Ban Dia paper village

Ban Dia Paper Village – The Timeless Craft of Cao Bang’s Mountains

Hidden deep in the tranquil valleys of Northern Vietnam, Ban Dia Paper Village preserves one of the oldest traditional crafts of the Tay people — the art of making giấy bản, a kind of handmade do paper that has been used for generations in rituals, calligraphy, and spiritual ceremonies.

Visiting Ban Dia is like stepping back in time — where mountain water, tree bark, and human patience combine to create something truly beautiful.

Where is Ban Dia Village?

Ban Dia Village is located in Cao Bang Province, around 15 km from Cao Bang City, surrounded by limestone mountains and streams.
It’s often included in the Cao Bang Loop route or a Ha Giang – Cao Bang cultural extension for travelers who love authentic local experiences.

🧭 Travel coordinates:

  • About 30 minutes from Cao Bang City

  • Easy to reach by motorbike or car

  • Near several Tay and Nung ethnic villages

The Art of Making Traditional “Giấy Bản” (Do Paper)

The Tay people of Ban Dia have made giấy bản for centuries using bark from the dó tree, grown in the nearby forests.
Every sheet is produced by hand through a long, meticulous process:

  1. Harvesting and soaking tree bark for several days

  2. Boiling and pounding the fibers into a soft pulp

  3. Mixing it with mountain spring water and natural glue

  4. Lifting the pulp onto bamboo frames, letting it dry under the sun

The result is a smooth, resilient, creamy-white paper that can last for decades.
Traditionally, this paper was used for prayer books, ceremonial documents, and folk paintings — now it’s also appreciated by artists and eco-conscious travelers.

What to Experience in Ban Dia

🪶 Watch artisans at work: See each step of the paper-making process, from bark to finished sheet.
🌿 Try it yourself: Visitors can participate in a short workshop and make their own small sheet of paper to take home.
📸 Photography & storytelling: Capture the soft light and textures of the drying paper, bamboo tools, and mountain backdrop.
🧧 Cultural connection: Learn how this paper plays a role in Tay and Nung spiritual life — especially during Tet and ancestor worship.

Best Time to Visit

  • September – April: Dry season — perfect for walking around the village and seeing paper drying outdoors.

  • Avoid heavy rain (June–August) as the process slows down due to humidity.

How to Get There

  • From Cao Bang City, follow the road toward Nguyên Bình District or Trung Khanh depending on your itinerary.

  • The road is scenic, passing rice fields and karst formations.

  • You can visit Ban Dia as a half-day cultural stop or include it in a 3–4 day Cao Bang Loop Tour.

Travel Tips

  • Ask permission before photographing locals — they are kind but private.

  • Buy handmade paper or notebooks directly from artisans — a small but meaningful way to support their craft.

  • If joining a workshop, bring cash (no card payments).

Why Visit Ban Dia Paper Village

Ban Dia represents the soul of Cao Bang’s cultural landscape — where nature, craftsmanship, and spiritual heritage still exist in harmony.
For travelers who love authenticity and quiet beauty, a visit here offers a deep look into Vietnam’s living traditions beyond the usual tourist path.