Just 40km from Hanoi, ancient villages preserve architectural wonders and living crafts that define the spirit of Vietnamese heritage.

As Tet draws near, demand for spiritual offerings, zodiac statues, and bronze gift items has surged, sending the bronze casting village of Van Diem (Y Yen commune, Ninh Binh province) into a flurry of activity.

As Tet approaches, carpentry workshops in Dang Chuong village, now part of Van Thang commune in Ninh Binh province, are buzzing with activity.

Những ngày này, người dân vùng trồng quất cảnh Nam Phong (phường Vị Khê, tỉnh Ninh Bình) đang tất bật cắt tỉa, tạo dáng cây, chuẩn bị cho mùa vụ quan trọng nhất năm.

A snake-shaped cultural complex is taking form in Viet Hung Ward, Hanoi, as workers race to complete the final stages of construction.

As the Lunar New Year (Tet) approaches, traditional craft villages across Hanoi are entering their busiest production season.

70-year-old artisan Nguyen Dinh Dai is preserving Vietnam’s duoi silk tradition with the largest collection and global recognition for Nam Cao village.

With patient strokes of a chisel, white sapwood planks, and layers of Chinese ink soaked into dó paper, a centuries-old craft is being brought back to life - Thanh Lieu woodblock printing.

Nguyen Xa puppeteers keep Northern Vietnam’s ancient puppet traditions alive-strings, drums, and soul.

As Christmas nears, Catholic garment makers in Xuan Hung village work around the clock to meet soaring demand for ceremonial attire.

In Ninh Binh’s Giao Hung commune, generations of artisans are preserving a time-honored fish sauce craft as Tet orders pour in.

As Christmas approaches, wood carving workshops in Xuan Truong commune, Ninh Binh province are entering their busiest time of the year.

Cascade-style kumquat trees in Ninh Binh have become Tet bestsellers, with orders secured months ahead of time.

Centuries-old flower and bonsai village in Ninh Binh struggles back to life to catch Tet sales season.

Nestled in a tranquil river region, Cam Thanh emerges like a fairy tale land in Da Nang, featuring lush nipa palm groves, meandering canals, and the peaceful rhythm of rural life.

In Vi Khe, Ninh Binh’s centuries-old bonsai village, artisans who shape ornamental trees earn incomes rivaling those of engineers.

Vi Khe village artisans are selling centuries-old trees for hundreds of thousands of dollars, built from a legacy of patience and passion.

As the Mid-Autumn Festival approaches, a surprising calm has descended on Bao Dap village in Hong Quang Ward, Ninh Binh Province - long known as the “capital” of traditional star lantern craftsmanship.

Thanks to a new soil-washing method, pollution at the lead-recycling village of Dong Mai in Chi Dao Commune, Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province is gradually improving - offering hope for the restoration of other “dead lands.”