Vietnam is a country rich in handicraft products, thanks to the
hardworking, dexterous, and creative qualities of the Vietnamese
people. For a very long time, handicraft products have been a source of
culturalpride and a source of income for the people. As the varieties
of handicraft products are too numerous to be fully introduced, only a
few typical items and their sources are mentioned here.

Woven tapestries and tho cam handbags are unique works from the skilled
hands of the ethnic women living in the Northwest regions, such as Cao
Bang. Embroidered articles and silk products are famous from the
regions of Ha Dong, Nam Ha, Thai Binh and Hue. Wool tapestries from
Hanoi and Haiphong, and jute tapestries from Hung Yen, Haiphong, Hanoi
and Thai Binh, are much sought after.

Ceramic and porcelain items have been produced in Vietnam for a long
time. Ceramic and porcelain products glazed by traditional methods into
beautiful art are well known in Bat Trang (Hanoi), Quang Ninh, and
Haiphong. Copperware is fabricated by the skillful hands of
coppersmiths in Nam Ha, Ngu Xa (Hanoi), Dong Son (Thanh Hoa), and Long
Tho. Jewelry products and metalwork are concentrated in Hanoi, Thai
Binh and Hai Hung, while stonework are mainly produced in Danang (Five
Element Mountain Region).

Wood products and wood carvings can usually be found in Phu Xuyen (Ha
Tay), Haiphong, and Hue.There are thousands of types of handicraft
products. Some of these handicrafts have been internationally
recognized and popularized, such as lacquerware. While lacquer artists
produce a limited number of paintings and sculptures, lacquer crafts
have been part of Vietnamese life in many forms: vases, boxes, interior
decorating items, jewelry, and office products. With about 2,000 years
of history, Vietnamese lacquerware and other products made by a
community of handicraft artists, have established a firm and growing
position in the domestic and international markets.