Traditional arts and crafts workshop in Vietnam

Nature, culture, and learning of techniques and relaxation!
Full board stays (5 days- 4 nights)

We offer two programmes:
- PROGRAMME 1: TRADITIONAL EMBROIDERY IN THE VILLAGE OF NINH BINH
- PROGRAMME 2: TRADITIONAL BASKETRY WORKSHOP IN THE VILLAGE OF PHU VINH

PROGRAMME 1: TRADITIONAL EMBROIDERY IN THE VILLAGE OF NINH BINH
We propose that you spend a few days in the cotton village of Ninh Binh, where traditional embroidery is practiced. This village, also known under the name of the Land of Halong Bay, is located in the north of Vietnam, 100 km from Hanoi. You’ll discover the know-how of local artisans while enjoying Vietnamese hospitality. You’ll be lodged in a family atmosphere and accompanied by a bilingual interpreter throughout your stay.

Dates: All year round on request, depending on availability.

PROGRAMME
The region of Ninh Binh is known for its embroidery and stone sculpture.
The area of the Halong bay is impressive and peaceful; it really reflects the local mentality: warm and hospitable.
You will be taught the art of embroidery in the traditional way by local artisans.
Classes are organized by Mrs. Vu Thi Yen and Mrs. Yen, who will be delighted to share their know-how of embroidering using cotton threads.
A visit to the most beautiful places of the region (the mountainous landscapes and the temples of the Dinh kings), and travelling around the Land Halong Bay by bicycle is included in the workshop.

Day 1: Arrival – Ninh Binh
Meeting with the bilingual interpreter. Transfer to Ninh Binh. Meeting with the artisans at the embroidery workshop.
After the meal, first embroidery class at Mrs. Vu Thi Yen’s house.
Dinner and night at the family’s house.

Day 2: Workshop day
Morning: breakfast. Embroidery class with Mrs. Yen and Mrs. Hanh. You can share your experiences with other participants.
Afternoon: after the classes, discovery of the local everyday lifestyle and bicycle ride to admire the landscapes of the Halong Bay area.
Lunch and dinner at the host’s house.

Days 3 and 4: Continuation of workshop
Morning: Breakfast followed by the continuation of the workshop as in previous day.
Afternoon: after the workshop, excursion to discover and admire the temples of the Dinh kings and Le (the ancient capital of Vietnam during the feudal regime in the 10th century) while pedalling through the mountain paths.
Lunch and dinner at the host’s house.

Day 5: Ninh Binh- Departure
Breakfast, workshop, sharing of the experiences until the transfer to the airport.

Accommodation:
You’ll live at Mrs. Vu Thi Yen’s house in the village of Ninh Hai, in the district of Hoa Lu, province of Ninh Binh.

Tariff: 330 € per person (minimum of two people)
This price includes:
- The bilingual interpreter
- Local transportation
- Room and board during the stay at the host family’s home
- The workshop fees
- Membership fees

PROGRAMME 2: TRADITIONAL BASKETRY WORKSHOP IN THE VILLAGE OF PHU VINH

We propose that you spend a few days in the bamboo and rattan village of Phu Vinh where the art of traditional basketry is practiced. It is located in the North of Vietnam, 35 km from Hanoi. The local artisans will reveal their know-how while you enjoy Vietnamese hospitality. You’ll be lodged in a family atmosphere and accompanied by a bilingual interpreter throughout your stay.

Dates: All year round on request, depending on availability.

From the beginning, the Vietnamese have been using bamboo and rattan in order to build their homes, tools, make music, furniture, trinkets, rafts, boats…
Traditionally, basketry is practiced in the Hatay province, near Hanoi. No other province has developed this activity to such an extent as this. About 600 homes in the village of Phu Ninh alone weave bamboo or rattan objects. There exists a great variety of objects: some of them require a high level of technicality, as portraits, landscapes, written sayings…; others require skillful and patient hands, such as fruit baskets, trays, plates, bags, lamp shades; and others are large in size, such as furniture.
Most villagers make a living thanks to the local products, which they create after transplanting rice. They will be delighted to show you the art of basketry, which is so dear to them and which they have practiced for centuries.

PROGRAMME
The classes take place at Mrs. Thuy’s house.
During the 5 days of the workshop you will have the opportunity to discover the local people’s everyday lives and to admire the beauty of the landscapes of the surrounding villages with their typical Pagodas of Tram and Tram Gian.
You can taste typical Vietnamese dishes prepared by Mrs. Thuy and her family.
Stay at either the host’s house or a guest house.

Day 1: Arrival – Phu Vinh
Meeting with the bilingual interpreter. Transfer to Phu Vinh. Meeting with the artisans from the basketry workshop.
After lunch, first basketry class at Mrs. Thuy’s house.
Lunch and Dinner at the host’s house.
Night either at the host’s house or at a guest house.

Day 2: The workshop
Morning: Breakfast. Basketry class with the members of Mrs Thuy’s family. Sharing of experiences with the other participants.
Afternoon: After the classes, discover on your own the local people’s everyday lives. Possibility of visit to the neighbouring village to admire the beautiful landscapes (ancient Pagoda of Tram and Tram Gian).
Lunch and Dinner at the host’s house.
Night either at the host’s house or at a guest house.

Days 3 and 4: The workshop
Morning: Breakfast, then classes as the previous day. Sharing of experiences with the local artisans.
Lunch and Dinner at the host’s house.
Night either at the host’s house or at a guest house.

Day 5 : Phu Vinh- Departure

Tariff: 330 € per person (minimum of 2 people)
This price includes:
- The bilingual interpreter
- Local transportation
- Room and board during the stay at the host family’s home
- The workshop fees
- Membership fees

This price does not include accommodation in a guest house or the entry fees to tourist attractions.

Are you interested and would like to learn more about it?
Contact us!