Step back in time as you enter a stunning ancient house nestled in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. This is not just a building; it's a living piece of history where you will discover the delicate art of Vietnamese hand embroidery. Your class will be led by a passionate famous and experienced artisan who will introduce you to the fundamental stitches and techniques passed down through generations.
All materials—including the embroidery hoop, fabric, and a wide array of colorful threads—will be provided. You'll learn how to transfer a design and bring it to life with your own hands. The 60- to 90-minute session is designed for all skill levels, whether you are a complete beginner or have some experience. By the end, you'll have a beautiful, hand-stitched souvenir that captures the spirit of your journey.
To complement your creative experience, you'll receive a free drink (such as bottled water, iced tea, or seasonal fruit juice) and traditional Vietnamese snacks like green bean cakes and peanut candy.
For a full cultural immersion, opt to a traditional home-cooked meal with iconic Hanoi dishes, prepared with care by the family and served in the house’s serene setting.
ABOUT OUR HOST
Meet Hong, a fourth-generation embroidery artisan and the proud owner of Tân Mỹ, a historic family business founded in 1969.
Born into a family with a four-hundred-year history in the traditional textile and embroidery craft, Hong’s journey with a needle and thread began at a young age. Her mother passed on the intricate skills to Hong and her siblings, but only Hong chose to pursue embroidery, driven by a desire to preserve her family’s ancestral art and honor the legacy built by her parents and ancestors.
Hong started her career as an embroidery teacher, and over decades of refining her skills, she eventually took over the family's renowned shop, Tân Mỹ, located in a historic house in Hanoi's Old Quarter.
A Legacy of Hope
The story of Tân Mỹ is woven into the very fabric of Vietnam’s history. It began in 1969, during a time of war, when Hong's grandmother, Bạch Thị Ngải, saw beauty and hope in the midst of conflict. She started a small embroidery shop to create handmade gifts that held deep meaning for the people of Hanoi. The shop's first products were pillowcases and handkerchiefs, often embroidered with personal messages of love and hope for soldiers heading to the battlefield. Since then, these simple items became treasured keepsakes during a difficult time.
This commitment to quality and tradition has been passed down through generations. To ensure the finest quality for customers, each successive owner of Tân Mỹ has had to hone their craft for at least 20 years before taking over the business. Today, the brand has served hundreds of thousands of customers, including royalty, and was even recognized as one of the most beloved brands of 2022.
By joining this class, you are not only learning a traditional craft from a master but also becoming a small part of this incredible, living history.