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Situated in Vietnam's Ninh Binh province is the Kim Son Sedge Weaving Craft Village, a hidden treasure that has been perfecting the art of crafting lovely sedge products for centuries. The small village is renowned for its high-quality mats, baskets, and decorative handicrafts crafted from natural sedge, a crop that thrives in the wetland conditions found in the area. Attending Kim Son is to embark on a discovery odyssey of Vietnam's rich culture of craftsmanship whereby one gets a chance to behold master craftsmen turning raw material into exquisite masterpieces.
The sedge weaving tradition of Kim Son started over 200 years ago, began sometime in early 19th century. Brought to the populace as a means for coastal subsistence farmers to harvest and enjoy the easily accessible sedge plants that occupied low, wet patches along the coasts, it was further developed over the course of generations.
Kim Son Sedge Weaving Craft Village (Source: VN Express)
The intertwining into utilitarian as well as aesthetically beautiful objects was perfected in the course of time because this artisan practice, being significant and a big part of the villagers' economy and lifestyle.
Under French colonisation, Kim Son sedge goods were popular not just in the locality but were diffused across Vietnam and even exported overseas. Even today, the village continues to be among the leading manufacturers of sedge handicraft in Vietnam, incorporating old techniques and introducing new patterns in order to serve both national and international needs. Artisans within the villagers keep their ancestors' skills yet are eager to catch up on recent trends to keep this immensely sacred tradition going.
The best time to visit Kim Son Sedge Weaving Craft Village is the dry season, which is between October and April. The weather is more pleasant during this period, and it is the ideal time to visit the village and observe the artisans at work.
Kim Son Sedge Weaving Craft Village (Source: Can Tho Mekong tours)
A trip to the village during festive periods, say Lunar New Year or craft festivals, also allows visitors the chance to observe the vibrant cultural celebrations that denote the importance of traditional crafts in Vietnamese culture.
Kim Son Sedge Weaving Craft Village is located in Ninh Binh province, some 120 kilometers south of Hanoi. One can get to the village through the following ways:
By Motorbike or Vehicle: The most convenient way to reach Kim Son is by motorbike or vehicle. The ride from Hanoi is approximately 2.5 to 3 hours via National Highway 1A.
By Train: Travelers can take a train from Hanoi to Ninh Binh city, and subsequently take a motorbike or taxi for the final 30 kilometers to Kim Son.
By Bus: There are several buses plying between Hanoi and Ninh Binh on a daily basis. From the city of Ninh Binh, tourists can take local bus or taxi to visit the craft village.
Kim Son Sedge Weaving Craft Village is one of those must-not-miss sites for those on the lookout for Vietnam's cultural heritage and traditional handicrafts. The village offers a unique opportunity to observe talented artisans weaving exquisite sedge products and understanding the historical and economic significance of this craft. As an art enthusiast, cultural tourist, or simply someone looking for authentic souvenirs, a trip to Kim Son holds a promise of a worthwhile experience that uncovers Vietnam's time-tested craftsmanship.
