Visiting Bao La Village in Hue – A Renowned Eco-Friendly Bamboo Weaving Hub in Central Vietnam

In Hue, there is a renowned village known as Bao La, famous for its exquisite handmade bamboo products. We spent a peaceful day exploring this tranquil village, witnessing skilled artisans crafting beautiful products with their deft hands. We also heard stories of the ups and downs that Bao La village has experienced in the past, the efforts made to revive the craft when it seemed to be fading away.

Introduction to the Traditional Bamboo Weaving Craft Village of Bao La

Bao La village is situated approximately 12km north of the center of Hue city. Renowned for its bamboo weaving craft, Bao La is a hub for producing various items made from bamboo and rattan materials, including familiar objects like bamboo baskets, bamboo trays, and bamboo lamps, etc.

According to the village elders, the bamboo weaving craft has been present in Bao La for over 600 years. Back in the day, the entire village was involved in weaving. After each farming season or harvest, households would gather bamboo to weave. People of all ages, from the elderly to the young, could join in the weaving, depending on their capacity and expertise.

The Ups and Downs that Bao La Village has Experienced in the Past

Mr. Vo Van Dinh, who serves as the Director of the Bao La Weaving Cooperative, shared with us:

Before plastic household items became prevalent, the products from Bao La bamboo weaving village were in high demand in Vietnam. These products, known for their exquisite designs and long-lasting quality, were purchased in substantial quantities.

The quality of the products crafted by the artisans in Bao La village reached such a high level that it was praised in Vietnamese poetry.

However, in the 1980s and 1990s, the emergence of plastic household goods rapidly dominated the market due to their affordability and diverse designs. The products from Bao La village couldn’t compete, resulting in a decline in income that pushed many villagers into financial hardship. Consequently, a significant number of villagers had to abandon their traditional craft in pursuit of alternative means of livelihood.

The Inspiring Story of Revitalizing the Craft Village

Seeing the people who had been devoted to their craft for many years struggling to make a living, Mr. Vo Van Dinh and four of his friends united their efforts to establish the Bao La Bamboo Weaving Cooperative, aiming to revitalize the craft village.

In the beginning, it was very challenging due to a lack of capital, and many artisans had to quit their jobs due to low wages.

With persistence, innovation in production, and support from the local authorities in promoting village products through fairs and exhibitions, Bao La bamboo village’s products gradually garnered the interest of customers not only in Vietnam but also in foreign markets, generating an average monthly revenue of approximately 400 million VND (≈ $16500).

Currently, the cooperative has around 140 workers, with an average monthly income ranging from 4 to 6 million VND (≈ $165 to $245).

Currently, artisans in Bao La village have shifted their focus away from concerns about product sales. Instead, their primary focus is on the intricate craft of bamboo weaving and the preservation of this traditional art form for future generations to appreciate and embrace.

In a proactive move, local authorities in Hue have also encouraged villagers to impart their weaving expertise not only within their community but also in neighboring provinces.

The village has been granted a one-hectare plot of land to expand their collective and welcome more visitors. Furthermore, the Hue People’s Committee has already provided funding for the construction of a traditional house dedicated to showcasing their distinctive handicrafts.

The younger generation is being encouraged to join the collective, hoping they’ll carry on the careers that many have worked hard to build over the years.

They will have the crucial role of collaborating with partners and travel agencies, forging valuable connections, and ensuring the legacy of bamboo craftsmanship in Bao La Village continues to thrive and flourish in the years ahead.

Experienced artisans will play a vital role by assisting them in the weaving process and sharing the rich history of bamboo in the village with curious visitors.