Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village: A 200-Year Legacy of Artisanal Craft

Hải Yến
Posted by: Hải Yến
Moderated by: Trần Thanh Thái
January 16, 2026 | January 19, 2026

Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village shines as a testament to the enduring artisanal spirit of the Mekong Delta, with a history stretching back over two centuries. This comprehensive guide explores the 200-year history, artisanal production techniques, and the unique cultural landscape of Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village, providing an essential overview of its signature paper varieties and the immersive heritage experiences offered by Mekong Smile for travelers seeking the authentic soul of Can Tho’s craft traditions.

At Mekong Smile, we believe that true culture is felt in the heat of the oven and the texture of the craft. Located in Thot Not District, Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village (Làng nghề Bánh tráng Thuận Hưng) is a premier destination for travelers seeking an authentic connection with the “resilient spirit” and artisanal wisdom of Southern Vietnam.

Lastest update by Hai Yen Nguyen at Mekong Smile | Official Can Tho Travel Guide

Traditional rice paper making at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village, Can Tho

Discover Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village, where authentic Mekong traditions come to life

Overview of Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village

A Glance at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village

  • Location: Thuan Hung Ward, Thot Not District, Can Tho City.
  • Site Type: Traditional Artisanal Craft Village.
  • Significance: A 200-year-old craft village with over 500 households, famous for supplying rice paper to the entire Mekong Delta and for export.
  • Atmosphere: Rhythmic and bustling, characterized by the aroma of steamed rice and the sight of endless white “fields” of drying paper.
  • Key Highlights: Watching the “battery spreading” technique, the bamboo rack drying process, and tasting freshly steamed rice paper.
  • Average Visit Duration: 1.5 – 2 hours (best combined with Bang Lang Stork Garden).

Understanding Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village: A Legacy of Resilience

The story of Thuan Hung is a multi-generational saga of “passion and preservation.” For over 200 years, the families here have maintained the art of making rice paper, a staple of Vietnamese cuisine. Originally serving local needs, the village has evolved into a major commercial hub without losing its soul. This legacy represents the “vibrant living heritage” of Can Tho, where the secret to a perfect sheet—balancing thickness, elasticity, and flavor—is passed down from grandmothers to granddaughters, ensuring the village’s “rhythm of the craft” never fades.

Local women making traditional rice paper by hand at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village, Can Tho
Local artisans hand-make rice paper

Video: The Rhythm of Thuan Hung

To see the incredible speed and precision of the master makers as they spread the batter, watch a cinematic highlight of the village:

What Makes Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village Special?

Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village is the soul of Can Tho’s culinary heritage. It is not just a factory; it is an open-air museum where the “spirit of the land” is transformed into edible art.

Today, it stands as a symbol of agricultural ingenuity. Visitors can observe four distinct types of rice paper: Sweet (with coconut and ginger), Salty (for spring rolls), Nem (soft for fresh rolls), and Coconut (thick for grilling). Observing how the villagers time their production with the sun—relying on the “rhythm of the river” and weather—highlights the deep connection between the local community and the natural environment.

“With Mekong Smile experts, you will discover that the most critical ingredient isn’t just the rice, but the Mekong Sun. We will guide you to households that still use the 100% natural drying method. Our experts explain the ‘Half-Dry’ technique. Learning to read the clouds through the eyes of a Thuan Hung artisan is a transformative experience that reveals the true technical depth of this ‘simple’ craft.” – By Mr. Jimmy, Business Development of Mekong Smile

Visitors joining a cultural tour at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village in Can Tho
Visitors explore daily life and craftsmanship

Planning Your Visit to Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village

Location

The village is located in the northern belt of Can Tho, near the border with An Giang.

  • Exact Address: Thuan Hung Ward, Thot Not, Can Tho.
  • Distance: Approximately 40km from Ninh Kieu Wharf (Can Tho city center).

How to Get There

  • By Private Car/Taxi: A comfortable 1-hour drive via National Highway 91.
  • By Boat: For a truly “Mekong” arrival, travel by boat through the Thot Not canal network, arriving directly at the riverside workshops.
  • The Mekong Smile Way: We can integrate Thuan Hung into our Can Tho tour, providing seamless transfers and connecting the village with the nearby Stork Garden.

Best Time to Visit

  • Operating Hours: 06:00 AM – 04:00 PM (Daily).
  • The Golden Hour: 07:00 – 09:00 AM is the peak time to see the “Spreading & Drying” ritual when the morning sun is fresh and the streets are filled with white racks.
  • Peak Season: The two months leading up to Tet (Lunar New Year) are the most vibrant, as the village operates 24/7 to meet holiday demand.
Aerial view of Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village along the Mekong Delta waterways in Can Tho
A peaceful aerial view of Thuan Hung Village

Product & Service Pricing

Item / Service Estimated Price (VND) Estimated Price (USD)
100 Sheets of Salty Rice Paper 40,000 - 60,000 VND $1.60 - $2.50
Pack of Sweet Coconut Rice Paper 35,000 - 50,000 VND $1.40 - $2.00
Hands-on Experience Fee Included in tour or Tip-based Tip-based

Note: Prices support fair-trade for local households. For an all-inclusive experience including lunch and transfers, consider our Can Tho Tour.

The Experience at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village

The “Spreading” Mastery

Witness the incredible speed of the artisans. With a single ladle and a swift circular motion, they spread the rice batter into a perfect circle on a cloth steamer. It is a “stork symphony” of movement that takes years to master.

Steaming rice batter during the rice paper making process at Steaming rice batter during the rice paper making process at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village
Fresh rice batter is steamed to create Thuan Hung’s signature soft rice paper

The Bamboo Drying Fields

Walk through the village to see thousands of bamboo racks (vỉ) lining every alley and courtyard. The geometric patterns of the drying paper against the green landscape create an unforgettable visual spectacle for photographers.

Rows of rice paper drying naturally under the sun at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village in Can Tho
Rice paper dries naturally under the sun

Fresh Tasting Session

Experience the flavor of heritage. Try a piece of freshly steamed rice paper right off the stove, or enjoy a grilled coconut rice paper—crispy, fragrant, and rich with the soul of the Mekong.

Finished rice paper ready to serve at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village
Freshly finished rice paper, ready to enjoy

Hands-on Workshop

Under the guidance of Mekong Smile™ experts, try your hand at lifting the delicate sheets with a bamboo stick. You will quickly learn that the “resilient spirit” of the makers is matched by their incredible dexterity.

Local artisans shaping rice paper by hand inside Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village
Skilled artisans shape each sheet of rice paper entirely by hand

Combining Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village with Can Tho’s Hidden Gems

Thot Not is a hub of natural and artisanal beauty. After exploring the rice paper village, take a short drive to the Bang Lang Stork Garden to witness thousands of birds returning at sunset or explore the tranquil Tan Loc Islet with its lush orchards and colonial houses. To experience the full spectrum of the Western Capital, combine your journey with a sunrise trip to the iconic Cai Rang Floating Market, a visit to the architectural masterpiece of Binh Thuy Ancient House, or a pilgrimage to the grand Hung King Temple. You can also delve into the region’s history at the Can Tho Museum or the Military Zone 9 Museum near the vibrant Ninh Kieu Wharf.

To complete your stay, discover the perfect accommodation through our curated list of top hotels in Can Tho and savor local flavors with our guide to the top restaurants in Can Tho. This combination ensures a journey that captures the full spectrum of the Delta’s artisanal, natural, and culinary soul.

Traditional rice paper workshop scene at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village in Can Tho
Inside a traditional workshop, local families keep the craft alive

Our Signature Can Tho Tours

Experience the best of the Delta’s artisanal heart with our curated journeys.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village

    Why should I visit Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village with Mekong Smile?

    Booking with Mekong Smile opens doors to private family workshops that don’t usually accept tourists. Our guides help you understand the technical grades of rice used and ensure you experience the village’s “vibrant living heritage” respectfully.

    Can I buy rice paper at Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village to take home?

    Yes! The paper is lightweight and easy to pack. Pro-tip: The sweet ginger variety is a favorite among international travelers as a unique Mekong snack.

    Is the Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village active in the rainy season?

    Yes, but the drying process is more challenging. Mekong Smile guides know which houses have indoor drying systems or thermal ovens to ensure you see the process regardless of the weather.

    Is Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village suitable for children?

    Absolutely. Kids love watching the “magic” of the batter turning into paper and trying to handle the bamboo racks.

    What is the difference between Thuan Hung Rice Paper Village and other villages?

    Thuan Hung is unique for its 200-year history and the fact that it still produces four distinct specialized varieties manually, whereas many other regions have fully mechanized.

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