Dong Ho Painting Village

Unknown artisan from the village of Dong Ho. · Public domain

A celebrated folk-painting craft village on the banks of the Duong River, preserving the Vietnamese soul through each woodblock print.

Dong Ho village lies along the poetic banks of the Duong River, the cradle of one of Vietnam's most distinctive folk-painting traditions. Dong Ho paintings are printed on diep paper that glitters with crushed seashell, their colors entirely natural: vermilion red, sophora yellow, indigo green, and the black of burnt bamboo leaves. Pieces like 'The Rats' Wedding', 'The Pig Family', and 'Rooster of Prosperity' are not only beautiful but also convey a philosophy of life and the farmer's wish for plenty. Through all its ups and downs, the artisans here still tirelessly keep the craft alive. The Dong Ho painting craft is being proposed to UNESCO for inscription as intangible cultural heritage in urgent need of safeguarding.

Visitor information

When is the best time to visit Dong Ho Painting Village?

November to January (the lead-up to Tet)

How long do you need at Dong Ho Painting Village?

Half a day

What are the opening hours of Dong Ho Painting Village?

08:00 - 17:00

Did you know

The paintings are printed on diep paper made from ground seashell mixed with glutinous-rice paste.
The colors come entirely from traditional natural materials.
Each painting requires several woodblocks, one for each color.
The Dong Ho painting craft is a national intangible cultural heritage.

Travel tips

Visit an artisan's home to try printing a painting yourself as a keepsake.
Buy paintings directly in the village to support the families keeping the craft alive.