Discover the essence of Vietnam’s rich cultural history through its artistic traditions. Immerse yourself in the vibrant world of crafts and contemporary art as you engage with artisans who have mastered the preservation of Vietnam’s diverse heritage. From centuries-old folk art to modern expressions, this journey offers a profound understanding of the country’s creative legacy.
Vietnamese Art Heritage: An Artistic Journey Through Vietnam’s Culture
11 Days
Hanoi – Hue – Hoi An – Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta
Trip Highlights
- Meet a leading expert on contemporary Vietnamese art
- Explore ancient craft villages where traditions have been preserved for centuries
- Participate in a workshop on Vietnam’s unique royal enamel art
- Visit the studio of an emerging contemporary artist Day-by-Day Journey
Itinerary Summary
Day 1: Hanoi | Introduction to Vietnamese Contemporary Art
Begin your exploration in Hanoi, a city blending French colonial charm with a burgeoning art scene. Accompanied by a local curator, visit galleries and museums showcasing Vietnam’s contemporary artists who are redefining the nation’s cultural narrative. A highlight of your day is a visit to the private studio of a prominent American art director, recognized for her expertise in Vietnamese contemporary art. Discover her exclusive collection and learn the stories behind these modern masterpieces.Day 2: Hanoi | Artisans of the Old Quarter
Explore the bustling streets of Hanoi’s Old Quarter, known for its “36 streets of 36 trades.” Meet with a master water puppet craftsman in his home studio to learn the ancient art of water puppetry, a traditional Vietnamese performance rooted in folklore. Later, visit the home of an artisan specializing in ‘Hang Trong’ paintings, a folk art dating back to the 17th century. Witness the creation of these intricate works, passed down through generations.Day 3: Hanoi | Dong Ho Village Folk Art
Escape the city for the peaceful countryside as you visit Dong Ho Village, home to Vietnam’s iconic woodblock paintings. This 300-year-old craft is made using ‘dzo’ paper from tree bark. Despite the village’s declining number of artisans, the remaining families are deeply committed to keeping this tradition alive. Meet an elder craftsman and gain hands-on experience in creating a folk painting that reflects Vietnam’s cultural soul.Day 4: Hanoi – Hue | Revival of Royal Enamel Art
Arrive in Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue’s royal history is reflected in its artistic legacy, including the intricate Phap Lam enamel art, which once adorned imperial tombs and palaces. This craft, revived after a period of decline, uses copper as a base for colorful enamel designs. At a local workshop, under expert guidance, create your own piece of Phap Lam to take home as a souvenir of this ancient art form.Day 5: Hue | Folk Painting and Paper Flower Craft
Travel to the surrounding villages of Hue, where artisans continue age-old crafts. Meet an artist practicing a 400-year-old folk painting technique using natural materials such as red earth and bamboo ash. Then, bike through the scenic countryside to Thanh Tien Village, where you’ll discover the delicate craft of making paper flowers, a 300-year tradition used in religious rituals and ancestor worship. Try your hand at creating a beautiful paper lotus flower with the help of a local artisan.Day 6: Hue – Hoi An | Lantern Making in the Ancient Town
Journey along the stunning Hai Van Pass to the charming town of Hoi An, famous for its silk lanterns that illuminate the streets. Visit a local family that has passed down the craft of lantern making through generations. Design your own lantern, selecting the fabric and shape, and craft a piece that captures the spirit of this enchanting town.Day 7: Hoi An | Pottery and Bamboo Craft
Explore the traditional craft villages around Hoi An, starting with Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Known for producing high-quality ceramics for centuries, this village offers you a chance to try your hand at pottery making. In the afternoon, meet an artisan who specializes in bamboo craftsmanship, learning how this versatile material is transformed into everyday objects and intricate art pieces.Day 8: Danang – Ho Chi Minh City | Contemporary Art Scene
Fly to Ho Chi Minh City, a metropolis with a thriving contemporary art scene. A modern art scholar will accompany you to visit the Fine Arts Museum, galleries, and Saigon Salon, showcasing the bold works of young Vietnamese artists who are pushing boundaries and challenging traditional norms. This is a city where art meets modernity, offering a fresh perspective on Vietnam’s cultural evolution.
Day 9: Ho Chi Minh City – Mekong Delta | Traditional Drum Craft
Head into the Mekong Delta, stopping first at Long An to visit Binh An Drum Village, where local families have been producing buffalo-skin drums for over 200 years. At a family-run workshop, see firsthand how these unique instruments are made. Continue your journey with a visit to a mat-weaving village, an intricate craft central to life in the delta, before arriving in Can Tho.Day 10: Mekong Delta – Ho Chi Minh City | Floating Markets and Ancient Architecture
Wake up early to experience the lively floating markets of the Mekong Delta, where merchants trade directly from their boats. Afterward, explore the Binh Thuy Ancient House, an architectural gem that combines Western and Oriental design elements. This historic house was featured in the film The Lover, set during Vietnam’s colonial period. Your final stop is the magnificent Pitu Khosa Rangsay Pagoda, one of the most stunning Khmer temples in the region.Day 11: Departure
Transfer to Ho Chi Minh City airport for your departure, leaving with a deep understanding of Vietnam’s artistic heritage and cultural diversity.For more information, email our friendly team at info@quietasia.com
On each trip we will buy 1 tree to plant
By planting one tree on each journey, we aim to nurture nature and promote sustainability for future generations.