Kim Son Sedge Village Ninh Binh: Discovering Traditional Sedge Weaving Art

Kim Son sedge weaving craft village is located in Kim Son district, Ninh Binh province, about 35km from the center of Ninh Binh city. It was established in the 19th century, associated with the land reclamation and sea encroachment effort led by the Royal Envoy of Land Reclamation Nguyen Cong Tru in 1829. This coastal area was originally wild alluvial flats, where sedge plants grew naturally on saline soil. Migrants from the Northern Delta regions came here and utilized the sedge plants to develop the weaving craft, turning it into their primary livelihood.

According to historical records, the sedge weaving craft flourished after Kim Son district was established with 7 cantons and 63 villages. Initially, wild sedge was used to weave coarse mats or rugs, but gradually, with field cultivation techniques, the products became more refined. Today, Kim Son sedge craft has existed for over 200 years and was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2024 by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This not only affirms its cultural value but also helps preserve the traditional craft against the decline of many other craft villages during the period of economic integration.

Sedge weaving art in Kim Son is not only a handicraft skill but also a harmonious blend between humans and nature. The process begins with sedge cultivation, similar to rice farming, requiring patience and a deep understanding of coastal land.

Cultivating and Harvesting Sedge

Sedge plants are cultivated on fertile coastal alluvial fields where saltwater and freshwater meet, creating the ideal material to weave durable and beautiful products. The cultivation process requires locals to understand every field plot and water tide:

• Soil preparation: Plowing, sun-drying, and regulating water levels to achieve proper humidity.
• Planting sedge: Carried out in spring (2nd–3rd lunar months), similar to rice planting techniques.
• Care and maintenance: Weeding, mud stirring, and applying organic fertilizer. Sedge reaches good quality only with a natural balance between saltwater and freshwater, making the stalks straight, tough, and glossy.
• Harvesting: In autumn (8th–9th lunar months), when sedge flowers bloom white. Locals harvest by hand, then split and sun-dry the fibers to maintain durability, color, and signature fragrance.

The current sedge cultivation area is concentrated in communes such as Lai Thanh, Dinh Hoa, Van Hai, Kim My, and Con Thoi, with around 22,998 workers involved, including over 8,500 directly engaged in production.

Processing and Weaving Sedge

After harvest, the sedge fibers undergo a meticulous processing stage:

• Splitting and dyeing: Sedge is split into thin strands and dyed with natural colors such as red, green, and yellow using organic materials to ensure durability and safety.
• Handweaving: Using traditional looms, artisans meticulously feed each sedge strand into position, creating distinctive patterns such as bean flowers, red borders, or checked mats. Even with simple tools like splitting knives or bamboo pins, they craft soft, breathable, and durable products.

A finished product can take hours or even days, as each stage requires patience and skilled hands. The craft village also has a clear division of specialization: hamlets 5–6 specialize in making export baskets, hamlet 7A is famous for mat weaving, while Kim Trung is known for handicraft items such as miniature One Pillar Pagoda boxes or exquisite mini footwear.

From simple sedge fibers, the people of Kim Son have created a wide variety of products, combining traditional and modern styles:

• Sedge mats: The main product, durable, cool, and well-suited to the climate of Vietnam. Types include patterned mats, baby crib mats, and living room mats in various sizes.
• Handicrafts: Handbags, hats, trays, cups, sedge baskets, floor rugs.
• Export products: Small woven baskets, gift boxes, interior decorations accounting for a large proportion of revenue.

These products are not only eco-friendly but also carry cultural value, helping users feel the rural spirit of Vietnam. 

Kim Son sedge weaving is not only a livelihood but also a cultural heritage closely tied to community life. It reflects the sea reclamation spirit of the people of Ninh Binh, expressed in the saying "sedge pushes mangroves, mangroves push the sea". However, this craft is facing challenges such as urbanization, competition from industrial products, and climate change affecting sedge cultivation land.

To preserve the craft, local authorities have:

• Organized training classes for the younger generation.
• Developed community-based tourism, combined with events like Ninh Binh Tourism Week.
• Supported exports and brand certification.

Visitors can participate in experiential spaces to learn sedge weaving, contributing to the preservation of the traditional craft.

If you are looking for a destination rich in cultural identity in Ninh Binh, Kim Son sedge village is certainly an ideal choice. Not only famous for its long-standing traditional weaving craft, this place also offers an authentic experience of the working life of the coastal locals.

How to get there:

• From Hanoi: Take a motorbike or car along National Route 1A, taking about 2-3 hours.
• From Ninh Binh: Follow National Route 10 to Phat Diem town, then turn onto Provincial Road 480.

Key activities:

• Tour the craft village and watch artisans weave sedge.
• Experience handweaving a product under guidance.
• Buy souvenirs at local households.
• Combine your visit with the nearby Phat Diem Stone Cathedral.

It is best to visit during the harvest season (August–September) to admire the mesmerizing fields of white sedge flowers. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and comfortable shoes due to the coastal terrain.

Kim Son sedge village is not only the cradle of traditional sedge weaving art but also a vibrant picture of the labor culture of the coastal people of Ninh Binh. Visiting here, you will clearly feel the delicacy in every sedge strand, the persistence in each stage, and the pride preserved through generations. If you want to learn more Ninh Binh travel tips, get updates on exciting destinations, or choose reliable tour packages, visit Sovaba Travel – your trusted companion for every journey exploring the ancient capital land.