Situated in northern mountainous Lao Cai province, at an altitude of 1,000 meters above sea level, the town of Sa Pa is not only famous as a tourist attraction and for its economic potential but also for its traditional handicrafts. Craftsmen in Lao Cai province made everyday items such as belts, ashtrays, combs, Buddha statues and other bric-a-brac from materials such as wood, rattan and hemp.

Silver-smiting is not only a continuation and heightening of local tradition but also reflects the areas unique characteristics.

Brocade from Sa Pa is imbedded with the identities of Lao Cai's indigenous ethnic minorities. There are a variety of brocades, which feature different colors and images of animals and foliage. Ta Phin traditional brocade weaving village, which lies about 17km to the east of Sa Pa, is an attraction site for foreign tourists. It is not only famous for its beautiful landscapes but also, for its distinctive and unique handmade brocade produced by Mong and Dao women.

It takes half a month for artisans to produce each work of brocade. They have to work hard to make a hand-made shirt. It is said that "true" brocade is usually made by hand with rough sewing and harmonious color combination but a little dark. While foreign tourists often purchase these products, city dwellers prefer colorful brocades made by sewing machine to the rough handmade items.

In Sa Pa, each ethnic group has their own styles. Thai women often wear white shirts with green twinkling lame around the collar. Other ethnic minorities dress more elaborately. Most women and men wear turban and foot-bindings. Red Dao often look more colorful than Meo and Thai people as most of their clothes are complex with embroidery in different patterns. It takes them from six months to a year to weave a suit but such suit cost only VND600,000 to VND800,000 each.

Beside clothes, ethnic groups in Lao Cai make a lot of things in brocade, such as shawls, handbags and baskets with different colors and sizes.With recent assistance from non-profit organization Craft Link, ethnic groups in brocade weaving villages have increased their income considerably.

Founded in 1995, Craft Link worked closely with minority communities to generate income while revitalizing traditional art forms. In Ta Phin, the group has provided ethnic women with training in tailoring, bookkeeping and management. Therefore, they are quickly gaining a reputation for producing some of the finest handicrafts in Lao Cai province.

Handicrafts and brocade products can be bought in markets in Sa Pa town. If you have chance to visit Sa Pa, such souvenirs make great presents for relatives and friends.