Located at the southernmost edge of the Red River Delta, Ninh Binh serves as a gateway to Vietnam’s southern provinces. The province is renowned not only for its majestic natural landscapes such as Trang An, Tam Coc – Bich Dong, and Bai Dinh Pagoda, but also as a land steeped in history and cultural heritage. One of the distinctive highlights enriching the journey of visitors to Ninh Binh is its traditional craft villages. These villages are not only guardians of ancestral craftsmanship but are also gradually becoming attractive experiential destinations, contributing positively to the sustainable development of local tourism.
In Ninh Binh, many traditional craft villages have existed for hundreds of years, closely intertwined with the daily lives of local residents. Notable examples include Van Lam embroidery village (Ninh Hai commune, Hoa Lu city), Ninh Van stone carving village (Hoa Lu city), Gia Thuy pottery village (Nho Quan district), Kim Son rice wine village, Sinh Duoc medicinal herb village (Gia Vien district), and Bo Bat ceramics village (Yen Mo district). Each craft village represents a cultural treasure, a historical narrative passed down through generations, showcasing the artisans' dexterity, sophistication, and creativity.
One of the emerging trends in tourism today is experiential travel—where visitors go beyond sightseeing and photography to actively participate in local activities. Recognizing the potential of traditional craft villages, Ninh Binh’s tourism sector has been gradually integrating these villages with ecological and cultural attractions, creating immersive and engaging tour experiences.
At Van Lam embroidery village, visitors can try their hand at needlework under the careful guidance of master artisans, who also share fascinating stories about the craft’s history. In Ninh Van stone village, tourists can witness the entire process—from selecting raw stone to chiseling and polishing intricate artworks. At Sinh Duoc, guests can explore the production of herbal products such as handmade soaps, herbal foot soak salts, essential oils, and shampoos—all made from indigenous medicinal plants.