Watching Artisans Craft Wooden Clogs Firsthand
Having discovered the shops through social media, many visitors—especially foreign tourists—have flocked to Tan Dinh Market to witness artisans making clogs in real time, customizing their own soles, straps, and patterns to match their personal style.
The wooden clogs come in a wide variety of styles, colors, and hand-painted motifs at the Tan Dinh Market stalls. Photo: Ngoc Anh
Holding nearly ten pairs of freshly chosen clogs, Rih, a tourist from Japan, shared that she visited Vietnam as a child and still remembered the traditional clog stalls.
“In Japan, we don’t have customizable craft shops like this. I love it because everything is handmade. Each person can choose a different design, making the pair you take home feel truly special,” Rih shared.
Triniti selects a pair of wooden clogs as a gift for her mother. Photo: Thanh Chan
Returning to Vietnam after 20 years, Triniti, a Vietnamese-American, sought out the shop after seeing viral videos on TikTok. Accompanied by her grandmother, she picked out a pair of clogs as a gift for her mother living in the United States. What impressed her most was seeing the craftsman assemble every detail by hand right in front of her.
A customized pair of wooden clogs assembled according to a customer’s preferences. Photo: Ngoc Anh
“In the US, you almost never find shops like this. A similar pair of clogs could easily cost around $60 over there, while here it’s only about $10,” Triniti said.
Vendors Hope to Keep the Traditional Craft Alive
Having dedicated 37 years to making and selling wooden clogs, Ma Thi Hong Ha, a vendor at Tan Dinh Market, noted that over the past two months, international foot traffic has surged noticeably thanks to the viral reach of social media platforms.
Ma Thi Hong Ha has been devoted to making and selling wooden clogs for over 37 years. Photo: Ngoc Anh
According to Ha, most tourists choose their preferred sole and strap styles and have the shop assemble them on the spot. Many enjoy watching the crafting process, taking photos, and even holding the hammer and nails for a hands-on experience—though assembling a durable, well-fitted pair requires specialized skill honed over many years.
An artisan meticulously drills holes, attaches straps, and finishes a pair of clogs. Photo: Ngoc Anh
Sharing the same sentiment, Phan Thi Mai Thanh, another vendor at Tan Dinh Market, said that this year’s international tourist turnout has been far more vibrant than in previous years. Beyond the affordable pricing, visitors are drawn to the authentic experience of watching each pair crafted by hand.
According to the vendors, prices range from under 300,000 VND for standard models to around 800,000 to 900,000 VND for intricately carved or hand-painted pieces.
Phan Thi Mai Thanh fastens the straps to complete a customized pair of wooden clogs. Photo: Ngoc Anh
Vendors hope that this renewed enthusiasm among travelers will help introduce traditional Vietnamese wooden clogs to a wider global audience, while providing meaningful momentum to preserve a heritage craft cherished across generations of Vietnamese people.
Source: Vietnam Insider