Dong Ho paintings: One of the best Vietnams souvenirs to bring home

Dong Ho paintings: One of the best Vietnam's souvenirs to bring home

You might accidentally come across paintings of roosters or a wedding of rats in many restaurants, cafes, or museums in Vietnam. These paintings, made on paper with beige tones and simple yet bold colors, leave a lasting impression. These captivating pieces are Dong Ho paintings.
My first encounter with the "Rat's Wedding" painting during Tet is still vivid. It's a playful and satirical work, but there's more to it than meets the eye. This painting is also the inspiration for a famous Vietnam song, and for many generations, it’s a symbol of our childhood memories.
Even today, tourists flock to Dong Ho Village in Bac Ninh to see where these iconic paintings are created. In this article, I’ll take you on a journey through everything you need to know about Dong Ho paintings: how they’re made, what they mean, where to buy them.

avatar
Written by Trang Nguyen (Local Expert) Updated on 10-10-2025
Comments

1. Dong Ho paintings, a masterpiece of Vietnamese folk culture

What are Dong Ho paintings?

Dong Ho paintings, or traditional woodblock prints, come from a small village called Dong Ho, located in Bắc Ninh, just about 25 km from Hanoi. 

These paintings are so varied: showing all kinds of scenes from everyday life. There are paintings of people herding buffaloes while playing flutes, harvesting coconuts, wrestling, and even jealous fights. You’ll also find images of pigs, chickens, and the dream of a home full of abundance.

dong ho painting
Dong Ho paintings are a unique folk art showcasing Vietnamese craftsmanship.

But at their core, they all reflect two things: the hopes and dreams for a better life, such as wisdom, virtue, wealth, and prosperity, all deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture.

Why are Dong Ho paintings special?

Dong Ho paintings are special because they go beyond just showing material wishes. They touch on aspects of marriage, relationships, and life’s lessons, often with humor and hidden messages.

These paintings are loved by the Vietnamese not just as decoration but for the wisdom they carry, reminding people of how to live well. 

dong ho painting
Dong Ho folk paintings have been circulated and sold for centuries

In Dong Ho paintings, each color also has its own special meaning. Red brings luck and prosperity, yellow stands for wealth and nobility, green is all about life and vitality, black represents strength, and white symbolizes purity.

dong ho painting
Red brings luck and prosperity, yellow stands for wealth and nobility, green is all about life and vitality

Dong Ho paintings hold a special place in many Vietnamese childhoods. They bring back memories of Tết, the happiest time of the year (and it’s my favorite too!). The colorful images would fill the house, adding to the excitement and joy of the holiday.

I remember when I was a kid, my mom would buy Dong Ho paintings to get ready for Tết, and those moments are still some of my happiest memories.

>> Why is Tet so special? Learn more about Tet holiday!

2. How are Dong Ho paintings made?

In 2025, I’ve visited Dong Ho Village myself to admire and learn about the steps involved in making the paintings. Master Artisan Nguyễn Hữu Quả gave me a thorough explanation, and here’s a basic overview of the process, which will help you understand why these paintings are so valuable.

dong ho painting
Master Artisan Nguyen Huu Qua

1. Designing the pattern and creating the woodblock

In this step, the artist carefully designs and outlines the painting, paying close attention to every detail. To carve the woodblock, they use tools called "ve" (chisels), made from hard steel. Each set of ve contains around 30-40 different pieces, each with a unique purpose to bring the artwork to life.

dong ho painting
In this step, the artist carefully designs and outlines the painting, paying close attention to every detail.

2. Making the paper

Dong Ho paintings are printed on giay diep (paper made from shellfish). To make this paper, the shells of so diep (shellfish) are dried, soaked in water, then mashed and pressed to remove excess water. 

The pulp is mixed with rice paste and applied to giay do (paper made from Rhamnoneuron balansae). The paste is created by boiling rice flour, sometimes with tapioca flour, and applied with a pine leaf brush to create smooth, flowing lines. 

dong ho painting
This paper is made by drying, soaking, and pressing so diep shells.

3. Mixing the colors

The colors in Dong Ho paintings are made from natural materials:

  • Black from xoan wood (Aphananthe aspera), rice straw, or bamboo leaves, which is soaked in large jars for several months before use.
  • Green from copper rust or tram (Holarrhena antidysenterica) leaves, often depicted in the painting as moss green.
  • Yellow from danh danh (gardenia flowers) or hoe (Sophora japonica).
  • Red from sappanwood or red pebble, often depicted in reddish-brown hues.
  • White from shellfish.

These raw pigments are mixed and blended with rice flour before being used for printing, which helps stiffen the paper after it dries.

dong ho painting
These raw pigments are mixed and blended with rice flour before being used for printing.

dong ho painting

4. Printing the painting

The printing process is all done by hand using woodblocks, with no brushes for drawing or coloring. There are two types of woodblocks: line blocks for the outlines and color blocks for the hues. To print, the artist coats the carved block with ink and presses it onto the giay diep (shellfish paper).

dong ho painting
The printing process is all done by hand using woodblocks, with no brushes for drawing or coloring.

Each color is printed separately, so if there are five colors in a painting, it takes five rounds of printing. Each person focuses on one color, carefully passing the paper to the next artist once their part is done. Special markings on the woodblocks help ensure that every print lines up perfectly.

dong ho painting
All printed! Now let’s hang the paintings out to dry!!

So, the process of making Dong Ho paintings is quite intricate and really demands skill, attention to detail, and a lot of passion for the craft.

>>>> What to Buy in Vietnam: Top 13 Must-Have Souvenirs!

dong ho painting
The making of Dong Ho paintings is intricate, requiring skill, precision, and passion.
 

3. Some famous Dong Ho paintings and their meanings

Not only did I learn how the paintings are made, but I also got to hear about the meaning behind each famous style of painting, which can be found in many places across Vietnam. Here are the most notable paintings:

Đám cưới chuột (The Mouse Wedding)

A famous Dong Ho painting, Đám cưới chuột humorously shows mice offering a gift to a cat, symbolizing corruption and bribery in feudal society. The cat represents oppressive power, while the mice, forced to flatter the powerful, represent the common people. (Learn more about: Vietnamese Wedding)

dong ho painting

This painting inspired a famous Vietnamese song and, for generations, has symbolized childhood memories.

Đàn lợn âm dương (Yin-Yang Pigs)

This painting, with piglets around their mother, symbolizes prosperity, peace, and fertility. Traditionally displayed during Tết, it wishes for wealth, health, and many children, often given to newlyweds.

dong ho painting
Traditionally displayed during Tết, it wishes for wealth, health, and many children, often given to newlyweds.

Vinh Hoa - Phú Quý (Glory - Wealth)

Vibrant and joyful, these paintings depict children and animals, symbolizing hopes for success and prosperity. Their simple yet striking design has made them some of the most recognizable and cherished pieces in Vietnamese folk art.

dong ho painting
Joyful paintings of children and animals, symbolizing hopes for success and prosperity

Chăn trâu thổi sáo (Buffalo Herding and Flute Playing)

This painting celebrates the peaceful life of rural Vietnam and the hopes for success. The buffalo, an important part of the family, is both a source of livelihood and a close companion. The artwork captures the simplicity and joy of rural life, with the buffalo listening to the flute and running freely, while the boy is sheltered under a lotus leaf or kite.

dong ho painting

Good to know: Vietnam has four types of traditional paintings that are definitely worth checking out, and Dong Ho is just one of them. While Dong Ho paintings are closely tied to everyday life, if you're looking for something more intricate and detailed, you should explore Tranh Hang Trong.
Also, Tranh Lang Sinh from Hue and Tranh Kim Hoang are both stunning and make for a fantastic addition to any collection.

hang trong paintings
Hang Trong painting, known for depicting Mother Goddess worship and spirit mediumship culture
 

4. Dong Ho painting village

Dong Ho Painting Village is a traditional craft village with over 400 years of history, and it’s the birthplace of the famous Dong Ho paintings. Located about 35 km (22 miles) north of Hanoi, in Song Ho Commune, Thuận Thành District, Bắc Ninh Province.

It’s not too far and easy to navigate, so I drove from Hanoi (took me about 3 hours). 

You can also take Bus Route 204 (Hanoi – Thuận Thành) to Hồ Town, then grab a motorbike taxi to the village. However, this can be a bit less convenient, especially if you’re traveling with family or carrying a lot of things. Personally, I’d recommend hiring a car or driving yourself, it’s more comfortable and gives you more freedom.

Dong Ho has a rich history of over 400 years as the birthplace of traditional folk paintings. Though only two families continue the craft today, the locals are friendly and eager to share their art. I’ve visited several times and always appreciate how welcoming the people are.

dong ho painting

The best time to visit is from January to March, when the weather is cool. If you're there between March 14th and 16th (Lunar calendar), you can experience the lively Dong Ho painting festival.

Not only can you admire Dong Ho paintings, but you can also take part in the painting process and create your own vibrant painting with guidance from the skilled artisans at the village!

Good to know: In addition to visiting the village, there are also Dong Ho painting workshops you can join during your trip with Kampá Tour.

dong ho painting
You can even create your own with guidance from local artists!

5. Where to buy Dong Ho paintings?

If you're not buying directly from Dong Ho Village, you can find Dong Ho paintings in Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City at these locations:

In Hanoi

1. Bán Tranh Đông Hồ

  • 19, Alley 179, Hoang Hoa Tham, Hanoi
  • 2, Alley 174, Doi Can, Ba Dinh, Hanoi
dong ho painting
Alex, my friend, even has the image of the buffalo herder boy tattooed on his body.

2. AmiA Painting Supermarket
211 Vu Tong Phan, Thanh Xuan, Hanoi

In Ho Chi Minh City

Bán Tranh Đông Hồ

  • 72/37 Street 4, Quarter 6, Hiep Binh Chanh Ward, Thu Duc District
  • 612/1 Vo Van Kiet, Cau Kho Ward, District 1

dong ho painting

6. How to spot real vs. fake Dong Ho paintings

Real Dong Ho Paintings Fake Dong Ho Paintings
Made with giấy dó (traditional Vietnamese paper) and coated with bột điệp (shell powder), it has a subtle shimmer and feels slightly textured to the touch. Often use regular or industrial paper, lacking shimmer.
Uses natural materials so the paintings have warm, earthy tones. Uses synthetic dyes, often too bright or unnatural.
Printed by hand with traditional methods, using separate woodblocks for each color. Made with modern printing or painted by hand, with rigid lines.

So,...

Dong Ho paintings, with their rich and diverse themes, perfectly capture the hopes, dreams, and emotions of the working people. They've become deeply ingrained in the hearts and minds of generations of Vietnamese. I believe that 100 or even 1,000 years from now, Dong Ho paintings will still be a cherished souvenir to take home from Vietnam. What do you think? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Join our tours to discover Vietnam’s gems today!

 
 

Your question or comment
<div class=fs18>Mrs. DUONG Thi Lan</div>Travel Consultant
Lan DUONG, 36 years old
Travel Consultant
Need personalized advice for your next trip? Our local experts are here to assist you every step of the way.
Contact your consultant
Hello ! I am Lan DUONG, your travel advisor
Our information and quotes are free. Feel free to request them from us!
Related articles
10 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Mai Chau, Vietnam in 2025
10 Mind-Blowing Things to Do in Mai Chau, Vietnam in 2025
Mai Chau, situated in northern Vietnam, is a truly captivating valley. It holds an irresistible allure for travelers, thanks to its picturesque beauty, pleasant climate, rich cultural diversity from various minority ethnic groups, and unique cuisine.
10 Things to Do in Halong Bay, Vietnam That Will Blow Your Mind!
10 Things to Do in Halong Bay, Vietnam That Will Blow Your Mind!
Uncover Halong Bay in Vietnam with the top 10 things to do, must-see attractions, ideal times to visit, top accommodations, detailed itineraries, and more....
11 Best Halong Bay Cruises - Recommended For 2025
11 Best Halong Bay Cruises - Recommended For 2025
In northern Vietnam, Halong Bay is an iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its turquoise waters, karst rock formations, and mysterious caves. It's a must-see for lovers of natural beauty. To fully experience this wonder, consider a cruise for an unforgettable adventure. In this article, discover the best Halong Bay cruises, along with useful travel information. Let's go!
12 Best Restaurants and Places to Enjoy Cuisine in Hanoi
12 Best Restaurants and Places to Enjoy Cuisine in Hanoi
The Vietnamese capital is not only renowned throughout the world for its historical monuments, its magnificent cultural sites and its bustling traffic, it is also known for its varied gastronomy adapted to everyone's taste, needs and budget. We invite you to follow us for a discovery of original cuisine followed by the top of the best restaurants in Hanoi.
12 Must-Have Vietnamese Lunar New Year Foods
12 Must-Have Vietnamese Lunar New Year Foods
The cuisine of Tet (Vietnamese New Year) is distinguished by its richness and diversity, with traditional dishes carrying symbols of prosperity, luck and good health. Tet is the perfect opportunity for families to get together and share moments of joy over carefully prepared food. At each Tet, Vietnamese families carefully prepare festive meal trays, both generous and refined, in homage to their ancestors.
9 Epic Caves in Vietnam That Every Trekker Must Explore (2025)
9 Epic Caves in Vietnam That Every Trekker Must Explore (2025)
Attention to every nature lover and every novice explorer, from caving aficionados to the simply curious: the land of the Dragon is where you put down your luggage to discover the thousand and one wonders of nature it possesses. Indeed, Vietnam possesses gigantic caves that will furnish an impressive demonstration of raw beauty interspersed with light effects. Numerous sites are home to splendid treasures of nature for exploration. In this article, we are glad to present you with an exhibition of famous caves that are truly worth a visit in Vietnam.
Related Tours
10 Days, 10 Colors: A Journey from South to North Vietnam
10 Days, 10 Colors: A Journey from South to North Vietnam
Discover Vietnam's vibrant diversity from south to north in 10 days. Start on the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and end at the majestic waters of Halong Bay; each stop promises a unique adventure. With this tour, you can explore breathtaking destinations and experience the diverse cultures of Vietnam. Each destination on this South to North Vietnam expedition is handpicked to showcase the country's iconic beauty, ensuring you create lasting memories.
Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 days
Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 days
An unforgettable journey in 7 days through the enchanting landscapes of North Vietnam, where you will have the chance to traverse the bustling streets of Hanoi, where ancient temples and vibrant markets intertwine. Trek through the picturesque mountain town of Sapa, encountering ethnic minority villages and breathtaking rice terraces. Then, set sail on a mesmerizing cruise through the awe-inspiring limestone karsts of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This North Vietnam 7 days tour promises a symphony of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, leaving you with cherished memories of this captivating region.
Exotic Northeast Vietnam 10 Days
Exotic Northeast Vietnam 10 Days
Escape the ordinary and lose yourself in the magic of exotic North Vietnam for 10 days trekking, where breathtaking landscapes unfold around every bend and vibrant cultures of ethnic minorities of S-shaped country color your every encounter. This carefully curated tour will take you beyond the usual tourist trail and delve into the heart and soul of this captivating corner of Vietnam. Our 10-day tour program offers a unique journey through history, culture, and natural wonders.
Exploration from Northern to Central Vietnam in 12 days
Exploration from Northern to Central Vietnam in 12 days
This budget-friendly 12-day itinerary from the North to the Central regions of Vietnam is sure to captivate you. We have thoughtfully balanced this tour to combine structured activities with free days for personal discovery and leisure. Experience overnight stays with local families in Bac Ha, evenings on traditional junk boats in Halong Bay, vibrant weekly markets, scenic hiking trails, and more. This tour offers a gateway to Vietnam's spirit and heritage, all within a concise 12 days!
Family Voyage Across the Beautiful Vietnam in 2 Weeks
Family Voyage Across the Beautiful Vietnam in 2 Weeks
This Vietnam 2-week itinerary will offer a 16-day captivating exploration of stunning landscapes and cultural treasures in the North, before leading you to the beautiful beaches of the Central region for some well-deserved relaxation. This Vietnam 2-week itinerary ensures an enriching and enjoyable experience for the whole family, combining adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable journey.
Tour suggestions
10 Days, 10 Colors: A Journey from South to North Vietnam

10 Days, 10 Colors: A Journey from South to North Vietnam

Discover Vietnam's vibrant diversity from south to north in 10 days. Start on the bustling streets of Ho Chi Minh City and end at the majestic waters of Halong Bay; each stop promises a unique adventure. With this tour, you can explore breathtaking destinations and experience the diverse cultures of Vietnam. Each destination on this South to North Vietnam expedition is handpicked to showcase the country's iconic beauty, ensuring you create lasting memories.

13/08/2025 9,075 views
Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 days

Essence of Northern Vietnam 7 days

An unforgettable journey in 7 days through the enchanting landscapes of North Vietnam, where you will have the chance to traverse the bustling streets of Hanoi, where ancient temples and vibrant markets intertwine. Trek through the picturesque mountain town of Sapa, encountering ethnic minority villages and breathtaking rice terraces. Then, set sail on a mesmerizing cruise through the awe-inspiring limestone karsts of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This North Vietnam 7 days tour promises a symphony of cultural immersion, natural beauty, and unforgettable experiences, leaving you with cherished memories of this captivating region.

30/07/2025 8,854 views
Exotic Northeast Vietnam 10 Days

Exotic Northeast Vietnam 10 Days

Escape the ordinary and lose yourself in the magic of exotic North Vietnam for 10 days trekking, where breathtaking landscapes unfold around every bend and vibrant cultures of ethnic minorities of S-shaped country color your every encounter. This carefully curated tour will take you beyond the usual tourist trail and delve into the heart and soul of this captivating corner of Vietnam. Our 10-day tour program offers a unique journey through history, culture, and natural wonders.

11/07/2024 4,680 views
Exploration from Northern to Central Vietnam in 12 days

Exploration from Northern to Central Vietnam in 12 days

This budget-friendly 12-day itinerary from the North to the Central regions of Vietnam is sure to captivate you. We have thoughtfully balanced this tour to combine structured activities with free days for personal discovery and leisure. Experience overnight stays with local families in Bac Ha, evenings on traditional junk boats in Halong Bay, vibrant weekly markets, scenic hiking trails, and more. This tour offers a gateway to Vietnam's spirit and heritage, all within a concise 12 days!

16/05/2025 7,057 views
Family Voyage Across the Beautiful Vietnam in 2 Weeks

Family Voyage Across the Beautiful Vietnam in 2 Weeks

This Vietnam 2-week itinerary will offer a 16-day captivating exploration of stunning landscapes and cultural treasures in the North, before leading you to the beautiful beaches of the Central region for some well-deserved relaxation. This Vietnam 2-week itinerary ensures an enriching and enjoyable experience for the whole family, combining adventure and relaxation in one unforgettable journey.

14/03/2025 3,485 views
Copied to Clipboard!
DMCA.com Protection Status