Every nation has a story, but some countries rise above immense struggles and emerge stronger than ever. Vietnam is one such inspiring underdog story—one that demonstrates resilience, pride, and culture. Today, Vietnam is loved across the world for its beauty, history, food, and warm people. But behind this modern charm lies a history filled with challenges.
Vietnam was colonized by the French in the 1800s, later occupied during World War II, and even after gaining independence in 1954, it faced civil war, embargoes, and decades of instability. However, by the mid-1980s, the country began to rebuild itself. The transformation has been remarkable. Vietnam is now one of the fastest-growing tourist destinations in the world, attracting millions every year. Cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Ha Long rank among the top most-visited cities globally.
This journey from hardship to harmony makes Vietnam a powerful cultural symbol for children to learn about. And what better time to celebrate this spirit than Vietnam National Day on 2nd September?
Craft activities are a wonderful way for kids to explore history, geography, national dress, famous landmarks, and cultural traditions. These 15 vibrant Vietnam crafts introduce children to the beauty and soul of the country while encouraging creativity and curiosity.
Let’s explore!
✅ Highlight Table
| Craft Idea | Theme | Skill Level | Age Group | Learning Outcome |
| Vietnam Lapbook | Geography | Easy | 6–12 | Country facts |
| Ao Dai Paper Doll | Culture | Easy | 4–10 | National dress |
| Vietnamese Flag Craft | National Identity | Easy | 3–12 | Flag symbolism |
| Dragon Mask | Festivals | Medium | 7–14 | Folk traditions |
| Lantern Craft | Hoi An Culture | Easy | 4–12 | Festival décor |
| Conical Hat (Nón Lá) | Traditional Wear | Easy | 5–12 | Rural lifestyle |
| Vietnamese Pagoda Craft | Architecture | Medium | 7–15 | Temple design |
| Lotus Flower Craft | National Flower | Easy | 5–10 | Symbolism |
| Water Puppet Craft | Performing Arts | Medium | 6–14 | Cultural theatre |
| Bamboo Fan Craft | Climate & Culture | Easy | 4–12 | Daily life |
| Vietnamese Boat Craft | Geography | Easy | 5–12 | Rivers & markets |
| Dragon Boat Craft | Festivals | Medium | 6–14 | Traditions |
| Vietnam Map Puzzle | Geography | Easy | 6–12 | Map skills |
| Pho Bowl Paper Craft | Food Culture | Easy | 4–12 | Cuisine |
| Ha Long Bay Diorama | Tourism | Medium | 7–15 | Geography |
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✅ 1. Vietnam Lapbook Craft
A Vietnam lapbook is a great way to introduce kids to the basics—capital city, national symbols, food, festivals, and maps. Children can draw the flag, record important facts, and mark famous cities like Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. This craft is perfect for school projects and social studies sessions. It sets the foundation for understanding the country’s geography and history.
✅ 2. Ao Dai Paper Doll Craft
One of Vietnam’s most iconic cultural symbols is the áo dà i, the national dress worn by both men and women. It’s elegant, flowing, and deeply traditional. Kids can create a simple paper doll and design brightly colored áo dà i outfits using patterns, glitter, and colored paper. This activity also teaches children about traditional clothing and how cultural fashion changes across regions.
✅ 3. Vietnamese Flag Craft
Vietnam’s flag is striking—red with a bright yellow star representing unity. Children can create this using red paper, paint, or felt. The symbolism is simple enough for young kids to understand, making this an excellent introductory craft for preschoolers.
✅ 4. Dragon Mask Craft
Vietnamese dragons symbolize strength, luck, and protection. They appear in festivals, celebrations, and traditional decorations. Kids can create their own dragon masks using cardboard, feathers, paints, and glitter. This craft works beautifully for classroom displays or cultural day events.
✅ 5. Hoi An Lantern Craft
The ancient town of Hoi An is famous for its glowing lanterns that light up the streets every evening. Kids can make their own lanterns using colored paper, glue, and threads. These lanterns can be hung around the home as festive decorations, teaching children about Vietnamese festivals and evening markets.
✅ 6. Nón Lá (Conical Hat) Craft
The conical hat is one of the most recognizable Vietnamese accessories. Farmers, workers, and travelers all use it for protection from rain and sun. Children can craft a small Nón Lá using paper plates, straw, paint, or even cardboard triangles. This simple craft helps kids understand daily life in Vietnam’s rural areas.
✅ 7. Pagoda Craft
Vietnam’s temples and pagodas, like the famous One Pillar Pagoda or Tran Quoc Pagoda, are architectural wonders. Kids can recreate these using popsicle sticks, cardboard, and markers. This craft introduces children to Asian architecture and religious structures.
✅ 8. Lotus Flower Craft
The lotus is Vietnam’s national flower—a symbol of purity and resilience. Kids can make lotus flowers using colored paper, tissue paper, or clay. This activity is calming, meaningful, and perfect for learning about symbolism in culture.
✅ 9. Water Puppet Craft
Water puppetry is one of Vietnam’s most unique traditional art forms. Children can create simple puppets using sticks, cardboard, and popsicle sticks. Teaching this craft also helps children learn how Vietnamese villagers developed imaginative storytelling techniques centuries ago.
✅ 10. Bamboo Fan Craft
Bamboo fans are widely used in Vietnam’s warm climate. Kids can make mini fans using paper and craft sticks. They can personalize them with drawings of flowers, landscapes, or dragons.
✅ 11. Vietnamese Boat Craft
Vietnam has iconic rivers like the Mekong, and floating markets are a huge cultural attraction. Kids can construct small paper boats and decorate them with fruits, baskets, and mini umbrellas. This helps them understand Vietnam’s water-based lifestyle and trading culture.
✅ 12. Dragon Boat Craft
Dragon boats are used in festivals and races. Kids can decorate a cardboard boat with dragon heads, scales, and paddles. This activity teaches teamwork, festival traditions, and physical culture.
✅ 13. Vietnam Map Puzzle
Make a printable or hand-drawn map of Vietnam, cut it into large puzzle pieces, and let kids assemble it. It’s a great way to learn geography and understand how the country is shaped, along with its major regions.
✅ 14. Pho Bowl Craft
Pho is one of Vietnam’s most beloved dishes. Kids can create a paper craft version of a pho bowl using brown yarn (for noodles), green paper (herbs), and white circles (meat or tofu). It’s a delicious way to explore Vietnamese cuisine without cooking!
✅ 15. Ha Long Bay Diorama
Ha Long Bay is one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. Children can create a shoebox diorama with blue paper for water, clay limestone mountains, and small boats. This craft combines geography, creativity, and storytelling.
✅ Conclusion
Vietnam’s history, resilience, culture, and traditions make it an enriching theme for children’s activities. These 15 vibrant Vietnam crafts are more than just art—they are windows into the identity of a country that has transformed itself from hardship to hope. Perfect for Vietnam National Day, school cultural programs, or weekend learning sessions, each craft brings a part of Vietnam to life for kids.
Through these activities, children will not only enjoy crafting but also appreciate the rich beauty and inspiring story of Vietnam.