The brocade embroidery art of the Dao Thanh Y people in Quang Ninh is not only a traditional craft but also a strong reflection of their cultural identity and aesthetic thinking. Over many generations, the embroidery craft is being revived, opening up potential for the development of cultural and community tourism .
The traditional clothing of Dao Thanh Y women is a culmination of skillful hand embroidery techniques and exquisite craftsmanship. On a dark indigo background, shades of red, yellow, white, and blue—symbolizing the five elements (metal, wood, water, fire, earth)—are harmoniously combined, reflecting a philosophy of life deeply connected to nature.
Artisan Truong Thi Quy (Bang Ca commune, Ha Long city) shared: “Each motif, such as the latticework, birds, trees… not only serves as decoration but also contains a profound message about cosmology and human life, expressing the connection between humans and the mountains, forests, and sky.”
For the Dao people, clothing is not just for wearing, but also a way to express their identity and gratitude to their ancestors. During festivals and weddings, beautiful attire is proof of cultural preservation. However, embroidery has long been primarily passed down within the community and has not yet become a distinctive tourism product.
In recent years, several localities have proactively preserved traditional crafts in conjunction with community-based tourism development. In Bang Ca commune (Ha Long City), home to a large population of Thanh Y Dao people, embroidery is an indispensable part of their lives. Artisans like Ms. Truong Thi Quy and Ms. Truong Thi Dong regularly teach their techniques to younger generations. A "Community Tourism Group" with nearly 20 members, many of whom are both embroiderers and tour guides, has contributed to making embroidery a cultural product serving tourism.
The Thanh Y Dao cultural conservation area in Bang Ca is gradually becoming an attractive destination, especially for international tourists and students participating in traditional education tours. Activities such as embroidery art performances, experiential classes, and displays of brocade products create a unique appeal, spreading cultural values to the community.
Another bright spot is in Thuong Yen Cong commune (Uong Bi city), where the Dao community in Khe Su 2 village is reviving the embroidery craft through embroidery and belt-weaving groups. Artisan Truong Thi Bich continues to diligently preserve and pass on the craft to the younger generation. Nearby, the community tourism model of Ms. Truong Thi Thanh Huong recreates traditional living spaces, where tourists can experience embroidery, try on and take photos in ethnic costumes, and create new patterns together.
Similarly, in districts such as Tien Yen, Binh Lieu, Ba Che, and Dam Ha, groups specializing in brocade embroidery have been formed. However, most products still only serve the local community, lacking commercial appeal and not being systematically integrated into tourism activities. In this context, pioneering models like those in Bang Ca and Khe Su are becoming "bright spots," demonstrating the potential to transform embroidery into a unique supplementary tourism product.
Mr. Tran Dang An, Director of Halotour Tourism Company, commented: "In the context of increasingly popular community-based and experiential tourism, itineraries that allow tourists to embroider themselves, listen to cultural stories, and dress up in ethnic costumes will create a fresh and unique mark for Quang Ninh tourism."
In fact, the introduction of traditional embroidery art into the community tourism model is bringing positive effects. From 2024 to now, the model in Thuong Yen Cong has welcomed about 100 visitors per week. The space for experiencing, displaying and selling handicraft products not only creates a highlight for the tour but also helps the participating people have a stable income of 5-6 million VND/month.
Meanwhile, at the Dao Thanh Y cultural conservation area in Bang Ca, hundreds of visitors, including many international tour groups on cruise ships, came to visit. Many tourists enjoyed dressing up in ethnic costumes, embroidering products themselves, and taking them home as souvenirs.
For sustainable development models, supportive policies are needed to boost community tourism, while also connecting craft groups with tourism businesses. Integrating embroidery into experiential tours, investing in exhibition spaces, and expanding training programs for young people will contribute to preserving and spreading the cultural values of the Dao Thanh Y people, while also creating new attractions for community tourism destinations.
Ta Quan
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