Creativity

Traditional Craft Masterclasses

Create your souvenir with your own hands

ChillDry 2–4 hours Year-round 4 places

What it is and why

Traditional crafts are soul of Vietnam. Participation in master class allows not just buy ready thing, but understand philosophy of local masters. Whether it is creation of famous silk lanterns in Hoi An, pottery art in Thanh Ha village or painting of Bat Trang ceramics — each class turns into meditative process of immersion in history of country.

Such workshops usually pass in authentic family workshops, where knowledge is transmitted by generations. You will be able to work with natural materials: clay, bamboo, rice paper or natural dyes. This is ideal way to spend time in rainy day or rest from noisy streets of cities, creating something truly personal.

Where to do it in Vietnam

Points on the map are real places where this activity can be done. Numbers in the list match the markers.

Lanterns of Hoi An
Quang Nam
Workshops in Old town, where teach to make frame and cover it with silk.
Bat Trang ceramic village
Hanoi
Huge choice of workshops, where can personally mold vase on pottery wheel.
Thanh Ha ceramic village
Quang Nam
Ancient village under Hoi An, master classes in traditional style.
Non La hats in Hue
Thua Thien-Hue
Master classes on weaving of famous conical hats with patterns.

Tips

Book master classes on weekdays — on weekends can be many organized groups.
Do not hesitate to ask master to help on difficult stages — they are masters of their business and always happy to share experience.
Clarify if you can take product immediately; some ceramic products require firing in stove and will be ready only in day or two.
Come to workshop in clothes which is not pity to stain a little (especially for pottery wheel).

Caution

Be ready that in village workshops can be stuffy, especially in summer period.
Beware of "tourist factories", where master classes are put on stream — look for small family ateliers with reviews.