Renowned as the “Land of Pink Lotus,” Dong Thap Province in the Mekong Delta is also home to a wealth of traditional craft villages, some with histories spanning over a hundred years. For travelers seeking authentic local culture, these time-honored villages are a must-visit.
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Ba Dai Canal Boat-Building Village – Lai Vung
Located in Long Hau Commune, Lai Vung District, the boat-making village by the Ba Dai Canal has existed for over a century. Recognized in 2015 as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage by Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, this craft flourished during the 1980s and 1990s, when over 200 households were engaged in boatbuilding.
Today, although the traditional trade is declining, many artisans now craft miniature wooden boats sold to restaurants, hotels, and tourist centers across Dong Thap.
Lai Vung Fermented Pork Village – The Taste of Time
“Lai Vung, a curious land,
Sour pork so sweet, a flavor so grand…”
Lai Vung fermented pork (nem) dates back to the 1960s. The creator of this iconic delicacy was Mrs. Nguyen Thi Man (Tu Man), who originally made it for ancestral offerings. Its unique taste soon attracted locals who learned the craft and began selling at Lai Vung Market, giving the nem its name. Over time, a whole village devoted to nem production emerged, spreading the flavor throughout the Mekong Delta and beyond.
Dinh Yen Mat-Weaving Village – Lấp Vò
Situated near the banks of the Hau River, Dinh Yen Mat-Weaving Village boasts a history of hundreds of years. Migrants from Northern Vietnam brought this craft with them to the South, using native rush and sedge plants abundant in the area. Today, the weaving process blends handcrafting skills and machinery, yielding colorful, durable mats still made with care and artistry.
Visiting the village, travelers can admire vibrant mats drying across sunlit yards—a picturesque scene that brings the local lifestyle to life.
Sa Dec Rice Flour-Making Village
The rice flour craft of Sa Dec is over 100 years old. Blessed with favorable natural conditions, Sa Dec produces some of the finest rice flour in Vietnam. Local artisans still use traditional methods: soaking, grinding, fermenting, and sun-drying.
The resulting flour becomes the base for many signature Vietnamese dishes such as hu tieu, banh canh, noodles, and pho. Sa Dec’s rice flour is not only a regional staple but also exported to Southeast Asia and Europe.
Sa Dec Ornamental Flower Village – A Living Garden
Founded in the late 19th century, Sa Dec Flower Village (mainly in Tan Quy Dong Ward) has blossomed into one of Vietnam’s largest ornamental flower hubs. With over 2,300 households growing flowers, the village cultivates around 2,000 different plant species, ensuring a vibrant display all year round.
Sa Dec flowers are shipped across the country and even exported to Laos, Cambodia, China, and several Arab nations, making it a floral symbol of Vietnam’s agricultural artistry.
Sa Dec Shrimp Cracker (Banh Phong Tom) Village
With fertile lands and freshwater rich in shrimp and fish, Dong Thap is the birthplace of the famous Sa Dec shrimp cracker. This delicacy is made from shrimp, rice flour, black pepper, and local spices.
The process includes mixing, steaming, slicing, and sun-drying the crackers until they’re ready for frying. The result: a crispy, aromatic treat with a sweet-savory taste and a peppery kick that’s perfect as a snack or appetizer.
Hong Ngu Checkered Scarf Weaving Village
The checkered scarf (khăn rằn), paired with the iconic ao ba ba, is a timeless symbol of the southern Vietnamese woman. In Long Khanh A Commune, Hong Ngu, this weaving village began in the early 1900s and remains vibrant today.
Currently, about 60 households operate 150 weaving looms, producing over 5 million scarves annually. While modern machinery handles 80% of production, traditional looms are still kept for tourist demonstrations, preserving the craft’s authenticity.
Bamboo and Water Hyacinth Weaving – A Craft of Nature
The art of basket weaving thrives throughout Dong Thap, especially in southern districts like Lai Vung and Lap Vo. Artisans use bamboo, rattan, and water hyacinth—materials easily found along local rivers—to craft baskets, bags, rugs, trays, and more.
Today, these products are enhanced with beads, ropes, and natural dyes, turning everyday items into eco-friendly fashion and home décor. These handmade goods are especially popular in international markets thanks to their natural beauty and sustainability.
Explore the Heart of Vietnamese Craftsmanship with HaNoiTravelBug
Whether you’re drawn to the scent of fermented pork, the softness of handwoven scarves, or the vibrant hues of Sa Dec’s gardens, Dong Thap’s craft villages offer a timeless cultural journey. Let HaNoiTravelBug guide you through this living heritage—from bustling workshops to tranquil riverbanks.
Book your handcrafted adventure now with HaNoiTravelBug and explore the soul of the Mekong Delta!