In addition to experiencing a culture through food, language, history, and architecture, learning about its traditional arts also gives travelers a glimpse into every day life. A visit to Vietnam is filled with opportunities to witness the local people’s artistry in a respectful and dignified way.
While in Hanoi, we did a Vespa tour which included a visit to a boat building yard, a family who made sleep mats for a living, and another family who made rice crackers. The tour company pays the families’ fair wages (most of whom barely make a living wage by selling their products) to allow the tourists to see them making their products. We were able to participate in making sleep mats and rice crackers. The lovely women who dedicated their life to their particular art form made it look much easier than it was.

We also admired the lanterns in Hoi An’s ancient town. Lantern making is a Vietnamese craft that goes back 400 years. The spirit and culture of Hoi An is embedded in this art. There are about thirty lantern making businesses in Hoi An that contribute to the local economy. A visit to Hoi An must include a walk through the lantern district at night.
In Hanoi, we attended a water puppet theater performance, which Chris and I enjoyed as much as the kids did. Water puppetry originated in the 11th century in the Red River delta. The themes of the shows are usually about rural life and Vietnamese folklore. The colors and movements of in the shows are mesmerizing. We saw water puppet theaters in every city in Vietnam we visited, so no matter where you visit in this country you have an opportunity to witness this traditional art.
During your travels, what has been one of your favorite traditional art experience? Let us know in the comments.