Dong Ho Painting Village Hanoi, set within Bac Ninh, is famed for its traditional folk paintings, all of which are created for the annual Tet Festival (Lunar New Year). Located along the Duong River, this traditional village also offers travelers a relaxing break from Hanoi’s bustling cityscape.
Also known as woodcut or Dong Ho paintings, these artworks often depict bright and colourful scenes of everyday life, folk allegories, mythical and historical figures, as well as symbols of happiness, fertility, prosperity, and fortune. Therefore, many households and businesses often use them as decorations throughout the year, particularly during Tet holidays.
In order to produce a single Dong Ho painting, the craftsmen first carve a wooden block into different shapes, before brushing a layer of ink onto each block, and then pressing them on a traditional giay gio paper. The ink is made with natural ingredients such as the ash of burned bamboo leaves, gravel, finely ground oyster shells, and flowers. Finally, the finished design is sealed by a layer of sticky rice paste.
Dong Ho Painting Village Hanoi is 35 kilometers east of Hanoi, and the best time to experience its vibrant atmosphere is during the weeks leading up to Tet Festival (mid-January or February). There are many tour companies offering day trips from Hanoi and Sapa, often including other prominent attractions in the Thuan Thanh District such as Dau Pagoda, Hoa Phong Tower, and But Thap Pagoda.