One morning in Minh Duc carpentry village (Hien Quan commune), the atmosphere was bustling with the rhythmic sounds of saws and chisels. In the workshops, craftsmen diligently worked on each piece of wood, meticulously perfecting every detail. From rough logs, through the skillful hands of the artisans, products such as altars, tables, chairs, cabinets, and beds gradually took shape, possessing a sturdy and exquisite beauty.
Leading us on a tour of the craft village, Mr. Nguyen Van Liu, head of Minh Duc carpentry village, said: "The carpentry craft here has a long history and was recognized as a craft village in 2004. Currently, the entire village has 76 households participating in production, creating jobs for hundreds of workers, with an average income of 300-400 million VND per household per year."
More than just a stable source of livelihood, carpentry has become a source of pride for the local people. Preserved and developed through generations, this traditional craft has contributed to building a unique brand for Minh Duc, so that whenever this place is mentioned, people immediately think of a long-standing carpentry village.
The people of Dan Chu commune are still diligently preserving the traditional hat-making craft passed down from their ancestors.
While Minh Duc village embodies a beauty of strength and resilience, the Gia Thanh conical hat-making village (Dan Chu commune) presents a softer, more graceful image. In the small houses nestled deep within the village alleys, the sight of women gathered around the hat brim has become familiar. Each ivory-white hat is made through many meticulous and elaborate steps, from shaping the leaves, ironing them, pressing them flat, then making the brim and sewing the hat...
The finished hats are removed from the mold, then the threads are cut, the hat brim is reinforced, the stuffing is inserted, and the crown is sewn on. Each Gia Thanh conical hat is made of two layers of leaves, with a layer of bamboo sheath or reed sheath between the two layers to create thickness and sturdiness, protecting it from rain.
According to the elders in the village, the craft of making conical hats in Gia Thanh has existed for nearly 100 years, with about 40 households still maintaining it. Although the income is not high, the craft is preserved as a part of the memories and a beautiful cultural aspect of the countryside. These hats not only protect from rain and sun but also accompany people to all parts of the country, carrying the soul and essence of the ancestral land.
The products from Minh Duc woodworking village are durable, beautiful, and trusted by consumers.
According to statistics, the province currently has 9 traditional crafts, 20 traditional craft villages, and 95 craft villages, of which 82 are operating stably. These craft villages have played and continue to play an important role in rural economic development, creating jobs and increasing income for the people.
In 2025, the Rural Development Sub-Department (Department of Agriculture and Environment) organized 12 training courses to enhance the knowledge of village craft leaders; and also organized study tours to exchange experiences on management and advising on the development of rural industries associated with the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program.
In addition, the unit has strengthened inspections and monitored the production and business situation in craft villages; reviewed and selected products to participate in the 21st Vietnam Craft Village Fair in Hanoi ; and guided artisans and craftspeople to participate in the Vietnam Handicraft and Fine Arts Products Competition and the International Craft Village Festival in 2025.
In response to the demands of development in the new era, the development of craft villages should not only focus on maintaining production but also be considered within the overall context of rural economic development. In the coming period, the province will continue to implement programs for the preservation and development of craft villages; support training and capacity building for production facilities; and promote trade and expand markets for products. Simultaneously, emphasis will be placed on planning production spaces, investing in infrastructure, and linking craft village development with tourism and rural development, aiming to enhance economic value while preserving traditional cultural values.
Preserving traditional crafts today is not just about securing livelihoods, but also about preserving a part of the soul of the homeland within the flow of development. When traditional values are cherished and given their proper place in economic development, craft villages will not only survive but also shine, contributing to the enrichment of the ancestral homeland.
Hong Nhung
Source: https://baophutho.vn/gin-giu-net-dep-lang-nghe-250439.htm
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