Dong Ho folk paintings originate from Dong Ho Village, Bac Ninh, and have been an essential part of Vietnamese Tết traditions for centuries. Families once adorned their homes with these symbolic artworks, praying for luck and prosperity. However, over the past two decades, this cultural practice has faded due to changing lifestyles. Once a thriving craft with 150 families, today, only two artisans—Nguyen Dang Che and Nguyen Huu Sam—continue the tradition. In an effort to preserve this heritage, Vietnam has nominated Dong Ho folk painting for UNESCO recognition as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding by 2025.
One notable effort to preserve and revitalize this artistic tradition is the INGO (“in-gỗ” in Vietnamese) project, founded by Mai Nguyen. Mai recalls a moment when she and many international students attended various cultural and historical exchange events. However, when it was her turn to share, Mai suddenly realized she knew very little about her own heritage, leaving her with a profound sense of loss. Finally, Mai decided to present some Dong Ho woodblock prints that her mother had given her before her trip to study abroad as a gift.
Determined to learn more after that event, Mai backpacked alone to Bac Ninh in 2014, where she visited artisan Nguyen Huu Sam in Dong Ho Village. There, she was guided by his daughter-in-law, Nguyen Thi Oanh, also an artisan, who introduced her to the various stages of the painting-making process. Mai witnessed firsthand how artisans create ink and prepare the bark of the dó tree for printing. Though the trip was short, it left a deep impression on her, reinforcing her desire to preserve this invaluable art form. Recognizing that not everyone has the opportunity to visit the painting village, Mai envisioned a painting-printing kit that would allow more people, especially children, to experience this tradition firsthand.
With her background in scientific fabrication and engineering, Mai has developed a fun and educational do-it-yourself (DIY) kit that enables children to engage with the 500-year-old art of woodblock printing. Notably, INGO also collaborated with a Vietnamese illustrator in New York to design new visuals for the teaching kit, featuring two signature paintings: “The Boy and the Whale” and “The Girl’s Sword Fight with the Mantis” so that the paintings would appeal more to children’s interest.
INGO’s noble mission and creative woodblock kits have successfully captured the attention and support of various non-profit organizations, cultural development funds, corporations, and schools, allowing hands-on exhibitions to reach more parents and children.
At Justravel Asia, we are committed to connecting people with living traditions through meaningful, handcrafted experiences and encounters with local artisans. We hope to play a role in raising awareness of Dong Ho folk painting, offering opportunities for people to participate in the step-by-step process of creating this age-old art in a modern context. By participating, travelers not only support local artisans but also help safeguard Vietnam’s cultural identity for future generations.
Join us in experiencing the timeless beauty of Dong Ho folk painting—a cherished piece of Vietnam’s artistic and cultural heritage.
