Dong Ho Folk Art Village
Dong Ho Folk Art Village
Dong Ho Folk Art Village
Dong Ho Folk Art Village
The cradle of traditional Vietnamese woodcut printing with a 400-year history.
Bac Ninh
Traditional Village
Arts & Crafts
Dong Ho village is a unique place where living cultural heritage meets modernity. For over 400 years, the art of woodblock printing has been carefully preserved here. Visiting the village offers an opportunity to witness the process of making paper from dó tree bark, working with natural paints, and the rare printing mastery that was inscribed on the UNESCO list in 2024. This is an ideal destination for those who want to experience authentic Vietnamese culture and history.
- Visit duration
2–3 hours
- Average budget
from $25
- Admission
Free (donations to artisans)
- Current weather
26 °C, clear
- Best months
Jan – Feb
- Local language
Vietnamese, English
What you need to know
The village is located in Bac Ninh province on the banks of the Duong River. The tradition of "Dong Ho paintings" originated here in the 17th century. Today, the craft is preserved by only three families, including master craftsmen Nguyen Dang Che and Nguyen Huu Sam.
What to see:
- Workshops of generational artists preserving 18th-19th century printing blocks.
- The process of creating "diep" paper, which possesses a unique pearlescent sheen.
- Galleries of finished woodcuts with traditional themes: from legends to everyday scenes symbolizing wishes for prosperity.
Of particular interest is a visit to the home of master Nguyen Dang Che, which houses about 1,200 antique printing blocks. Here, you can not only observe the meticulous work of the artisans but also try your hand at printing on traditional paper yourself.
The time leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) is the most active period, when the village comes alive preparing prints to decorate homes.
On-site
- Getting there
Highway 38 (35 km from Hanoi) or Bus 204
- Accommodation
Hotels in Bac Ninh city from $20
- Getting around
Walking
- Cash
Essential for purchasing paintings
- Connectivity
4G
- With kids
Ok for ages 6+