Where is Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village

Ha Thai Village is nestled in Duyen Thai Commune, Thuong Tin District, just about 20 kilometers from the heart of Hanoi. It is one of seven traditional craft villages in Hanoi, specializing in lacquerware.

The art of lacquer in Vietnam involves using a special lacquer derived from the sap of the “Son” tree. By meticulously layering lacquer, polishing, and integrating various decorative methods like inlay, engraving, and painting, intricate lacquer paintings and objects are crafted. These pieces are known for their glossy finish, deep colors, and enduring durability.

Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village

Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village in Hanoi

Fascinating facts about Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village:

  • The village dates back to the 17th century.

  • Originally, it was known as Cu Trang, specializing in gold lacquer, and later became Dong Thai before adopting its current name, Ha Thai.

  • Although not the birthplace of lacquer art, Ha Thai gained prominence due to its skilled artisans, catching the attention of Vietnam's ancient aristocracy.

  • The village primarily crafted lacquer artworks on items presented to the kings and royal family.

  • Due to its focus on producing goods for royalty, it was dubbed the “village of offerings.”

  • Lacquer paintings from Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village are entirely free from chemical additives, with all materials sourced from nature.

How to Get There

If you depart from Hanoi's city center, particularly the Old Quarter, you can choose from various transport options to reach Ha Thai lacquer handicraft village.

Mode of Transport

Travel time

Travel Cost

Note

Bus

1,5 - 2h

0,3 USD/ticket

Take buses 21B, 08A, 08B, 06C, 06A, 06E, 94, and 101A from the city center to a bus stop near the village, then walk. The most convenient is bus 21B.

Taxi

50 mins - 1h

9 USD/4 seater car

You can call a taxi or book through apps like Grab, Be, or Xanh SM.

Motorbike Taxi

40 mins -  1h

6 - 7 USD

Motorbike taxis can carry one person per ride. You can also book through apps.

Motorbike

40 mins -  1h

4 USD/ day rental fee. Petrol 1 USD/litre

You can rent a motorbike in Vietnam if you have an IDP. Some rental contacts in Hanoi:

  • Vivumotor: +84 398 394 321

  • Nhat Phat Motor: +84 398 336 284

  • Gia Hung Motorbike: +84 936 345 123
 

Things to Do

Visitors to the Ha Thai lacquer handicraft village can immerse themselves in various enriching experiences within a quintessential Vietnamese cultural space:

Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village

Visit Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village to discover lacquer traditions

  • Learn about the history of the craft village.

  • Discover the process and significance behind each step in lacquerware creation.

  • Tour and admire lacquer artworks displayed on walls and various objects.

  • Participate directly in each stage of creating your own lacquer masterpiece under the guidance of local artisans.

  • Soak in the traditional village ambiance, far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city center.

  • Engage with friendly locals and enjoy interactive experiences.

Creating a traditional lacquer product involves over a dozen steps and 12 to 15 layers of lacquer to achieve the perfect sheen and durability. Visitors will engage in polishing, painting, pasting details, and re-polishing to complete their own piece of Vietnam lacquer.

Travel Tips

  • You can visit Ha Thai lacquer handicraft village at any time of the year, as it operates year-round and is minimally affected by weather conditions.

  • If you participate in the process of making your own lacquerware, be prepared for a journey requiring patience, focus, and meticulous attention to detail. Step by step, your natural creation will gradually take shape, revealing its graceful and polished form.

Ha Thai Lacquer Handicraft Village

A lacquer artist making lacquer handicrafts with silver cover

  • The cost of creating your own lacquer item is 300,000 VND (12 USD) per piece, which you can take home.

  • Common motifs on Vietnam lacquerware include culturally significant images such as banyan trees, village scenes, boats, the One Pillar Pagoda, or Hanoi’s Old Quarter, etc. However, you are free to create your own designs.

  • Lacquer art is not limited to paintings; it can also adorn cups, vases, boxes, plates, bowls, candle boxes, cup holders, and more.

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These are the essential details about how to visit Ha Thai lacquer handicraft village, a culturally rich and worth-visiting traditional village near Hanoi. I hope this guide is helpful during your visit. Furthermore, if you need further advice on Vietnam tours, feel free to contact us anytime. Our team will promptly assist you.