Famous traditional craft villages in Quang Binh

1. Canh Duong fish sauce village

Address: Canh Duong Commune, Quang Trach District, Quang Binh Province

More than 60km from Dong Hoi city, Canh Duong fish sauce village is one of the “Eight famous villages” – 8 famous ancient villages of the Central region. With more than 400 years of history, this place is the cradle of the famous Ham Huong fish sauce, handcrafted from small, transparent pink fish that only appear in the sea of the Roon river mouth for a few months every year.

Coming to Canh Duong fish sauce village, visitors will not only learn about the traditional fish sauce production process but also have the opportunity to experience the unique fishing village culture. You will witness firsthand the stages such as boat building, basket boat weaving, and immerse yourself in the working life of local fishermen – a unique feature of Quang Binh craft village tourism that is increasingly attracting visitors from near and far.

2. Bao Ninh fish sauce village

Address: Bao Ninh Commune, Dong Hoi City, Quang Binh Province

Bao Ninh fish sauce is one of the famous specialties of Quang Binh, with a long history and traditions preserved through many generations. This is the traditional profession of the people of Bao Ninh commune, only about 6km from the center of Dong Hoi city, right next to Bao Ninh beach area, very convenient for tourists to visit on their journey to explore the heritage land.

The production process of Bao Ninh fish sauce begins with the selection of fresh and delicious mackerel, a saltwater fish with a high salt content. The fish are then cleaned and salted in wooden barrels for a period of 8 to 12 months. The salting process helps the fish absorb the salt evenly, creating the characteristic flavor of the fish sauce. After the salting process is complete, the fish are taken out and filtered through a slow process to separate the fish sauce from the fish meat. Finally, the fish sauce is bottled or stored in glass jars for preservation and consumption.

When coming to Bao Ninh, visitors not only witness the traditional fish sauce production process but also have the opportunity to enjoy the original flavor right at the factory. This is a rare and wonderful opportunity to experience local culture.

3. An Xa sedge mat village

Address: Loc Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District, Quang Binh Province

The sedge mat weaving village is about 40km from Dong Hoi city center, about 50 minutes by car. The sedge mat weaving profession in An Xa village is said to have existed for more than 600 years.

The main raw material for making mats is sedge leaves, harvested during the important season of the year – a time that not only has economic significance but also has spiritual value for local people. After harvesting, the sedge leaves will be separated to take out the core, scrubbed to remove the thorns, then dyed with natural dyes, creating rustic yet sophisticated colors.

From the processed sedge fibers, the craftsman begins weaving the mat using traditional manual methods, meticulously joining each fiber to create a complete mat. After weaving, the mat is cut, shaped and decorated with folk patterns and motifs – demonstrating the skill and dedication of the craftsman.

An Xa sedge mats with the fragrant smell of dried sedge are not only consumer products but also a symbol of the connection between people and the land, between the present and the past – a memorable experience in the journey to visit Quang Binh craft villages.

4. Quy Hau conical hat village

Address: Quy Hau Village, Lien Thuy Commune, Le Thuy District, Quang Binh Province.

Located about 45km north of Dong Hoi city center, this conical hat village has existed since the 20th century. According to the elders in the village, the first two people to bring the conical hat making profession to Quy Hau were Mr. Nguyen Van Dy (called Mr. Bo Chiem) and Mr. Do Ba Mon (called Mr. Gio). Since then, the conical hat making profession has been passed down through many generations and has continued to develop.

Quy Hau conical hat village (Quang Binh) is famous for its meticulous production process, including the main steps: selecting leaves, separating layers, drying, dyeing and making hats. The craftsman chooses fresh, undamaged leaves, then thinly separates them, dries them to soften and dehumidify. The leaves are then dyed naturally , creating diversity and aesthetics for the product.

The process of making the hat requires skill, when the layers of leaves are arranged, molded, sewn and decorated with characteristic patterns. Quy Hau conical hats are highly appreciated for their thinness, lightness, sophistication and imbued with the identity of traditional craft villages in the Central region.

After more than 80 years, the craft village still maintains its vitality in the industrial age. Not only is it a source of livelihood for many households, it also contributes to preserving traditional culture and promoting the image of Quang Binh craft villages to domestic and foreign tourists.

5. Tho Don bamboo and rattan weaving village

Address: Quang Tho ward, Ba Don town, Quang Binh province.

Tho Don Weaving Village has a history of over 400 years with the craft of weaving from rattan, bamboo, and rattan. Initially, the village specialized in producing trays, baskets, and tubs for agriculture, then expanded to fishing utensils to meet market demand.

The production process consists of three main steps: selecting raw materials, processing and weaving. Bamboo and rattan are harvested from nature, then go through the stages of soaking, dyeing, and drying to ensure durability and aesthetics.

After processing, the raw materials will be woven by artisans into many products such as baskets, boxes, bags and decorations. Tho Don bamboo and rattan stands out with its rustic beauty, diverse designs and high durability – reflecting the craftsmanship and creativity of the craftsmen.

The craft village has made encouraging progress and has great potential for the future. The efforts and creativity of the village community have helped this craft village shine and create unique products with value beyond local borders.

6. Tan An rice paper village

Address: Quang Thanh Commune, Quang Trach District, Quang Binh Province

Tan An rice paper village is one of the famous traditional craft villages in Quang Binh, preserving the manual production method for more than a century. Tan An rice paper has two popular types: black or red sesame rice paper used for grilling, eating with salads, mussels with rice paper… and white “sanded sesame” rice paper used to wrap vegetables, southern-style spring rolls. In addition, there is also rice paper without sesame used to wrap ram (spring rolls).

The process of making Tan An rice paper begins with the preparation of the main ingredients, rice flour and water. The rice is ground finely, mixed with water to form a liquid mixture, then spread on a hot steamer, forming thin and flexible rice paper sheets.

The process of baking or drying the rice paper requires the skill and quickness of the craftsman to ensure the rice paper is smooth, evenly colored and does not tear. When dried in the sun, every corner of the yard and small alley in the village seems to light up with the image of curved, round rice paper sheets, shimmering in the sun – becoming a charming feature of the traditional craft village of Quang Binh.

Nowadays, although there are many modern production facilities, Tan An rice paper village still preserves the traditional way of making rice paper. Tan An rice paper is not only a local specialty but also a meaningful hometown gift, favored by Quang Binh people and tourists to bring back as gifts for relatives and friends.

7. Incense village in Bo Trach

Address: Quyet Thang Village, Thanh Trach Commune, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province.

With a history of over 300 years, Quyet Thang incense village is a must-see destination for those who love traditional fragrances. When you come here, you will be immersed in the space filled with the scent of incense, watching with your own eyes the artisans meticulously roll each incense stick, dry it and complete the product.

There are mainly two types of incense sticks produced here, 40cm and 70cm long. These incense sticks are shaken back and forth many times, some through 4 times of water. The more times of water, the more fragrant the incense. After completing the steps, people bring the incense sticks to dry everywhere, from empty yards to fences, sidewalks along the roadside… In the last months of the year, the atmosphere of the craft village becomes more bustling than ever when everyone is busy preparing incense sticks for Tet.

Conclusion

Traditional craft villages in Quang Binh not only preserve the quintessence of national culture through each handicraft product but also contribute to creating a unique identity for the sunny and windy land of Central Vietnam. From Quyet Thang incense, Tan An rice paper to An Xa sedge mats or Canh Duong fish sauce – each craft village is a vivid story about the diligence, ingenuity and pride of the local people.

If you have the opportunity to visit Quang Binh, do not forget to spend time exploring traditional craft villages to feel more deeply the rustic beauty and cultural value of this land – where the past and present blend in each handmade product imbued with the soul of the countryside.