Thanh Haa's Nga Sơn mats and the heritage of a craft village over 150 years old.

1. General introduction to Nga Son rush mats

1.1 Origin and history of Nga Son rush mats

About 40 km northeast of Thanh Hoa city center, Nga Son is a coastal region favored by nature with a nutrient-rich mangrove ecosystem. This is the ideal environment for the rush plant to grow. The eight coastal communes here have long been known as famous rush-growing areas, where Nga Son rush has fine fibers, long stems, smooth sheen, and superior durability.

The Nga Son Thanh Hoa region is famous for its mat making. (Source: Collected)

According to local people, the mat weaving craft in Nga Son was formed around the 17th - 18th centuries. During the feudal period, Nga Son mats, along with Kim Son mats (Ninh Binh), were once chosen as tribute products for the royal court, demonstrating the sophistication and value of the traditional craft.

After more than 150 years of development, villages such as Ngoc Vuong, Ho Vuong, Tien An, Tien Thanh, and Van Lien still preserve the exquisite mat weaving techniques through many generations. To date, in addition to traditional mats, local people have also developed many handicraft products from sedge, such as carpets, baskets, indoor slippers, and decorative items, exporting them to markets like Japan, South Korea, and China.

1.2 Outstanding characteristics of Nga Son sedge

What makes Nga Son mats a brand is the characteristic sedge that can only be grown in this land. Thanks to the moderate salinity of the coastal soil, the sedge fibers here are thin, long, soft, yet very strong, with a natural golden color and high smoothness.

Nga Son is famous for its characteristic sedge. (Source: Collected)

After harvesting, the sedge fibers are dried, separated, and carefully selected before being woven. From simple sedge fibers, the skillful hands of artisans create durable and beautiful mats, with a long lifespan and retaining their natural brightness over time.

Not only possessing practical value, Nga Son mats are also products imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity, showing a harmonious combination of natural colors and exquisite decorative patterns.

2. Traditional mat weaving craft of Nga Son

2.1 Manual sedge mat weaving process

The mat making process begins with selecting and harvesting sedge, the main raw material determining the product's quality. Sedge is harvested twice a year, around April and October of the lunar calendar, when the plant reaches maturity, yielding long, tough, and glossy fibers.

Reed splitting stage in the process of making Nga Son mats. (Source: Collected)

After cutting, the reeds are split in half by knife, splitting tool, or splitting machine to make the fibers even, then taken to dry on wide sandy beaches, exposed to natural sunlight until sufficiently dry. Next, the reeds are sorted and dyed according to different types of mats such as plain mats, patterned mats, or floral mats, creating the characteristic shades and patterned backgrounds of the product.

The mat weaving stage is the most important part, demonstrating the skill and sophistication of the artisans. Typically, two people work together on the loom, one guiding the reeds, the other pressing the edges to secure the mat's sides and shape the patterns. Before weaving, the artisan must set up the jute frame to determine the mat's dimensions as required. Depending on the type of mat, the artisan will adjust the density of the fibers, coordinate colors, and patterns harmoniously and sharply. Upon completion, the mats are flattened, the edges are firmly secured, and intricate patterns are added, creating durable and beautiful products that bear the distinct mark of traditional craftsmanship from the Nga Son region.

2.2. Famous Nga Son Mat Product Lines

From the traditional mat weaving craft, the people of Nga Son have continuously innovated to produce many diverse product lines, suitable for the needs of each family. Among them, the 'dau' mat stands out with its thick, strong, and durable fibers, suitable for daily use; the patterned mat is elaborately woven with exquisite traditional patterns, often used as gifts or for special occasions. In addition, the plain mat offers a simple, soft beauty and is easy to clean, while the travel mat is compact and conveniently foldable for carrying. Each mat is handcrafted or semi-handcrafted, clearly reflecting the meticulousness and dedication of the Nga Son artisans.

Various types of Nga Son mats with diverse designs. (Source: Collected)

Not only mats, but people here also develop many handicrafts from sedge such as handbags, baskets, boxes, carpets, slippers, pots, and decorative items. A prime example is Viet Trang Export Co., Ltd., founded by Ms. Nguyen Thi Viet in 2001 in Nga Son town. The enterprise has continuously innovated designs, invested in technology, and actively participated in domestic and international fairs as well as e-commerce channels. As a result, about 90% of the company's Nga Son sedge products have been exported to over 20 countries such as the US, Australia, Canada, the UK, France…, generating an average monthly revenue of about 2 billion VND and creating stable jobs for over 30 local workers.

3. Development and Innovation of the Nga Son Sedge Craft

Before 1991, Nga Son sedge mats not only served domestic demand but were also exported to the Soviet Union market and some Eastern European countries. However, during this period, the products were mainly mass-produced woven mats with simple designs and low added value. With time, the Nga Son mat weaving craft has undergone significant transformations, not only focusing on quality and design but also on brand building and protection. The locality is currently implementing the collective trademark registration for “Nga Son Sedge”, contributing to protecting product reputation and preventing counterfeit goods from affecting the village's fame.

Reed fiber is utilized to create many other products. (Source: Collection)

More than just a traditional handicraft, the reed plant and the mat weaving craft in Nga Son carry deep cultural value. On each reed fiber lies the persistent spirit, pride, and love for their homeland of the Thanh artisans. Today's youth are continuing this heritage with creativity and innovation in techniques and design, making the products increasingly suitable for modern tastes.

4. Tourism Experience in Nga Son Reed Mat Village

4.1 Visiting the coastal reed-growing areas

The starting point for exploring Nga Son mats is the lush green reed fields stretching along the coast. When the reed season is in full bloom, the entire land is dyed a fresh green, creating a natural landscape that is both romantic and peaceful. Visitors can leisurely stroll along the small paths winding through the fields, enjoying the softness and vitality of each reed swaying in the wind.

Farmers harvest sedge to make mats. (Source: Collected)

Towards the end of the harvest season, the sight of golden sedge bundles drying in the wide yard becomes an impressive highlight. This is not only a beautiful scene but also offers a wonderful opportunity for tourists to capture souvenir photos, and learn more about the material that creates the famous Nga Son mats.

4.2 Explore weaving workshops and interact with artisans

At the weaving workshops, visitors will witness the complete mat production process: from cutting, sorting, and spinning to weaving the finished product. The rhythmic sound of the looms harmonizes with the skillful hands of the artisans, creating a vibrant and creative working space.

Artisans dedicated to the mat-making craft in Nga Son. (Source: Collected)

Long-standing artisans are always ready to share stories associated with the craft village, from memories of traveling far to sell mats to the pride when products reach the international market. They pass on their love for the craft and the secrets of mat weaving to visitors through each stage, making every experience vivid and memorable.

4.3 Shopping for Souvenirs

At the end of the journey, visitors should not miss the opportunity to choose and buy authentic Nga Son mats. In stores and display workshops, you will find a variety of mats: from small, convenient sizes for travel, to large mats with exquisite traditional patterns.

Tourists can choose a variety of souvenir products when visiting Nga Son. (Source: Collected)

Besides mats, small products like rush baskets, decorative rugs, or carrying bags are also very popular as gifts, possessing both practical value and conveying the unique cultural characteristics of Thanh Hoa land. The prices of the products are reasonable, ranging from VND 150,000 to VND 500,000 depending on size and pattern. When purchasing at the craft village, customers also receive advice on usage and preservation to ensure the mats always maintain their durability over time.

Some reputable places to buy rush mats that tourists can refer to:

Toan Mat Rush Mat Agency: Hamlet 1, Nga Son Commune, Thanh Hoa

Toan Sen Shop: Kim Quy Pagoda Intersection - Next to Mai Son Bus Station

5. Experience and Notes for Visiting

The Nga Son mat village experience will be more interesting if tourists refer to the following tips:

Ideal time: from April to September, coinciding with the rush harvest and drying season, which is convenient for observing the bustling production activities and enjoying the lush green scenery of the rush fields.

Transportation: car or motorbike via National Highway 10, turning into the Nghi Son coastal road to reach Nga Son; the transportation infrastructure is well-invested, the distance from Thanh Hoa city center is about 40 km, taking about 45 minutes by car.

Attire: light, comfortable clothing, wear shoes that are easy to move in, as many areas of the craft village are interspersed within residential areas with small paths.

Bring a hat, sun protection clothing, and sunscreen due to the coastal climate characteristics which often have strong sun.

Prepare a camera or phone to capture beautiful moments of the rush fields, the golden rush drying scenes, and the vibrant working activities of the artisans.

6. Combine with Tourism in Thanh Hoa

The exploration trip to the Nga Son mat village can be easily combined with other prominent destinations in Thanh Hoa, creating a colorful journey rich in experiences.

6.1 Nghi Son Beach

Located near Nga Son, Nghi Son Beach is an ideal place to relax after visiting the craft village. The beach is nổi bật with its white sandy strip, clear blue water, and peaceful atmosphere. Tourists can immerse themselves in the cool water, enjoy fresh seafood, or simply savor peaceful moments while watching the sunset.

Nghi Son Beach is a top destination in Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

6.2 Hai Tien Beach

Hai Tien, about 30 km from Nga Son, is one of the most beautiful beaches in Thanh Hoa. This area boasts a diverse system of hotels and restaurants, well meeting tourists' travel needs. Hai Tien Beach is very suitable for families, especially with young children, thanks to its wide sandy beach, gentle waves, and many recreational activities.

6.3 Sam Son Beach

Finally, Sam Son Beach cannot be missed. This is a familiar destination, famous for its long sandy beach, calm sea waves, and bustling atmosphere. In particular, the nearby Sam Son beach square is an ideal place for strolling, sightseeing, and taking souvenir photos. The famous beach square is where major tourism events in Sam Son are often held.

The beach square is the center of Sam Son beach town. (Source: Collected)

Combining a visit to the Nga Son mat craft village with Sam Son beach allows tourists to fully experience both traditional beauty and the vibrant beach space, creating an unforgettable journey in the Thanh region.

Nga Son mats are not just simple handicrafts but also a vivid symbol of the ingenuity, durability, and passion for the craft of Thanh people through many generations. What are you waiting for? Visit Nga Son, where tourists will have the opportunity to witness firsthand every meticulous weaving step, from delicate rush fibers to the finished mat, while feeling the pride and dedication that artisans imbue into each product.