Handmade Products in Vietnam: Authentic Vietnamese Crafts, Silk, Pottery & Lanterns

Vietnam is renowned for its rich tradition of handcrafted artistry, featuring Van Phuc silk weaving in the North, Hoi An lanterns in the central region, and Saigon lacquerware in the South. Across artisan workshops, craft villages, and bustling local markets, visitors and traders alike can discover both timeless Vietnamese handicrafts and their modern interpretations. This guide is designed to help you navigate Vietnam’s vibrant artisan scene, explore craft villages, and purchase authentic Vietnamese souvenirs, whether for personal enjoyment or wholesale. By understanding regional specialities, product varieties, and practical buying strategies, anyone can confidently delve into the Vietnamese artisan market.

Who This Directory Helps: Buyers, Travellers & Retailers of Vietnamese Handicrafts

This guide is ideal for anyone keen to experience Vietnamese crafts firsthand, not just to buy them. Whether you are a traveller exploring Vietnam, a merchant seeking authentic Vietnamese products for your store, or someone venturing into wholesale sourcing, this resource has you covered. You’ll find contacts organised by region and craft, tips for purchasing directly from local artisans, advice on avoiding scams, and guidance on transporting Vietnamese handicrafts safely. For those looking to save time and access the most renowned artisan workshops and craft villages, booking a tailor-made itinerary with a local expert, such as Pickyourtrail, is the most efficient way to ensure an authentic and hassle-free experience.

How to Use This Guide: Map, Product Categories & Wholesale Tips

Think of this as your ultimate Vietnam craft map. Explore the regional directory to discover what interests you, and cross-reference with product categories and local search terms for authentic insights. Use the wholesale table as a guide to connect with suppliers, and follow the buying and shipping tips to avoid common mistakes. For a streamlined experience, consider a concierge-led itinerary, covering in days what could otherwise take months, to explore the finest handmade products in Vietnam.

1. Regional Directory: Best Artisan Villages & Markets in Vietnam

Region / City	Place & Local Name	What to Buy (Primary Categories)	Exact Address + Google Maps	Typical Price Range	Opening Hours & Seasonal Notes	Wholesale Availability & Contacts	Authenticity Notes / Thumbnail Tips
Hanoi, Bat Trang	Bat Trang Pottery Village (Làng gốm Bát Tràng)	Ceramics & pottery, housewares, decorative ceramics	Gia Lâm District (~13-15 km SE of Hanoi).	Not specified; variable	Open year-round; best in the dry season; workshops are busy daytime	Wholesale possible via fixer/itinerary specialist	Check glaze, brushwork, and kiln marks; bargain respectfully
Hanoi, Van Phuc	Van Phuc Silk Village (Làng lụa Vạn Phúc)	Silk textiles, lụa, garments, scarves	Van Phuc Ward, Hà Đông District, Hanoi.	Regular silk: VND 70,000/m; Premium: VND 100,000/m	Year-round; best Dec-Mar for quieter tailoring stalls	Retail and some wholesale on request; best with guide/fixer	Real silk is cool, slippery, subtle shine; ask for proof of source
Hanoi, Old Quarter	Hang Gai (Silk Street), Hang Bac, Dong Xuan Market (Chợ Đồng Xuân)	Silk, textiles, jewellery, headwear, souvenirs, nón lá	Dong Xuan St, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.	VND 10,000 for conical hats, others vary	Day: 07:00-18:00; Night markets weekends	Wholesale available; easier via a fixer	Check weave, frame, and bargaining expected
Hoi An	Thanh Hà Pottery Village, Kim Bồng carpentry, lantern makers, tailors	Pottery, woodwork, lanterns, and tailored clothes	Thanh Hà Village, riverside, near Hoi An Old Town.	Pottery ₹895-4,475; Lanterns ₹135-585	Open daily; best Feb-Apr, evenings ideal for lantern vibe	Retail + small-batch wholesale; artisan-led workshops	Lanterns collapse for travel; check joints and silk quality
Ho Chi Minh City (Saigon)	Ben Thanh Market, Binh Tay (Chợ Lớn), An Đông Market, Tay Son lacquerware streets	Textiles, lacquerware, jewellery, souvenirs	Ben Thanh: Lê Lợi, District 1.	Ao dài: VND 700,000-1,500,000; Pearls: ~VND 3,000,000	Ben Thanh Day: 07:30-18:00; Night: till midnight	Wholesale in An Đông; easier via a fixer	Lacquerware: multiple layers = real; check hallmarks for jewellery
Hue & Central Vietnam	Phước Tích pottery, lacquer workshops	Traditional pottery, lacquerware, and embroidered goods	Phuoc Tich Pottery Village (near Hue).	Variable	Open year-round; check the weather	One-workshop affairs; use the itinerary provider	Pottery shows faint tool/kiln marks
Craft Village Roundup	Quảng Phú Cầu (incense), Chuông (hats), Sapa embroidery cooperatives	Incense, conical hats, ethnic textile crafts	Search by village name: Sapa Embroidery	Varies by intricacy	Seasonal access; wet season harder	Mostly retail; wholesale via local fixer	Stitch density, plant dyes, maker’s name = authenticity
Island & Regional Markets	Phú Quốc night market (Dinh Cậu), Quy Nhơn jewellery stalls	Shell & pearl jewellery, snacks, souvenir crafts	Dinh Cậu Night Market, Duong Dong, Phu Quoc.	Pearls: ~VND 3,000,000; others variable	Night markets dusk-late	Retail mostly; established brands or fixer for pearls	Real pearls provide paperwork; ask for proof

2. Product Categories & Signature Finds in Vietnam

• Silk: Van Phuc lụa, ao dài, VND 70,000-100,000/m
• Pottery & Ceramics: Bat Trang pottery, Thanh Hà workshops, ₹895-4,475
• Lacquerware: Sơn mài, Saigon, Hue, Kim Bồng
• Furniture & Woodwork: Kim Bồng carpentry village
• Pearls & Jewelry: Phú Quốc, Quy Nhơn, Saigon; starter ~VND 3,000,000
• Lanterns & Bamboo Goods: Hoi An; ₹134-577
• Embroidered Textiles: Sapa; check stitch density, plant dyes, maker credentials
• Traditional Souvenirs: Nón lá, Dong Xuan & Ben Thanh markets

Tip: Workshops give hands-on experience and authentic souvenirs.

3. How to Buy Smart in Vietnam: Authenticity, Bargaining & Quality Checks

• Silk: Cool, slippery, mulberry silk; verify origin.
• Pottery/Ceramics: Look for brush marks, glaze, and kiln stamps.
• Lacquerware: Deep, multi-layered; avoid light mass-produced pieces.
• Jewellery & Pearls: Require certificates and hallmarks.
• Lanterns & Bamboo: Check joinery, silk tension, foldable for travel.

Bargaining Tips: Start low, use VND, expect banter, and request written validation for high-value items.

4. Wholesale, Online Sourcing & Contacting Suppliers in Vietnam

• Market hubs: Ben Thanh, Dong Xuan, An Đông; small-batch Vietnam wholesale
• Craft villages & workshops: Bat Trang, Thanh Hà, Van Phuc; custom runs
• Manufacturers/exporters: Vet references on B2B portals

Preparation: Clear product specs, budget for samples, benchmark Vietnam market prices.

5. Shipping, Customs & Export Practicalities (2025)

• Documents: Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, craft certificates
• Packing: Double-wall boxes, bubble wrap, moisture absorbers, label in English & Vietnamese
• Shipping Methods: Couriers for small items; air/sea freight for large shipments
• Export Notes: Bamboo, plant fibre, untreated wood – check quarantine protocols.

6. Itineraries, Quick Filters & Handy Resources

• Hanoi (1-day): Bat Trang, Silk Street, Dong Xuan Market
• Hoi An (half-day): Thanh Hà pottery, Kim Bồng woodwork, lantern workshop
• Saigon (half-day): Ben Thanh, An Đông, Binh Tay

Hacks: Go early, book workshops in advance, consider concierge/fixer operators like Pickyourtrail.

7. Start Your Craft Adventure in Vietnam

• Deep-dive: silk, pottery, lacquerware authenticity, shipping and insurance
• Book ahead: lantern/pottery workshops (₹895-4,475
• Time market circuits: Hanoi (Old Quarter + Bat Trang or Van Phuc), Saigon (Ben Thanh day/night)
• Sourcing checklist: samples, factory photos, export paperwork, pearl certification
• Let a local operator handle logistics: travel, visits, translation, negotiation, export coordination.

Bottom Line: Buy the Authentic Vietnamese handcrafted items

Vietnamese handcrafted items will never be considered just a souvenir, but rather as part of the culture. Van Phuc silk or Hoi An lanterns have a story of skill and tradition of the artisan. The preparation plays an important role in exploring handmade crafts in Vietnam: learn about regional specialities, recognise genuine products, and find out how to logistically source them as a retailer or wholesaler. Proper organisation, the respect of craftsmen, and the local knowledge are all the chances that every tourist or consumer could have a satisfying craft experience in Vietnam.

FAQs: Buying Handmade Products in Vietnam

Q1: Where can I find authentic Vietnamese silk?

A: Van Phuc Silk Village (Làng lụa Vạn Phúc) near Hanoi, Hang Gai Street, Hoi An tailors, and An Đông Market in Saigon. Look for mulberry silk and subtle shine.

Q2: Top pottery villages in Vietnam?

A: Bat Trang (Hanoi) and Thanh Hà (Hoi An). Check glaze, brushwork, and kiln marks. Workshops (₹895-4,475) confirm authenticity.

Q3: How to ensure products are genuine?

A: Check texture, origin, kiln stamps, multi-layer lacquer, and certificates forjewelleryy/pearls.

Q4: Can I buy wholesale from craft villages?

A: Yes, mostly via a local fixer or curated itinerary. Dong Xuan and An Đông markets also offer wholesale options.

Q5: How should I ship fragile items?

A: Use double-wall boxes, bubble wrap, padded inserts, and insurance. Include documentation for pearls/jewellery.

Q6: How to avoid scams?

A: Avoid prices below labour cost, check artisan credentials, use a fixer, and request receipts and certificates.