Stitching a future -Traditional Vietnamese Textiles and Crafts

Let’s embark on a fascinating journey through the traditional textiles of Vietnam.

It’s wonderful to meet entrepreneurs who are reimagining traditional practices and adapting them to thrive in today’s world.

We are so excited to visit a White Thai village working in natural dyes, Green H’mong with a flourishing batik indigo studio and friends we have known for years in the mountains of the North-West to take a Black H’mong embroidery class.

We have been visiting Vietnam’s North since 2007

So much has changed and so much remains the same.

It is still beautiful, welcoming and friendly, the crafts and textile culture is rich and vibrant.

Changes and traditions

The country has become the Asian Tiger with a strong economy and lots of improvements in daily life.

Mrs Chi is a Black H’mong entrepreneur sharing the technique of her hemp cloth production and indigo with great enthusiasm and Black H’mong embroidery patterns- she’ll supply the materials.

In 2007 I had heard of a faraway Green H’mong village- they are renown for the batik+ indigo and delicate applique. It was not possible to get up there- terrible roads and too close to the Golden Triangle. Fast forward to now; improved economy means better roads and more opportunity for remote villages, it is safe and easy to drive up there now.

So exciting, we have met a wonderful family of women entrepreneurs to spend time with and learn about their life and batik business over a pot of hot wax as we take a class with them.

AND our biggest NEW connection is with the family of a woman I met in Hanoi last year- they are White Thai Minority- we have been invited to the family village to immerse ourselves in their textile practices.

White Thai are known for their fine weaving skills, the production of cotton and silk yarn and natural dye practices- all alive and well in the village we will visit and participate in workshops.

Mountain markets, great food, wonderful craft villages around Hanoi, stunning scenery and the World Heritage Listed Ha Long Bay round out our trip.

Next journey 13-26 March, 2025

Itinerary & Costs	Click here Itinerary & Costs
Book Now	Booking link
Vietnam Notes to help you prepare	Travel Notes
Impressions over the years	See our blog

Bargaining in country markets- a pleasure.

The Lake in the middle of the Old City is such fun and lots of exercise group early each morning. — Bargaining in country markets- a pleasure.

Vietnam 2010. This is the day the phrase -Helping the local economy- became famous. Textile Traditions of Vietnam’s North Tour — Vietnam 2010. This is the day the phrase -Helping the local economy- became famous

Flower H'mong market day, Textile Traditions of Vietnam’s North Tour — Vietnam 2010. This is the day the phrase -Helping the local economy- became famous

Creative Arts Safaris offers craft, textile and travel sketching tours to exotic locations.

We offer fully escorted small group tours and travelling workshops with respected tutors.

On tour we like to get our hands dirty taking workshops, exploring locations and culture. We include lots of local experiences as well as visiting iconic sites.

Crafts, travel sketching and textiles are our passion.

Our friendly groups are inclusive. They are companionable and well organized allowing a relaxed adventure, great for solo travellers.

They include pickup & drop to airport, accommodation, group travel, sightseeing, workshops, and most meals. Almost everything is included EXCEPT the shopping – that is your job. Help the local economy.