Hanoi Dong Ho Painting Village & Clay Statue Making Village

Traveling through Vietnam often means experiencing bustling markets, historic temples, and vibrant street life. But for those wanting a taste of authentic local craftsmanship, a visit to Dong Ho Painting Village and Dong Khe Clay Statue Village in Bac Ninh Province offers a quietly fascinating window into traditional Vietnamese folk arts.

For $53 per person, this 5-hour private tour is a well-balanced mix of cultural education and hands-on artistry, guided by knowledgeable local experts. What we love most is the chance to see how village artisans carve woodblocks and craft natural pigments — an art form that has been preserved for over a thousand years. Plus, meeting artisan Phung Dinh Giap and his family gives a real personal touch, making the experience more meaningful than just a museum visit.

A couple of things to keep in mind: the tour involves a fair amount of walking and some photo stops, so it’s best suited for travelers comfortable with a bit of physical activity. If you’re keen on Vietnamese traditional arts and culture, this tour offers a rare, genuine glimpse into villages that still keep these crafts alive.

Key Points

• Authentic craftsmanship: Get up close with artisans creating Dong Ho paintings and clay statues, learning about their techniques.
• Cultural significance: Discover how these traditional arts reflect Vietnamese wishes for luck, daily life, and storytelling.
• Personal encounters: Meet local artisans like Phung Dinh Giap, gaining insight into their dedication.
• Natural materials: See how villagers use earth, coal, seashells, and sticky rice paste to produce durable, vibrant art.
• Hands-on learning: Watch traditional processes and, if lucky, participate in making or painting.
• Balanced experience: The tour balances visual awe, cultural education, and personal interaction at a reasonable price.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Hanoi Dong Ho & Clay Statue Making Tour

The Journey Begins in Hanoi

Most tours start with a pickup from Hanoi, giving you the convenience of door-to-door service — a plus in a city where transportation can be unpredictable. The drive to Bac Ninh Province isn’t long, but it’s enough time for the guide to set expectations and share a bit of background on Vietnam’s rich folk art scene.

Dong Ho Painting Village: A Living Tradition

Once you arrive at Dong Ho Painting Village, you’ll quickly notice its quiet charm. This village, along the southern bank of the Duong River Dyke, has been home to folk painting artisans since the 11th century — that’s over 900 years of tradition. Here, the focus is on handcrafted woodblock prints, renowned for their vibrant colors and meaningful themes.

The process begins with carving intricate images into wooden blocks, which are then used to print on paper or fabric. What makes Dong Ho paintings special is their use of natural materials — earth, coal, seashells, and even sticky rice paste for sealing and durability. We loved the fact that each piece is a labor of love, often depicting themes like luck, daily life, and stories that Vietnamese people hold dear.

The guide may show you how the colors are made from natural substances — for example, black coal for black, earth tones for brown and red, and seashells for white. The paintings are coated with sticky rice paste, which acts as a natural protector, ensuring the artwork withstands time and sunlight. Seeing this craftsmanship in action highlights how art and practicality intertwine in Vietnamese culture.

Themes and Stories in the Paintings

Dong Ho paintings aren’t just pretty pictures; they’re storytelling tools and wishes for good fortune. We found it fascinating how motifs like “Jealous Fight” or “A Market Day” reflect everyday life, while others, like “The Frog Teacher,” bring humor and folklore into the mix.

Many visitors comment that these paintings serve as furniture in Vietnamese homes, often displayed during Lunar New Year to invite luck and prosperity. The guide explained that in the past, these artworks were also used as educational tools for children and a way to pass down stories.

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Meeting a Master Artisan in Dong Khe Village

Next, the tour takes you to Dong Khe Village, famous for clay statue making. Here, we meet artisan Phung Dinh Giap, who has dedicated his life to preserving this art form. Giap and his family are not only craftsmen but also storytellers, passing down skills through generations.

Giap shows us how clay is dug from the earth, then shaped into figures like Buddha, old men, children, turtles, and birds — each with its own symbolism. We loved watching him meticulously mold and paint these figures, often imagining them as toys, festival symbols, or spiritual figures.

The process is slow and precise. Clay is carefully mixed, shaped, and then detailed with hand-painted features. These statues were traditionally used during the Mid-Autumn Festival or as household decorations, believed to bring good luck and protection.

Cultural Significance and Preservation

Giap shared stories about how clay statues once served as toys for children and religious icons. Today, Giap’s family works hard to keep this heritage alive. We appreciated the personal dedication that reveals how deeply these crafts are woven into Vietnamese cultural identity.

Tour Logistics and Practical Tips

The tour lasts about 5 hours, with ample time for photos, questions, and observing artisans at work. The guided experience is available in multiple languages, including English and Vietnamese, making it accessible for international travelers. The group is private, which means you can enjoy a more relaxed, personalized experience.

Transportation is straightforward, and the cost includes skip-the-line access, ensuring you spend more time appreciating the art than waiting. The tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for many travelers.

What We Think Overall

This tour provides a deep dive into Vietnamese folk arts, far from the tourist crowds and commercial souvenirs. We loved the authenticity of meeting artisans in their workshops and learning about the materials and symbolism behind each piece. The value of around $53 is reasonable considering the personal stories, hands-on experiences, and cultural insights you gain.

However, if you’re not particularly interested in artistic crafts or traditional culture, the visit might feel a bit slow or niche. Still, for history and culture buffs, or those who enjoy interactive and meaningful experiences, this tour hits the right notes.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re curious about Vietnamese traditions and enjoy meeting local artisans, this experience is perfect. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate authentic cultural encounters rather than just sightseeing. The tour suits those comfortable with walking and standing, and who want to learn the stories behind Vietnam’s crafts.

It’s a particularly good choice if you want a meaningful, memorable experience beyond the usual attractions of Hanoi, someone eager to see the hand of a craftsman shaping history with their own hands.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pickup from Hanoi and transportation to the villages, making it easy to focus on the experience rather than logistics.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 5 hours, including travel time, visits, and interactions.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, allowing more travelers to enjoy the experience.

Can I pay on the day of the tour?
Yes, you can reserve now and pay later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

What languages are the guides available in?
Guides speak multiple languages, including English, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Spanish, Vietnamese, Russian, and Portuguese.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but it involves some walking and standing, so younger children should be comfortable with this.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and weather conditions, as the villages are outdoor environments.

Are food or drinks included?
No, but there are plenty of local cafes and snacks available nearby if you want to extend your experience after the tour.

Is this tour available year-round?
Yes, but check availability because schedules may vary, especially during peak tourist seasons.

How much should I budget for souvenirs?
While the tour fee is $53, expect to find artworks and souvenirs ranging from modest to more elaborate, so budget accordingly if interested.

This Hanoi tour to Dong Ho Painting Village and Clay Statue Making Village offers an intimate look at Vietnam’s traditional craft. It’s a wonderful way to connect with local artisans, understand the stories behind their work, and see how history and culture are kept alive through hands-on artistry. It’s especially suited for travelers who love cultural depth and authentic experiences that go beyond the usual tourist fare.

The experience balances visual delights, personal stories, and cultural insights, all at a fair price. Whether you’re an art lover, a history enthusiast, or simply curious about Vietnam’s lesser-known villages, this tour provides a thoughtful, meaningful, and enjoyable day out from Hanoi.

Note: Always check recent reviews and confirm availability before booking, as schedules and artisan participation can vary.

You can check availability for your dates here: