the delicate art of Thanh Tien paper flowers to the intricate craftsmanship of Phuong Duc bronze casting, we delve into the stories of these villages, discovering the hands that meticulously shape the essence of Hue's cultural tapestry.

Thuy Xuan Incense Village In Hue

Located about 7 km southwest of the city center, Thuy Xuan Incense Village is one of the oldest traditional craft villages in Hue, dating back over 700 years. Visiting Thuy Xuan, you will have the opportunity to marvel at a myriad of incense bouquets, filling the air with a gentle aroma of agarwood.

Incense holds significant cultural and religious importance in Vietnam, it’s commonly used in temples, pagodas, and households for ceremonies, rituals, and spiritual practices. At the village, you can witness the traditional craftsmanship, learn about the history of incense making, and even participate in the process. Initially, incense sticks were mostly brown or red, but nowadays they come in a lot of colors like pink, green, blue, etc. to make it more eye-catching.

You can buy Thuy Xuan incense sticks as a souvenir, the price ranges based on the type and fragrance of the bundle.

Phuong Duc Bronze Casting Village In Hue

The bronze-casting village of Phuong Duc was established in the early 17th century. Over the course of 400 years, the artisans of the village have used their skilled hands to create intricate bronze items such as vases, incense burners, lamp stands, religious articles, and everyday household items.

Many Phuong Duc products have become masterpieces, preserved in Hue Imperial City, including the 16 Bronze Cauldrons, the 9 Sacred Cannons, the 9 Dynastic Urns, etc.

Phu Cam Conical Hat Village In Hue

Phu Cam Conical Hat Village is located along the southern bank of the An Cuu River. Phu Cam Conical Hat Village was established in the 17th century when hat makers from neighboring regions migrated to this area to settle.

This village is renowned for various traditional conical hats, each type possesses distinct characteristics, showcasing the skillful craftsmanship of the traditional hat makers in this region.

There is actually a lot of meticulousness that goes into making a conical hat. There are roughly 15 steps, from harvesting leaves in the forest to drying, opening, ironing, leaf selection, constructing the rim, embossing, cutting, weaving the rim, and sewing, to create a conical hat that is both lightweight and beautiful.

Bao La Bamboo Knitting Village In Hue

Located approximately 15 kilometers north of Hue, Bao La Village is renowned for bamboo and rattan weaving. No one knows for sure how long the people have been practicing the craft, but it’s one of the most famous traditional craft villages in Hue.

Initially, weaving was not the primary occupation of the villagers; most were engaged in farming. They utilized their free time after the harvest season to weave and create household items. However, as these products gained popularity, with many buyers seeking them out, a market demand emerged, leading to specialization in production.

The type of bamboo chosen by the artisans for weaving is a special variety: straight, with long joints, commonly referred to as "lồ ô" bamboo. From these "lồ ô" bamboo poles, the skilled artisans have crafted baskets, trays, sieves, mats, etc.

Thanh Tien Paper Flower Village In Hue

Thanh Tien Village is renowned for its traditional craft of making paper flowers. This village lies along the southern bank of the Perfume River, and its craft has a history spanning over 300 years.

As a tradition in Hue, people would display paper flowers on ancestral altars. Each year, during the Lunar New Year, old flowers would be replaced. Thanh Tien paper flowers not only exhibit artistic beauty but also carry symbolic meanings rooted in the Confucian philosophy of ancient times. Typically, a branch of Thanh Tien paper flowers comprises three large blossoms in the center and five smaller ones around, symbolizing the Three Fundamental Bonds (father-son, lord-retainer, and husband-wife) and Five Constants Virtues (benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom, and trustworthiness).

Sinh Folk Painting Village In Hue

Sinh Folk Painting Village, also known as Lai An Village, is situated in Phu Mau, Hue. Sinh paintings were originally made for spiritual and religious purposes. There are around fifty different themes depicted in these paintings, people offer these paintings in worship to pray for peace, prosperity, safe childbirth, healthy growth of children, and recovery from illnesses. Nowadays, people also make folk paintings depicting themes like nature, people, the zodiac signs, etc.

The process of creating a complete Sinh painting involves seven steps: paper cutting, brush coating with varnish, pressing on woodblocks, drying the paintings, mixing colors, applying colors, and labeling. The paper used is Dó paper, and the woodblocks are made from jackfruit wood, either carved by the artists themselves or commissioned by skilled carvers. After smearing black ink on the woodblocks, artisans will then put the pieces of Dó papers on them, leave them to dry then color them. The colors are made from natural ingredients. 

Phuoc Tich Ceramics Village In Hue

Phuoc Tich Ancient Village in Phong Dien, Hue, is the second recognized national heritage village in Vietnam, following the Ancient Village of Duong Lam in Hanoi. The village boasts a serene and picturesque landscape with a renowned traditional craft: Phuoc Tich Pottery.

Historically, Phuoc Tich Ancient Village was established around 1470 during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong. Pottery became a tradition in the village, some products were even made for the royal family.

Over several centuries of existence, pottery-making has closely connected with the villagers and evolved into a prestigious brand. Phuoc Tich Pottery is crafted from clay and fired using traditional methods. The delicate and distinctive patterns on Phuoc Tich products set them apart, making them easily distinguishable from any other pottery.

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