Van Lam embroidery village: Must-visit place in Ninh Binh

Tucked away near the foot of limestone cliffs in Ninh Binh, Van Lam embroidery village stands as a proud symbol of Vietnam’s rich handicraft tradition. Known for its intricate hand-stitched patterns, the village has been home to generations of artisans dedicated to preserving this cultural art form.

In this article, you’ll learn about the origins of Van Lam embroidery village, discover top activities for visitors and get practical tips for your trip. Let this guide help you make the most of your time in one of Ninh Binh’s most authentic cultural stops.

The history of Van Lam embroidery village

With a history dating back over 700 years, Van Lam embroidery village is believed to have originated during the Tran Dynasty. Legend says Lady Trần Thị Dung, wife of Grand Chancellor Trần Thủ Độ, had court ladies teach royal embroidery techniques to local villagers. Early embroidered works served religious and ceremonial purposes—such as ceremonial robes, headdresses, parasols and altar cloths—playing a key role in spiritual and community rituals.

In 1910, during the French colonial era, two villagers, Đinh Ngọc Hênh and Đinh Ngọc Xoan, learned European lace embroidery from the French and brought these techniques home. This marked a turning point, adding lacework to the village’s traditional skills. From that moment, Van Lam embroidery flourished—blending courtly refinement with modern creativity—and has since earned its reputation as one of the most exquisite embroidery villages in Vietnam. 

The meticulous process behind Van Lam embroidery

The creation of Van Lam embroidery is a labor-intensive process that requires skill, patience and a keen eye for detail. Each piece goes through multiple carefully executed steps before it becomes a finished work of art. The process typically includes:

• Designing and sketching patterns: Artisans start by drawing intricate designs that often reflect nature, cultural symbols, or traditional motifs. These patterns are meticulously planned to ensure symmetry and precision.

• Transferring the design onto transparent film: Once finalized, the pattern is printed or traced onto a clear film. This serves as a template to guide the embroidery process.

• Perforating the template: Using a fine needle, artisans carefully pierce along the lines of the design to create tiny holes, allowing the pattern to be transferred onto the fabric.

• Applying oil and color: A mixture of oil and dye is brushed over the perforated film. As the liquid seeps through the holes, the pattern is imprinted onto the fabric underneath, forming a clear guide for stitching.

• Embroidery work: Skilled embroiderers then begin stitching along the outlines, using a combination of delicate threads and lacework techniques. This step demands patience and precision, as each stitch must align perfectly with the design.

• Finishing touches: The piece is carefully checked, cleaned and trimmed. Extra detailing or lace borders may be added to enhance the final product’s elegance.

The result is a Van Lam lace embroidery piece that is both graceful and intricate, reflecting centuries of craftsmanship. Each item—be it a scarf, tablecloth, or framed artwork—embodies the village’s cultural heritage and the artisan’s dedication to perfection.

You may want to read: Vietnam’s craft villages: A journey into traditional artistry

What to do at Van Lam embroidery village

A visit to Van Lam embroidery village offers more than just a look at beautiful handmade textiles—it’s a chance to explore the cultural and spiritual roots of Vietnam’s embroidery tradition. Whether you're observing master artisans or visiting sacred sites, every experience deepens your connection with this age-old craft.

Visit the temple honoring embroidery ancestors

A meaningful stop during your visit is the temple dedicated to the three founding masters of traditional embroidery. Nestled within the village, this quiet temple is a place where locals pay respects to their ancestors who passed down the craft through generations. You’ll see altars adorned with offerings, incense and embroidered tributes—symbols of gratitude and reverence. Taking a moment here offers insight into the deep cultural roots and spiritual significance behind the art of embroidery in Van Lam.

Watch artisans at work

As you stroll through the narrow alleys of the embroidery village, you’ll see local artisans seated at wooden frames, skillfully stitching patterns onto silk, linen and cotton. The environment is peaceful and focused, with each movement a testament to years of practice and dedication. Visitors are often welcome to observe the process and chat with artisans about the meaning behind their motifs and designs.

Shop for authentic handmade textiles

Before leaving, make time to browse through the locally made products on display. From hand-embroidered scarves and tablecloths to intricate artwork and clothing, there’s something for every taste and budget. These items are more than just souvenirs—they’re authentic representations of Vietnam’s textile culture and buying them helps support the continuation of this cherished tradition.

How to get to Van Lam embroidery village from Hanoi

Van Lam Embroidery Village is located just 7 kilometers from Ninh Binh city center, making it an easy and convenient destination from Hanoi. Here are the best ways to get there:

• By motorbike: Take the old National Highway 1A heading toward Ninh Binh. This route offers scenic countryside views, ideal for travelers who enjoy the open road. Be sure to follow the correct direction and avoid the turn toward Nam Dinh – Thai Binh.

• By private car: A great option for families or those seeking comfort. Traveling by car allows for a relaxed and flexible schedule, and the journey from Hanoi typically takes about 2 hours. 

Once you arrive in Ninh Binh, it’s only a short ride—by motorbike or car—to Van Lam village. The village is conveniently located near the entrance of the Tam Coc boat pier, making it easy to combine with a boat trip.

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Travel tips for visiting Van Lam embroidery village

To make the most of your visit to Van Lam embroidery village, it helps to know a few practical tips. These will not only enhance your experience but also ensure you interact respectfully with the local community and support their enduring craft tradition.

• Best time to visit: Late morning or early afternoon offers the best lighting for photography, especially if you want to capture the artisans at work. The dry season (October to April) is ideal for travel.

• Be respectful: Ask for permission before taking close-up photos of people or their workshops. Many artisans work from home and their workspace is also a living space.

• Support local craftsmanship: When shopping, remember that the prices reflect the labor-intensive nature of the work. Bargaining is acceptable, but do so with courtesy and fairness.

• Combine with nearby sights: The village is a short walk or bike ride from Tam Coc, so you can easily plan a half-day combining culture and nature.

Van Lam embroidery village is more than just a stop along your Ninh Binh journey—it’s a living museum of Vietnam’s artistry and tradition. From centuries-old techniques passed down through generations to the peaceful atmosphere of a working embroidery village, every moment spent here deepens your appreciation for Vietnamese culture.

For a seamless and enriching visit, let Hanoi Voyages help you explore Van Lam village as part of a thoughtfully designed Vietnam journey.