1 – The largest “capital” of making star-shaped lanterns in Northern Vietnam – Bao Dap craft village, Nam Dinh province.

Not only is Bao Dap village in Nam Dinh province overflowing with flowers during the Lunar New Year, but  it is also filled with the vibrant colors of Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns  as the full moon of the eighth lunar month approaches. The craft of making Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns has existed in this village for a long time, preserved and developed by generations. On the steps and courtyards of houses in each hamlet of Bao Dap village, you will  easily find hundreds of Mid-Autumn Festival lanterns  being completed by artisans. You can  visit hamlets 7 or 8  to  see firsthand how those skillful hands create a Mid-Autumn Festival lantern,  as these are where most of the families still practicing this traditional craft are concentrated. Even more interesting and captivating is that a group of young photographers came to Bao Dap village and  recreated the setting of an old house from the 1990s,  bringing  visitors back to the beautiful and precious memories of the Mid-Autumn Festival of yesteryear.  Come here,  visit any of the traditional lantern-making workshops ,  learn how to make lanterns, and take photos with countless sparkling, brightly colored cellophane lanterns! Address:  Bao Dap Village, Hong Quang Commune, Nam Truc District, Nam Dinh Province

2 – Making star-shaped lanterns, visiting Duong Lam ancient village.

As one of the top tourist attractions in Son Tay, Hanoi, Duong Lam ancient village is not only  a popular weekend getaway  for many families but also  a favorite destination for children during the Mid-Autumn Festival  . Here  , you’ll find traditional craftspeople  making Mid-Autumn Festival toys from bamboo and rattan. Many experienced artisans will personally guide children in making colorful star-shaped lanterns and give them away for free . Duong Lam  ancient   village becomes even more enjoyable when you can  cycle around, explore its ancient and peaceful corners, and stop at traditional lantern-making workshops  to enjoy the Mid-Autumn atmosphere. Address:  Duong Lam, Son Tay, HanoiA meaningful Mid-Autumn Festival: Making star-shaped lanterns, painting traditional masks with artisans.

3 – Making traditional papier-mâché masks at Mr. Hao’s craft village

Besides Mid-Autumn lanterns, the  traditional craft of making papier-mâché masks  is equally remarkable. This Mid-Autumn Festival, you can  visit Kim Ngan Temple in Hanoi’s Old Quarter  to learn about the Ong Hao mask-making village. This is where the  Ong Hao village, located in Lieu Xa commune, Yen My district, Hung Yen province,  is famous for its papier-mâché mask making. At Kim Ngan Temple, visitors can  enjoy the lively Mid-Autumn atmosphere  and have the opportunity to  meet, listen to stories, and receive direct guidance on making handmade papier-mâché masks  from the artisans of Ong Hao village. Using only  bamboo, reeds, and even scrap paper  , these craftsmen skillfully  create  incredibly creative and eye-catching masks of the Jade Rabbit, dragon head, lion head, or the character of Cuoi . Address:  44 Hang Bac Street, Hang Buom Ward, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi