Western visitors are amazed by the talent of Vietnamese artisans.

Silk, wooden products, handmade ceramics... at the 2025 International Craft Village Conservation and Development Festival at Thang Long Imperial Citadel made a strong impression on visitors.

The 2025 International Traditional Craft Village Preservation and Development Festival brings together hundreds of heritage booths from many Vietnamese ethnic groups and friendly international countries, covering an area of ​​over 4,000m². The festival space is arranged according to various themes such as: Honoring, Heritage & Preservation, Thematic Exhibitions, Exchange with international artisans and artists, and experiencing OCOP (One Commune One Product) cuisine .

Besides the photo-taking spots and vibrantly decorated photo-taking areas that harmoniously celebrate the cultural beauty of various ethnic groups, there are also stalls showcasing traditional crafts, which have become a major attraction for both domestic and international tourists.

A demonstration of traditional silk weaving at the International Festival for the Preservation and Development of Traditional Craft Villages 2025, Hanoi . Photo: Tuong Vy

Mabel McCormick and Jake Gutrige, two British tourists, shared that they learned about the festival through a recommendation from their hotel and decided to visit to explore Vietnamese culture. Both were particularly impressed with the exhibitions of weaving, woodworking, and pottery, and spent a considerable amount of time observing the artisans at work.

Mabel said she was drawn to the symbolic patterns and motifs deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture on pottery and wood. Meanwhile, Jake was impressed by the textures and colors of traditional Vietnamese clothing such as ancient costumes, ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), and ethnic brocade outfits.

Two British tourists spent a considerable amount of time observing artisans directly crafting traditional handicrafts at the festival. Photo: Tuong Vy

The two tourists said that in their home countries, it is rare to find festivals that celebrate culture in such a profound way. Although they had visited many European countries, they said that they had mostly only seen small markets or exhibitions, and had never experienced a large-scale recreation of traditional craft villages like in Vietnam.

“Thanks to this experience, our trip became much more enjoyable. I was able to gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese history, crafts, and cultural identity. Everything was wonderful and meaningful. This is what I will remember most from the trip,” Mabel expressed.

Many international tourists, in addition to visiting and learning about some traditional craft villages and handicrafts recreated and displayed at Thang Long Imperial Citadel, also buy souvenirs for their relatives.

Several traditional activities and handicrafts impress many domestic and foreign tourists at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. Photo: Tuong Vy/Le Tuyen

Laia Esteban, a tourist from Spain, said that among the exhibits, she was most impressed with the Vietnamese booth, especially the traditional costumes. Laia said that strolling through the booths helped her discover many new things about Vietnamese crafts and cultural life.

"I bought conical hats and some handicrafts, as well as beautiful brocade shirts, here as gifts for my relatives. The festival really made me want to have more opportunities to learn more deeply about Vietnamese culture during the rest of my trip," she expressed.

The Spanish tourist bought a few souvenirs for her relatives back home. Photo: Tuong Vy

Some unique handicrafts at the international stall. Photo: Tuong Vy

Besides photo-taking spaces and stalls recreating Vietnamese craft villages, visitors can also experience many stalls selling international jewelry and clothing...

In addition, the Festival also features an international exchange space for artisans and artists, and an experience of unique OCOP (One Commune One Product) cuisine from various regions… Taking place from November 14-18, the International Traditional Craft Village Preservation and Development Festival 2025 is a place to honor the essence of Vietnamese traditional crafts, combining tradition and international integration.