Traveling to Vietnam with children often means finding a delicate balance between discovery, sharing, and precious moments. Beyond the landscapes and iconic sites, certain experiences invite you to slow down and experience the country in a different way. Making To he (a traditional Vietnamese pottery) in Xuan La, near Hanoi, is one of those rare moments where travel becomes more intimate and meaningful. 

In this artisan village, the crafting process is done at a child’s level, in an atmosphere of calm and patience. It’s an ideal interlude for those who want to add meaning to their family trip near Hanoi. Let’s explore!

To he – A living childhood memory in Vietnam

What is To he? To He is a traditional Vietnamese folk art. Artisans shape colorful rice dough by hand to create small figurines – most often animals, familiar characters, or symbolic figures – using simple tools and fluid, expressive gestures.

To He is one of those simple creations that carries a deep collective memory. It has been part of Vietnamese childhoods for generations – appearing at village festivals, local markets, and quiet moments where play becomes a shared language.

Each small figurine tells a gentle, almost universal story, passed on without words.

In the context of a family journey, To He takes on a deeper meaning. It becomes a bridge between cultures and generations:

• Children discover a traditional form of play, guided by slow, patient gestures
• Parents reconnect with the emotions of their own childhood, beyond cultural differences
• Families share a moment away from screens, focused on creativity and presence

Fragile and ephemeral, To He is more than a toy. It is a memory in the making, an experience meant to be lived together. And it is in certain villages just outside Hanoi that this childhood memory becomes a living encounter – when families take the time to sit down, create, and share a simple, meaningful gesture.

Xuan La village: The heart of To He craft near Hanoi

📍 Location: Xuan La village, Phuong Duc commune, Phu Xuyen district, on the outskirts of Hanoi.

Xuan La village carries nearly three centuries of living heritage. For almost 300 years, the art of To He has quietly endured here, passed down through simple gestures and a deep, unspoken passion for Vietnamese folk creativity.

In Xuan La, To He is not preserved only by elders. Many artisans are young – sometimes even children – who learn by watching, trying, and making mistakes. This natural transmission gives the village a unique energy: the tradition remains alive and evolving, without ever losing its soul.

As visitors walk through the village, they encounter colorful displays where tender figurines take shape: smiling animals, familiar human figures, and iconic symbols of Hanoi such as the One Pillar Pagoda, the Flag Tower, and the Temple of Literature. Alongside these traditional forms, characters inspired by cartoons and contemporary stories also appear, reflecting how To He continues to adapt to modern life.

Making To He in Xuan La: A meaningful family experience

In Xuan La, just outside Hanoi, making a To He invites families to slow down and create together. Through simple gestures and shared moments, this hands-on activity offers a gentle, authentic way to connect with Vietnamese culture.

A sensitive, hands-on moment to share

Beyond the visit itself, making a To He in Xuan La becomes a truly shared family experience. Sitting beside an artisan, touching the rice dough, and searching for balance in shapes and colors transforms discovery into connection.

This activity offers a rare space where everyone finds their place – without pressure, without performance – simply through the pleasure of being together.

Growing gently through creation

For children, making a To He is rich in quiet but essential learning. They develop fine motor skills, learn to coordinate their movements, and observe before acting. The process teaches patience: each figure takes shape step by step, without rushing.

Children also discover the value of handmade objects, the respect for transmitted knowledge, and the joy of creating something unique – born entirely from their imagination.

They learn that mistakes are part of the process, that imperfect shapes can be beautiful, and that there is no single way to succeed. This freedom nurtures self-confidence and creative expression.

They leave with more than an object in their hands – they carry an experience that gently shapes how they see the world and themselves.

A pause away from the rhythm of travel

For adults, the experience offers a different but equally valuable reward. Joining the workshop means slowing down, stepping back, and allowing children to explore freely. It is a return to the simple pleasure of creating without expectations, sharing a moment without distractions.

Many parents rediscover an emotional connection with their children here – built through shared attention, gestures, and quiet presence, far from daily routines and screens.

In a family journey through Vietnam often marked by constant movement and discovery, Xuan La offers a rare pause. The village invites families to feel rather than accumulate, to experience rather than rush. This suspended moment allows travel to become deeper and more meaningful.

When travel becomes a shared moment

Leaving Xuan La, families take with them far more than a cultural memory. They carry a moment of slowness, a gentle emotion, and the subtle sense that travel – when shared in this way – can also become an inner journey, for both children and adults.

In Xuan La, travel is no longer a list of places to visit. Around a slowly shaped To He, gestures soften, glances meet, and something deeper is woven between parents and children. Creation becomes a simple, sincere language shared by all.

SOME NOTES: 

Best age range for children

The To He workshop is best suited for children aged 5 and up. Younger children can still enjoy the colors and shapes, while older kids engage more actively in shaping and creating their own figures.

Duration and pace of the activity

The activity usually lasts 45 to 60 minutes and follows a calm, flexible pace. Families are encouraged to take their time, observe, and create without pressure, making it ideal for children’s natural rhythm.

How to integrate Xuan La into a Hanoi family itinerary

Xuan La is located on the outskirts of Hanoi and can be easily visited as a half-day cultural excursion. It pairs well with a slower travel day, offering a meaningful break from city sightseeing and a deeper cultural connection.

Choosing to make To he in Xuan La during a family trip to Vietnam means accepting that some memories are told not only through images, but also through shared emotions. Fragile memories, like rice flour, but capable of remaining in the family’s collective memory for a long time.

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