Besides historical sites, flavorsome cuisine, Hanoi has many amazing things. There are many hidden craft workshops in this bustling city. I believe that this post will show you another aspect of Hanoi.
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#1 Paper Mask Workshop
Hide after a bustling city, do you believe that it still exists some craft workshops as the paper mask workshop. For the paper mask making, you can join at No.73 on Hang Than Street in the Old Quarter. This is the only family still preserving this traditional craft-making although the paper mask faces stiff competition with colorful plastic masks. The host is a mid-age couple from Hanoians and so friendly, hospitable. When you visit their family, they will teach you step by step to complete a perfect paper mask, share their own stories.
Note: You should come with your tour guide because the local host can not communicate in English.
#2 Handmade Leather Workshop
Hanoi possesses many beautiful landscapes but seems just for sightseeing. Be similar to the paper mask workshop above but at this handmade leather workshop, you could make the leather products so useful for yourself. For example a leather wallet for containing your passport, money, credit cards or copies of your Vietnam visa or a leather phone case. I highly recommend the DIY box for you. It is located at 56 Hang Duong Street, Ba Dinh District.
#3 Pottery Workshop
Located about 17 km from downtown Hanoi, there is a traditional village named Bat Trang. This is an ancient village lying on Red river bank specializing in making and selling ceramic, pottery. Experiencing nearly 1000 years old, Bat Trang now still maintains its attraction with many international tourists around the world. There are plenty of keeps you occupied in this village. You will have a chance to visit the ancient houses, see firsthand the making process of pottery in the workshop and make your own product there. For a featured lunch, you can visit some local restaurants including many traditional delicacies. And if you want to leave Bat Trang bringing the unique souvenirs for relatives and friends, you can take some time to stroll around the old pottery village.
#4 Zó Paper Workshop
Zó Paper workshop is a special project of some Vietnamese young people. It starts from Vietnamese craft products passion, they want to preserve, support and expand the unique Vietnamese traditional paper named Dó. I believe you certainly feel their optimism, energy, and responsibility when you visit Zó paper workshop at 26 Tho Xuong street, Hoan Kiem. There, you will be guided to make the special dó paper products and can buy eye-catching dó paper gifts.
In the upcoming posts, I will share with you some helpful travel tips about:
– How to apply for Vietnam visa
– Tips to avoiding Vietnam visa scams
Thank you and see you