Explore Dong Xam Silver Carving Village in Thai Binh, Hung Yen! Discover 600-year-old craftsmanship, cultural sites, and book sustainable tours with Legend Travel Group for an authentic adventure.
Dong Xam Silver Carving Village, located in Hong Thai Commune, Thai Binh, now a vibrant ward of Hung Yen province following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative reform, is a cultural treasure 130 km southeast of Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward. Attracting over 20,000 visitors annually, this 600-year-old village, nestled along the Dong Giang River, is renowned for its intricate silver and bronze carvings, with entry fees at $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND). It’s a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts and eco-tourists seeking Vietnam’s artisanal heritage.
Founded in the 15th century by artisan Nguyen Kim Lau, Dong Xam’s silverwork, known for its sophisticated designs, is exported to countries like Japan, South Korea, and the Netherlands. The village’s annual Dong Xam Temple Festival (lunar April 1–3) celebrates this legacy with boat races and Cheo singing. Sustainable practices, such as biodegradable packaging and solar-powered workshops, align with Hung Yen’s green initiatives. The temperate climate (dry season: November–April, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F; rainy season: May–October, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F) ensures year-round exploration. Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours immerse you in this artisanal gem. Book via the links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s 2025 reform merged Thai Binh province into Hung Yen, with Thai Binh City now a ward. Hong Thai Commune, home to Dong Xam, remains a cultural hub in Thai Binh, Hung Yen, easily navigated with updated maps referencing “Thai Binh, Hung Yen.”
Legend Travel Group, a leader in sustainable Southeast Asia tourism with over 17 years of experience, offers eco-friendly tours in Thai Binh, tailored for cultural and craft enthusiasts. Our low-impact tours use electric vehicles or bicycles, led by English-speaking guides who share Dong Xam’s silver carving secrets and local traditions, ensuring a safe, enriching journey. Supporting Hong Thai’s artisans, we align with Hung Yen’s green goals. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, planning is seamless. Book our eco-tours via the links on this page and explore Dong Xam responsibly!
Dong Xam Silver Carving Village, 20 km east of Thai Binh ward in Hong Thai Commune, is a historic hub established in the 15th century. Artisans craft exquisite silver and bronze items, from jewelry to worship objects, using intricate techniques passed down through generations. The village’s products, known for unique shapes and delicate patterns, are sold domestically and exported globally. The Dong Xam Temple Festival, held lunar April 1–3, features boat races, Ca Tru, and Cheo singing, drawing crowds. Sustainable practices, including recycled materials and local staffing, preserve its cultural charm. Activities like silver carving workshops, village cycling, and nearby cultural tours make Dong Xam a vibrant destination for eco-conscious travelers.
These budget-friendly activities ($0–$5) blend craftsmanship and cultural immersion:
Visit Dong Xam’s workshops, best at 10:00 AM, for $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND), learning silver engraving techniques from skilled artisans.
Cost: $2–$4; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Uses recycled metals; supports local artisans.
Tip: Book via Legend Travel Group; included in Thai Binh Cultural Tour ($50–$80).
Join the Dong Xam Temple Festival (lunar April 1–3), best at 2:00 PM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), enjoying boat races and Cheo singing.
Cost: Free; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Festival days, 8:00 AM–8:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Local vendors use biodegradable materials; supports community.
Tip: Arrive early for boat races; included in Thai Binh Festival Tour ($60–$90).
Pedal through Hong Thai’s rice paddies and craft workshops, best at 8:00 AM, with bike rentals at $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND), meeting artisans.
Cost: $2–$3; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Bikes reduce emissions; supports local vendors.
Tip: Rent at homestays; carry water for 5–8 km routes; included in Thai Binh Cultural Tour ($50–$80).
Explore the 17th-century Keo Pagoda in Vu Thu, best at 10:00 AM, for free (donations $0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND), admiring its wooden architecture.
Cost: Free; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Walk or cycle to minimize impact.
Tip: Dress modestly; included in Thai Binh Cultural Tour ($50–$80).
Taste raw jellyfish salad in nearby Thai Thuy, best at 11:00 AM (April–May), for $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND), enjoying its spicy, sour flavor.
Cost: $1–$2; entry $0.50–$1.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Sourced sustainably; supports fishers.
Tip: Try at coastal stalls; included in Thai Binh Coastal Food Tour ($60–$90).
April (Lunar April 1–3, 22–28°C or 71.6–82.4°F): Ideal for the Dong Xam Temple Festival, featuring boat races and cultural performances. Mild weather suits workshops and cycling, though expect larger crowds (300–500 daily visitors).
November–April (Dry Season, 15–26°C or 59–78.8°F): Perfect for exploring workshops and nearby sites like Keo Pagoda, with cool, dry weather and fewer crowds (80–120 daily visitors) on weekdays.
May–October (Rainy Season, 22–33°C or 71.6–91.4°F): Suitable for coastal activities near Thai Thuy, but rain gear is needed for humid paths. Summer (June–August) sees moderate crowds (200–400 on weekends).
Avoid Lunar New Year (January/February): Crowds exceed 1,000 daily, with busy festivals.
Timing Tip: Early mornings (8:00–10:00 AM) offer calm for workshops and photography; afternoons (2:00–5:00 PM) suit festival events and dining.
Dong Xam, in Hong Thai Commune, Thai Binh, is 130 km from Hanoi’s Hoan Kiem Ward, reachable in 2.5–3 hours:
By Private Car: Drive via Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway and Thai Ha Bridge, costing $45–$65 (1,125,000–1,625,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, $35–$45 (875,000–1,125,000 VND) one-way; $70–$90 (1,750,000–2,250,000 VND) round-trip. Use Xanh SM app.
By Private Motorcycle: Ride via Highway 1A, $18–$25 (450,000–625,000 VND) fuel; rental $6–$10/day (150,000–250,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Public Bus: Bus from Giap Bat to Thai Binh ward (2 hours, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), then xe om to Hong Thai (20 km, $2–$3 or 50,000–75,000 VND), totaling $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND) round-trip.
By Private Tour Bus (Legend Travel Group): Group bus from Hoan Kiem Ward, $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND)/person for 20+ people, including guide.
From Noi Bai Airport: Private car ($55–$75 or 1,375,000–1,875,000 VND, 3 hours, 160 km); Xanh SM taxi ($50–$65 or 1,250,000–1,625,000 VND); or Airport Bus No. 86 to Hoan Kiem Ward ($1.40 or 35,000 VND, 50–60 min) + private car ($35–$45 or 875,000–1,125,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Dong Xam, Hong Thai, Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps (Maps.me); follow signs from Thai Binh ward or Nam Dinh. Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Xanh SM taxis or group buses reduce emissions; cycling in Hong Thai minimizes impact.
Safety: Wear helmets on motorcycles; confirm fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Light layers, sturdy shoes for villages; waterproof jacket ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND) for rainy season; hat for sun.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Vietmap/Maps.me, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Craft Gear: Small backpack, camera for workshop shots, notebook for craft notes.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Cash for crafts and vendors; respectful attire for temple visits.
Entry and Activity Fees
Entry: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) adult; free for children under 1.3m.
Silver Carving Workshop: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Dong Xam Temple Festival: Free; donations $0.50–$1.
Bicycle Rental: $2–$3/day (50,000–75,000 VND).
Raw Jellyfish Salad: $1–$2 (25,000–50,000 VND).
Water Puppet Show: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Homestay: $12–$18/night (300,000–450,000 VND).
Drinks (Tea, Water): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Souvenirs (e.g., Silver Crafts): $2–$10 (50,000–250,000 VND).
Guided Cultural Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Hoan Kiem Ward)
Private Car: $45–$65 (1,125,000–1,625,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $70–$90 (1,750,000–2,250,000 VND).
Private Motorcycle: $24–$35 (600,000–875,000 VND).
Public Bus + Xe Om: $8–$12 (200,000–300,000 VND).
Private Tour Bus: $12–$18 (300,000–450,000 VND).
Airport to Dong Xam: $55–$75 (1,375,000–1,875,000 VND).
Parking: $0.60–$1 (15,000–25,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person)
Budget: $12–$22 (bus + xe om, entry, activities).
Mid-range: $30–$50 (private car, workshop, guided tour).
Luxury: $80–$120 (Xanh SM taxi, homestay, premium tour).
Tip: Budget for entry ($0.50–$1), activities ($1–$5), and transport ($8–$90); carry cash (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit at 8:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; April for Dong Xam Temple Festival. Weekdays for fewer crowds (80–120 vs. 200–400 on weekends). Avoid Lunar New Year for quieter visits.
Booking: Buy entry tickets on-site (QR code e-tickets); reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for workshops or homestays. Book festival activities at Hong Thai centers.
Sustainability: Support artisans with craft ($2–$10) or food ($1–$2) purchases; use reusable bottles. Respect workshop spaces and ecosystems.
Navigation: Save “Dong Xam, Hong Thai, Thai Binh, Hung Yen” in offline maps; ask locals in Thai Binh ward for directions. Avoid night travel due to rural roads.
Safety: Secure valuables; follow workshop safety guidelines. Carry a flashlight for evening festival events.
Weather: Dry season (November–April) for comfortable visits; rainy season needs rain gear ($2–$5) and waterproof bags ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly at Dong Xam Temple; say “xin chào” to locals. Avoid touching silverwork without permission.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and hand sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Dong Xam and Thai Binh’s cultural highlights:
Thai Binh Cultural Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Visit Dong Xam silver workshops, Keo Pagoda, and water puppetry, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Thai Binh Festival Tour ($60–$90/person, 1 day): Experience Dong Xam Temple Festival, cycling, and banh gai workshops, with local lunch. Includes guide, transport.
Hanoi & Hung Yen Cultural Journey ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Dong Xam, Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Ninh Binh’s Trang An, homestays ($12–$18/night). Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Book now via links!
Dong Xam Silver Carving Village in Thai Binh, the merged Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province, captivates over 20,000 visitors yearly with entry fees of $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND), located 130 km from Hanoi in Dong Xam Commune, Kien Xuong District. With its 600-year-old silver craftsmanship, featuring intricate jewelry and utensils, the village’s vibrant temple festival (15th day of the 3rd lunar month) and nearby cultural gems like Keo Pagoda shine, preserved by sustainable practices such as recycled materials and local-guided tours. Legend Travel Group’s Thai Binh Tours guide you through this artisanal haven, ensuring an immersive, responsible Thai Binh Travel experience with activities like exploring silver workshops and cycling Hong Thai’s villages. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your eco-friendly cultural adventure today!
Ready to discover Dong Xam Silver Carving Village in Thai Binh, Thai Binh – Hung Yen Province? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an authentic cultural adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Dong Xam Silver Carving Village Information: vietnam.travel, vietnamtourism.org.vn, baothaibinh.com.vn, vuadacsan.com.vn
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