Phu Tho’s Traditional Craft Villages Embrace Digital Transformation

Today, Phu Tho Province is home to hundreds of traditional craft villages — from wood carving, blacksmithing, and bamboo weaving to mechanics, textiles, and ornamental horticulture. Across the province, thousands of production facilities are creating jobs for rural workers every day, contributing significantly to local economic growth.

In recent years, to promote and develop its craft villages, Phu Tho has introduced various support policies encouraging households and businesses to invest in machinery, apply modern technologies, and expand trade promotion through digital platforms — breathing new life into traditional villages.

Applying modern technology and machinery has helped the Tuoi Thuan Woodcraft Facility in Yen Lac Commune maintain a strong foothold in the market.

In Yen Phuong Commune, Yen Lac District (former), the bustling sound of saws and hammers still fills Lung Ha Carpentry Village, where generations of craftsmen have preserved their trade. Despite challenges over time, local artisans have embraced innovation, becoming true “craftsmen of the digital age.” They not only excel in craftsmanship but also skillfully adapt to new consumer trends and promote their products across online platforms.

A standout example is the Tuoi Thuan Woodcraft Facility, whose products — including a jackfruit-wood ceremonial screen, a jackfruit-wood worship chair, and a set of “Four Seasons” stone-scented wood panels — were all certified as three-star OCOP products at the provincial level in 2024. This recognition marks both a source of pride for the owner and a symbol of Lung Ha Village’s transformation in the digital era.

Ly Nhan Blacksmith Village upholds its brand through meticulous craftsmanship in every detail.

Beyond woodworking, many other craft villages in the province are also awakening through technology. In Vinh Phu Commune, home to five traditional craft villages — Ban Mach Forging, Van Giang, Van Ha, Thu Do, and Bich Chu Carpentry — production has never been more vibrant, operating day and night. Nearly 2,000 households and facilities provide stable jobs for over 3,700 workers.

A notable pioneer is the Youth Blacksmithing Cooperative, one of the first to integrate technology into production. Replacing traditional charcoal furnaces, the cooperative has invested in high-frequency induction furnaces and modern LRam machines, helping to cut costs, boost productivity, and reduce environmental pollution.

To sustain and expand its supply chain, the cooperative has also embraced online sales channels. Members regularly livestream product demonstrations, produce short videos to showcase their craftsmanship, and close sales directly on platforms like Facebook, Shopee, and TikTok Shop. What was once considered the domain of urban youth has now become a powerful tool for rural blacksmiths.

With the adoption of modern science and technology, products from Ly Nhan Blacksmith Village are gaining widespread recognition and consumer trust.

Technology is opening a new path for Phu Tho’s craft villages. Through social media, customers nationwide can easily view, order, and provide instant feedback on products.

Building on this momentum, Phu Tho Province plans to continue supporting craft villages in upgrading technology, expanding production in connection with experiential tourism, and developing regional brands. Training programs in e-commerce, digital marketing, photography, and product videography will also be strengthened, enabling artisans to apply these skills effectively and expand their markets both domestically and internationally through digital tools.

Le Minh