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Hanoi Vietnam is rich in traditional villages, and Ha Thai Lacquerware Village is one of the best sites to visit. Located in Duyen Thai Commune, Thuong Tin Town, Hanoi, this village has long been famous for the art of lacquer. In the past, this place was in charge of producing the sophisticated and perfect lacquer paintings and wares for the Kings.
Traditional Ha Thai Lacquerware Village
A Quick History of Ha Thai Lacquerware Village
Historically, Ha Thai Village was formed in the 17th century, when the lacquer art was at its first phase. At that time, its name was “Cu Trang” Village; though this place was not the cradle of Vietnamese lacquer traditions, it was appreciated thanks to numerous talented and skillful craftsmen. “Cu Trang” was chosen to give products to the Kings and patricians.
Due to lots of historical changes and innovations, this traditional village came to grow the art with more lacquer coats. The art was passed from generations to generations of the villagers, which enriched the collections of lacquerwares in the village. In some initial stages, the wares only had three colors namely black, red, and brown yellow. Through various attempts, the number of colors for coats was increased and beautified with lots of creations. This career was sophisticated and required many stages, while each stage asked the artists to be patient, fastidious, and careful. If not, the complete products could not be as perfect as expected.
Traditional Ha Thai Lacquerware Village
Enjoy Lacquerwares and Lacquer Paintings in Ha Thai Village
Ha Thai owns various lacquer paintings and wares for the visitors to view, cherish, and buy if wanted. There is a diversity of products in the different sizes and models that meet the international guests’ demands. The artistic, colorful, and eye-catching items in the village are ideal for photographing and exhibiting. The items of flower vase, painting, bowl, etc., all look so fantastic that attract eyes from the first sight. Some people even buy their favorites according to the Feng Sui concepts.
On your Vietnam travel itinerary, the visit to Ha Thai traditional village also lets you witness how the craftsmen create the wares’ shapes, paint, grinding and polishing the final coats. Generations of the villagers have been putting their souls into this art. As time passes, the galleries of wares and lacquer paintings of Hai Thai have been enriched creatively. The place even has its own brand thanks to the genuine reputation, high quality, and endless creativity.
About 17 km to the south of Hanoi Capital, Ha Thai Village is easily accessible throughout the year. Its glorious history and creatively praiseworthy present welcome the guests to mingle with the local artists, see their works, touch the beautiful wares and paintings, and purchase some for home. Amongst other well-known trade villages, Ha Thai is dedicated to the Vietnamese traditional lacquerwares once appreciated by the Kings, royal families, and patriciates.
Traditional Ha Thai Lacquerware Village
Ha Thai’s Lacquerwares in the World
At present, the wares and lacquer paintings of Ha Thai Village have been displayed in numerous markets and commercial places throughout Vietnam and overseas. Together with the traditional lacquer paintings, parallel sentences, etc., the craftsmen also create various versions of lacquered bowls, dishes, flower vases, beds, chairs, tables, trays, and more. Especially, the lacquered ceramic items of Hai Thai are exhibited in other countries in the world namely France, England, Russia, United States of America, Australia, Italy, Japan, China, etc. What’s more, right in Duyen Thai Commune, there are some industrial and trading points for selling the lacquered items to the visitors. This is to better serve the foreign tourists who want to learn the local traditional art and buy the beautiful wares as well as the paintings.
So if you are in Hanoi Vietnam, take time traveling to Ha Thai Lacquerware Village is a big recommendation!
I love traveling and have been working in tourism industry since 1996. Vietnam is my homeland so I would like to share with you my experience to discover this destination best!