Đông Hồ Painting Village – A Living Legacy of Vietnamese Cultural Beauty
Đông Hồ Painting Village, a long-standing cultural site with a history of over 400 years, is a fascinating destination for anyone wishing to explore the traditional art of the Vietnamese people. The village's fame mainly stems from its unique Đông Hồ woodcut paintings, which vividly reflect the cultural identity of ancient Vietnamese life.
In this article, let's join MIA.vn in discovering the unique charm of Đông Hồ Painting Village.
Quick Overview
- The beauty of Đông Hồ Painting Village
- The historical tale of the traditional painting village in Kinh Bắc
- Tips for exploring Đông Hồ Village
3.1 Best time to visit
3.2 How to get there
3.3 What to do in Đông Hồ Village
3.3.1 Admire the unique artworks
3.3.2 Join the folk painting festival
3.3.3 Make your own Đông Hồ painting
3.3.4 Buy paintings as souvenirs - A few notes when visiting Đông Hồ
1. The Beauty of Đông Hồ Painting Village
- Address: Song Hồ Commune, Thuận Thành District, Bắc Ninh Province
Đông Hồ folk paintings, also known as Đông Hồ woodblock prints, are one of the most iconic traditional art forms of Vietnam. Originating from Đông Hồ Village in Bắc Ninh, these paintings are renowned for their uniqueness and the intricate craftsmanship in every brushstroke, making them a source of great pride for the Vietnamese people.
Located on the banks of the Đuống River, Đông Hồ Painting Village lies about 16 km from the center of Bắc Ninh city and about 35 km from Hanoi. Today, Đông Hồ is not only a center for traditional art production but also an increasingly popular cultural tourism destination.
With over 400 years of history and more than 17 artisan families practicing the traditional woodblock printing craft, the village has become a symbol of enduring artistic excellence. Despite its modest size today—with just over 220 households—Đông Hồ remains the most authentic and vibrant guardian of this national heritage.
2. The Historical Tale of the Traditional Kinh Bắc Painting Village
With its roots in the 16th century, Đông Hồ Village became renowned for producing Đông Hồ folk paintings—an emblem of Vietnam’s cultural and historical richness. At its peak from the late 18th century to 1944, the village thrived with contributions from 17 artisan clans.
However, during the resistance war against the French, the village suffered destruction, and the craft nearly vanished. After peace was restored in 1967, efforts to revive the tradition began.
In the past, Đông Hồ used to hold annual painting markets in the lunar twelfth month, attracting both buyers and curious tourists. But by the 1940s, demand dropped, leading to a decline in production. By 1990, the local cooperative was dissolved, and many families switched to making votive paper offerings.
As of March 2013, Đông Hồ painting was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in need of urgent safeguarding. Though the craft has diminished, the artistic and cultural value of Đông Hồ paintings continues to capture hearts and survive into the present.
3. Tips for Exploring Đông Hồ Painting Village
3.1 Best Time to Visit
You can visit Đông Hồ any day of the week, but the best time is from January to March (lunar calendar) when the weather is cool and pleasant. The ideal visiting hours are from 9 AM to 11 AM and 2 PM to 5 PM, allowing you to fully enjoy the tranquil ambiance and observe artisans at work.
3.2 How to Get There
- By Bus (Route 204 - Hanoi to Thuận Thành, Bắc Ninh): Start from Long Biên Terminal, passing various landmarks to Hồ Town. From there, take a motorbike taxi to the village.
- By Private Vehicle: Follow National Highway 5 to Phú Thị junction, turn onto Highway 18B, pass Sủi Street, Keo Market, Dâu Market, then turn down the dike road. From here, it's about 3km to the village. Alternative routes through Hồ Town and Thiên Đức Street also lead to the village.
3.3 What to Do in Đông Hồ Village
3.3.1 Admire the Unique Paintings
Đông Hồ paintings depict daily rural life and traditional folklore. Artisans use natural materials for colours—indigo from indigo leaves, red from the bark of the vang tree, black from burnt bamboo leaves—and print on Dó paper, often coated with shell powder, giving it a shimmering effect. This makes each piece not just beautiful but also highly durable.
3.3.2 Join the Đông Hồ Folk Painting Festival
Visit between the 14th and 16th of the third lunar month to take part in the annual painting festival. There’s also a special traditional painting market in the twelfth lunar month on the 6th, 11th, 16th, 21st, and 26th. Locals and visitors gather in large numbers to buy, sell, and admire these timeless artworks.
3.3.3 Make Your Own Đông Hồ Painting
Visitors can try making their own Đông Hồ prints through three main stages:
- Designing the pattern with brush and ink
- Carving the woodblocks—each colour requires a separate carving
- Printing the artwork by applying colour to the blocks and pressing onto the Dó paper. The black outline is usually printed last.
This hands-on experience is both artistic and rewarding.
3.3.4 Buy Paintings as Souvenirs
No visit is complete without bringing home a piece of Đông Hồ’s artistry. These traditional woodblock prints make meaningful gifts and lasting mementos.
4. A Few Notes for Your Visit
- Clothing: Wear comfortable yet modest attire, especially if your itinerary includes nearby temples or pagodas.
- Road Safety: Be cautious when riding motorbikes, especially on narrow or uneven dike roads.
- Do Some Research: Learn about the village beforehand to make the most of your trip.
- Respect the Peace: Đông Hồ offers a calm, reflective space—different from the hustle of city life. Help preserve its serene atmosphere.
- Price Guide: Paintings typically range from 20,000 VND to 150,000 VND, reflecting the high craftsmanship and authenticity.
Đông Hồ Painting Village is a must-visit destination for anyone passionate about Vietnamese culture and heritage. MIA.vn believes that a visit here will ignite in you a profound sense of pride in our nation's rich traditions.
