Silk Hoa Lu: See How Silk Is Made in Ninh Binh
Ten minutes from Tam Coc, in Ha Trao Village, there is a small workshop where silk is still made by hand. It is called Silk Hoa Lu. You can visit, watch the work, and try it yourself.
What you can see and do
You follow the whole silk story, from the worm to the cloth.
- Meet the silkworms. You can touch them gently. They are soft and slow. Children love this part.
- Sort the cocoons. Sit down next to grandma and help pick through the baskets of white cocoons.
- Watch the silk come off. The cocoons go into hot water. Then one thread is pulled out. It is thinner than a hair.
- Try the loom. Sit at an old wooden loom and weave a few lines. It is harder than it looks.
- Learn some embroidery. Simple stitches, all by hand.
Try the loom yourself
The looms are old and made of wood. Someone shows you how to hold the shuttle and push the pedal. Your first lines will be crooked. That is normal, and it is the best part.
Why we like it
Most people come to Ninh Binh for the boats, the caves and the mountains. Those are beautiful. But this is something else. It is quiet, it is real work, and the family is happy to show you everything.
It is also very good with children. There are no screens here. They touch the worms, they help grandma, they pull the thread. They remember it.
Ha Trao Village almost lost this craft. The families now work together and welcome visitors, and that keeps the work alive. When you visit, you are part of that.
Practical information
- Where: Ha Trao Village, Nam Hoa Lu. About 10 minutes from Tam Coc.
- When: Every day, two sessions: 8:30 and 14:30.
- Book: WhatsApp +84 94 886 0135, or message their Facebook page.
- Website: luahoalu.com
- Email: silkhoalu@gmail.com
Tip: It is close to Tam Coc, so it fits easily into a morning or an afternoon. Ask us if you need a car and driver to get there.
Photos: Silk Hoa Lu.