Crafting a Life: Vietnamese Hobbies Expats Can Try

Moving to Vietnam is an adventure brimming with vibrant culture, stunning landscapes, and incredible cuisine. But beyond the surface lies a world of traditional crafts and hobbies deeply embedded in the country’s rich heritage. For expats looking to immerse themselves in Vietnamese culture and foster a creative outlet, exploring these hobbies offers a unique and fulfilling experience.

From pottery to calligraphy, here’s a brief guide to Vietnamese hobbies that will inspire and engage you, while deepening your connection to this fascinating country.

Pottery

Vietnam's pottery tradition dates back thousands of years, with ceramic pieces from the ancient Red River Delta still inspiring modern artisans. Villages like Bat Trang, located 13 km southeast of Hanoi, have been crafting pottery for generations. A visit to Bat Trang not only lets you explore the village’s charming streets but also provides hands-on pottery-making experiences.

A workshop costs around 100,000–200,000 VND ($4–8 USD) for a session – there is no need to book in advance – instead, you can simply visit the village and then book a session on the spot.

Clay workshops in Ho Chi Minh City, such as at Hands-On Pottery Studio, charge approximately 250,000–400,000 VND ($10–16 USD) per class. There is a need to contact in advance to book.

In these sessions you can learn techniques such as wheel-throwing, glazing, and firing, creating beautiful and functional items to take home.

Vietnamese Calligraphy: The Art of Beautiful Writing

Calligraphy holds a revered place in Vietnamese culture, especially during Tet (Lunar New Year). The flowing strokes of Vietnamese calligraphy, originally based on Chinese characters and later adapted to the Romanized quốc ngữ script, are an elegant art form.

Calligraphy workshops are available at the Hanoi Calligraphy Center, with sessions costing around 200,000 VND ($8 USD). These sessions, which typically require advance booking, introduce participants to the flowing strokes of Vietnamese calligraphy. Whether crafting Chinese-inspired characters or phrases in the Romanized quốc ngữ script, expats can gain insight into the language and traditions while creating unique artwork to display or gift during Tet.

Explore More About Vietnam: Finding Your Tribe: Building an Expat Support Network in Vietnam

Embroidery: Painting with Thread

Embroidery is a highly regarded craft in Vietnam, especially in Da Lat, a town known for its skilled artisans. At places like XQ Historical Village, beginners can join embroidery classes for around 500,000 VND ($20 USD). DIY kits, available in craft shops nationwide, start at 100,000 VND ($4 USD) for those who prefer to practice at home.

Classes teach participants to create everything from simple floral patterns to intricate designs inspired by nature and folklore. Whether taken as a relaxing hobby or a creative challenge, embroidery offers a tangible keepsake that celebrates Vietnam’s meticulous craftsmanship.

Cooking: Mastering Vietnamese Cuisine

Cooking Vietnamese cuisine is another delightful way to embrace the country’s heritage. Cooking classes are readily available in major cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi.

The Saigon Cooking Class charges 800,000–1,200,000 VND ($32–48 USD) for sessions that often include a market tour to source fresh ingredients.

In Hanoi, the Hanoi Cooking Centre offers similar experiences starting at 1,000,000 VND ($40 USD). Participants learn to prepare dishes like pho, banh xeo (crispy pancakes), and goi cuon (fresh spring rolls), mastering the balance of flavours that defines Vietnamese cooking.

Silk Painting: Vibrant Colors on Canvas

Silk painting, a traditional art form, uses delicate silk fabric as a canvas for vibrant and harmonious designs. Workshops in Hoi An, such as those at the Hoi An Silk Village, cost between 500,000 and 1,000,000 VND ($20–40 USD).

Studios in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City offer similar sessions for 300,000–500,000 VND ($12–20 USD). These classes typically include all materials and provide step-by-step guidance, allowing participants to create unique pieces of art that reflect Vietnam’s aesthetic sensibilities.

Gardening: Nurturing Nature the Vietnamese Way

Gardening is a relaxing and deeply rooted tradition in Vietnam, where even urban homes feature lush courtyards or balconies. Expats can learn the art of bonsai at gardening workshops in Ho Chi Minh City, with prices starting at 200,000 VND ($8 USD) per session.

Popular plants include orchids, bonsai trees, and herbs like lemongrass and basil. For those wanting to start their own garden, markets like Ben Thanh in Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Xuan in Hanoi offer a wide variety of plants and gardening supplies.

Continue Learning: Vietnamese Cake Guide: 10 Must-Try Traditional Varieties by Region

Music and Dance: Embracing Rhythm and Melody

Vietnam’s music and dance traditions are equally engaging. The Vietnam National Academy of Music in Hanoi offers lessons on traditional instruments like the dan bau (monochord) or dan tranh (zither) for approximately 1,000,000 VND ($40 USD) per month.

Dance studios in cities like Ho Chi Minh City offer classes in both traditional and modern styles, with single sessions priced at 200,000 VND ($8 USD). These activities are a fun way to connect with Vietnamese rhythm and melody while engaging with local culture.

Kite Making and Flying: A Joyful Pastime

Kite flying is a simple yet cherished pastime in Vietnam, particularly along beaches and in rural areas. Workshops at the Hue Kite Museum cost around 150,000 VND ($6 USD) and guide participants in designing and assembling their own kites. After crafting your creation, head to local parks or beaches to experience the joy of flying a traditional Vietnamese kite.

Weaving: Crafting Textiles with Local Artisans

Weaving is an ancient craft practised by many ethnic minority communities in Vietnam. In Sapa, weaving workshops allow participants to create their own textiles, such as scarves or table runners, for around 300,000–500,000 VND ($12–20 USD). These classes are an excellent way to support local artisans while learning a skill that connects you to Vietnam’s vibrant cultural heritage.

Martial Arts: Strengthening Body and Mind

Vietnamese martial arts, including Vovinam and Binh Dinh, combine physical fitness with philosophical principles. Martial arts schools in cities like Ho Chi Minh City and Hue offer beginner-friendly lessons, with memberships starting at 500,000 VND ($20 USD) per month. Expats can benefit from improved fitness and mindfulness while gaining insight into this aspect of Vietnamese tradition.

Coffee Appreciation: A Vietnamese Ritual

Coffee appreciation is an essential part of life in Vietnam, a country famous for its unique brewing methods and rich flavours. Coffee workshops can be found in most towns and cost between 300,000 and 500,000 VND ($12–20 USD), offering insights into brewing techniques and the history of coffee cultivation.

In Da Lat it is possible to have plantation tours, priced at approximately 500,000 VND ($20 USD), allow participants to see the full journey from bean to cup. With a little practice, you can perfect your own Vietnamese-style brew at home, savouring every sip of this iconic beverage.

Discover Related Guides: 10 Most Famous Coffee Chains in Vietnam you should try once

These hobbies don’t just fill your free time—they immerse you in Vietnam’s culture and connect you with local communities. From crafting pottery to cooking aromatic dishes, each activity deepens your appreciation for Vietnam’s rich traditions and creates lasting memories.

By embracing these hobbies, you’ll not only gain skills but also form meaningful connections with the people and places that make Vietnam unique.