In Doc So (Doc So residential group, Huong An Ward), the craft of making Vietnamese conical hats was once practised in nearly every household. Today, the tradition is at risk of disappearing, with only around 20 people in the village still practising the craft. ​

Among Hue’s traditional craft villages, the bronze-casting craft in the formerly Phuong Duc Ward (now Thuan Hoa Ward) is renowned for the skill, patience, and dedication of artisans.

The rhythmic clang of hammers rings out from blacksmiths’ forges, the scent of fresh wood fills carpentry workshops, and artisans work with bamboo strips, conical hat frames, needles and thread. Each craft has its own tasks, and each artisan has a personal way of keeping the tradition alive. The resulting products bear the distinctive marks of their craft villages and reflect the diligence and skill of the craftsmen.

Early in the morning, in a three-bay house filled with sea air in Phuong Loc Village (Phu Vinh Commune), 73-year-old Tran Van Than, surrounded by bamboo baskets, miniature boats, and coracles, was moving his hands skillfully with thin bamboo strips. Having spent decades making a living from the sea, though his health no longer allows him to work at sea, his deep affection for his hometown’s sea lives on through every product he makes.

Over the National Day (September 2) holiday, Hue welcomed a large number of visitors from near and far, creating a vibrant and bustling atmosphere. From the Imperial Citadel and heritage sites to scenic spots, craft villages, and community-based tourism destinations, visitors can be seen sightseeing, experiencing local activities, posing for check-in photos, and capturing memorable moments on their journey to discover the Ancient Capital.

Preserving traditional crafts is about more than keeping a craft alive; it is about preserving the stories of people, culture, and values passed down through generations. By embracing fresh approaches, those who continue telling these stories are helping traditional craft villages become more relevant to contemporary life while preserving their authentic character.

Traditional culture is now being embraced by young people in new, youthful, engaging and accessible ways through craft village workshop tours. This form of experience is becoming increasingly popular, attracting many young people and tourists who can directly take part in and create traditional handmade products themselves. More importantly, these activities help preserve and spread cultural and historical values while honoring the craftsmanship and dedication of people in traditional villages. ​

With its potential and advantages in natural resources, local culture, traditional craft villages, and agricultural and fishing livelihoods, regional zoning linked with eco-tourism and community-based tourism (CBT) development orientations will help promote sustainable tourism growth in Hue.

On March 7, the City’s Women’s Union organized the “Brilliant March” Festival, featuring a series of meaningful activities, including a mass dance performance, the “Golden Bell Challenge” contest on the Law on Elections of the National Assembly and People’s Councils and Party Congress resolutions at all levels, the “Colors of Traditional Craft Villages” exhibition, along with various engaging communication activities…

On the morning of January 4, at Ngu Ha Vien, the project “Reviving Chuon village traditional scroll (lien) making craft” was officially launched to the public, marking an emotional milestone in the journey to rediscover and restore a part of cultural memory that was once on the brink of extinction.