There is nothing that speaks to the culture of a country like the exquisite creations of its artisans, using hand held tools and techniques passed down from generations of forebearers. Vietnam today is no exception to this rule and is host to handicrafts produced by local people from a diverse kaleidoscope of ethnic groups spread over the entire country, each with their own rich culture and history.
It is not uncommon, particularly in the North of the country for regions to organise themselves into entire “craft villages” – small communities where the inhabitants work together to create particular products where they have acquired traditional expertise and raw materials are plentiful or locally grown and harvested.
Whether its pottery, weaving and tapestry, basket making, jewellery, embroidery, horn-craft, wood and stone carving, lacquerware or leathercraft there are a plethora of uniquely created pieces that will look great on a mantlepiece, in a hard to fill corner of your home, on a bed or sofa, or simply worn as a fashion accessory.