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Traditional Craft Villages In Ba Be And Its Surrounding

Located in Bac Kan province, the Ba Be region is not only famous for its majestic lake but also its traditional craft villages in Ba Be, where various ethnic groups continue to practice crafts passed down through generations. These villages offer a unique dive into the cultural soul of Northern Vietnam and are an essential stop for travelers seeking authenticity. Discover these iconic villages with Autour Asia - a Vietnam travel agency!

I. Why visit the traditional craft villages in Ba Be?

The traditional craft villages in Ba Be offer much more than a simple tourist visit. They are true guardians of a unique cultural heritage, passed down with passion through the ages. Each craft you will discover here is deeply rooted in the history of the different ethnic groups living around the lake: Tay, Dao, H'mong… These communities have preserved ancient techniques that tell the story of an authentic Vietnam, far from the hustle and bustle of urban life.

Visiting Pac Ngoi, Coc Toc, Bo Lu, or Ban Cam will help you understand how craftsmanship is intimately connected to the daily lives of the locals. Traditional weaving, bamboo work, and wood carving are not only means of livelihood but also forms of artistic and spiritual expression. Each crafted item carries a message, belief, or ancestral ritual.

The traditional craft villages in Ba Be are also perfect places for those looking for meaningful souvenirs. Unlike mass-produced industrial objects, each handmade creation you find here has a soul. Whether it's a hand-woven scarf, a rattan basket, or a meticulously carved wood sculpture, each piece tells a unique story.

Moreover, visiting these villages directly contributes to local sustainable development. By purchasing an artisan product, you support artisan families and encourage the preservation of local traditions. You also promote more respectful and equitable tourism.

Exploring the traditional craft villages in Ba Be with a Vietnam travel agency offers the advantage of having experienced guides who know the communities and their customs. They will allow you to have authentic experiences, interact with the locals, and better understand the richness of the local culture.

If you are an art enthusiast, passionate about traditions, or simply curious to discover an unknown side of Vietnam, these villages will be an unmissable part of your journey.

II. Top 4 traditional craft villages in Ba Be

1. Pac Ngoi Village – Traditional weaving of Tay people

• Vietnamese name: BảnPác Ngòi
• Address: Pac Ngoi Village, Nam Mau Commune, Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Access to the village is free. However, entry to Ba Be National Park is charged: approximately 25,000 VND (about 1 USD) per person.
• Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/aFRTJPTzQZL5PqZa7

Pac Ngoi Village, located on the shores of Ba Be Lake, is predominantly inhabited by the Tay ethnic group. This ethnic group are known for their ancient art of weaving. For centuries, Tay women have handcrafted cotton and hemp fabrics dyed with natural pigments. This tradition makes Pac Ngoi one of the most iconic traditional craft villages in Ba Be.

Tay weaving is recognized for its delicate geometric patterns and understated yet elegant colors, reflecting harmony with nature. Each piece tells a story, whether it’s about agricultural seasons, local festivals, or mythological legends.

The fabrics of Pac Ngoi have become highly sought-after artisanal products. They are often used to make traditional clothing and home decor items. They also make excellent souvenirs for visitors, as they embody both the aesthetic and the history of the region.

A trip with a Vietnam travel agency will allow you to witness weaving demonstrations, meet the artisans, and understand the cultural value of this precious art.

2. Coc Toc Village – Bamboo and rattan art

• Vietnamese name: Bản Cốc Tộc
• Address: Coc Toc is a small village peacefully located within Ba Be National Park
• Entrance fee: Access to the village is free
• Google map: https://maps.app.goo.gl/qghgPDd58F9es6LM8

Not far from Pac Ngoi, Coc Toc Village is also a major stop on the itinerary of traditional craft villages in Ba Be. Here, the art of bamboo and rattan takes center stage, carried on by the Tay and Dao inhabitants.

The artisans of Coc Toc handcraft baskets, hats, mats, and furniture from locally sourced bamboo and rattan. Their weaving techniques, passed down through generations, impress with their finesse and durability. The hand-woven patterns often symbolize prosperity, longevity, or fertility.

Bamboo and rattan craftsmanship is considered a local specialty and is an emblematic skill of the traditional craft villages in Ba Be. These handcrafted objects are both aesthetic and functional, perfect for taking home a piece of Vietnamese soul. They are particularly suited as souvenirs: light, natural, durable, and carrying the history of Northern Vietnam.

3. Bo Lu Village – A major craft village in Ba Be

• Vietnamese name: Thôn Bó Lù
• Address: Next to Ba Be Lake, Nam Mau Commune, Ba Be District (ask locals or your guide for detailed instructions)
• Entrance fee: Access to the village is free

Bo Lu Village is often the starting point for exploring the traditional craft villages in Ba Be. This Tay village, surrounded by terraced rice fields and lush mountains, is also home to many talented artisans.

In Bo Lu, traditional crafts are diverse: weaving, basketry, and even woodcraft are present. The artisanal skills are deeply ingrained in daily life. The locals still use ancient techniques to create products used in traditional festivals or for trade.

Although Bo Lu is better known for its tourist-friendly atmosphere and traditional stilt houses, visitors can also purchase unique handcrafted items. Taking home a handmade object from Bo Lu helps directly support the local community and provides an authentic souvenir from Vietnam.

4. Cam Village – Wood carving in Ba Be Vietnam

• Vietnamese name: Thôn Bản Cám
• Address: Ban Cam Village, Nam Mau Commune, Ba Be District, Bac Kan Province, Vietnam
• Entrance fee: Access to the village is free

Ban Cam is another gem among the traditional craft villages in Ba Be. Nestled between forests and rice fields, this village is famous for its wood carving art. Here, artisans – mostly members of the Tay ethnic group – skillfully craft religious objects, furniture, and decorated doors and windows.

The wood carving of Ban Cam stands out for its traditional motifs: dragons, lotus flowers, scenes of daily life, and symbols of good fortune. Each piece is made by hand with remarkable patience, using primarily jackfruit and banyan wood, known for their durability.

Ban Cam’s works are highly appreciated throughout the region, with some pieces considered true works of art. While these carvings can sometimes be large, many smaller objects (figurines, frames, jewelry boxes) make perfect souvenirs.

Visiting the traditional craft villages in Ba Be allows travelers to discover an authentic Vietnam, shaped by the passionate work of its local ethnic groups. These encounters with ethnic communities and their historically rich objects offer travelers unique memories. To fully explore these cultural treasures, it is recommended to travel with a Vietnam travel agency specializing in authentic and respectful tours of local heritage. In Ba Be, craftsmanship is not just a profession, it is the living soul of a region waiting to be discovered with awe.