Van Thang Agarwood Carving Village: The Essence of Khanh Hoa's Agarwood Land
Khanh Hoa province is famous for two precious gifts of nature: agarwood (tram huong) and swiftlet nests. Van Ninh district has been considered the capital of agarwood in Khanh Hoa for centuries, and the agarwood carving craft in Van Thang commune is where this heritage shines brightest.
History and Scale
Agarwood carving in Van Thang is a family trade passed down for over 100 years. On September 7, 2016, the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee officially recognized Phu Hoi 1 hamlet as a traditional agarwood carving village with over a century of history. Today, the village gathers about 400 households with more than 700 workers, making it one of the largest communities of agarwood artisans in the South Central Coast region.
Previously, local households mostly did subcontracting work with unstable output. In recent years, however, applying scientific and technical advances has allowed the village to create highly refined products with greater economic value, expanding markets both domestically and internationally.
The Unique Art of Agarwood Carving
The craft requires extraordinary patience and precision. The journey begins with the do bau tree (Aquilaria crassna), endemic to Khanh Hoa forests. When the tree is wounded naturally or artificially, it secretes resin to heal itself, gradually forming agarwood, the resinous heartwood prized for its fragrance.
Artisans use specialized tools to carefully carve away the white, non-resinous wood, preserving only the dark, fragrant agarwood core. For large pieces, they perform meticulous sculpting to create ornamental agarwood artworks. Pieces nearly one meter tall, crafted with great skill, can fetch hundreds of millions of Vietnamese dong.
Diverse Products and Economic Value
The village now produces a wide range of products:
- Ornamental agarwood sculptures: Original carved pieces with high aesthetic and spiritual value, used as luxury gifts or interior decoration.
- Agarwood bracelets and jewelry: Popular for their long-lasting natural fragrance and feng shui significance.
- Agarwood incense (with and without sticks): Serving spiritual and relaxation needs while preserving the distinctive aroma.
- Agarwood essential oil: A premium product with significant economic value.
The craft provides stable employment for hundreds of local workers with monthly incomes of 6 to 8 million VND, improving livelihoods while preserving a precious heritage.
Becoming a Community Tourism Destination
A milestone was reached on December 20, 2024, when Van Ninh district announced Van Thang agarwood carving village as a site with potential for community tourism development. This recognition opens new sustainable paths for the village.
Visitors can observe artisans at work, learn about how agarwood forms on do bau trees, and experience the production process firsthand. Tour operators have begun bringing domestic and international visitors, who respond with great enthusiasm.
Role of Van Thang Agarwood Cooperative
The Van Thang Agarwood Cooperative was established to link local households and ensure sustainable development. It has been a pioneer in building and preserving the agarwood brand, achieving notable recognition:
- Two commendations from the Khanh Hoa Provincial People's Committee for outstanding OCOP program implementation (2019-2021) and as an exemplary cooperative in 2023.
- A commendation from the Vietnam Farmers' Union Central Committee for contributions to production, business, and new rural development in 2023.
Future Prospects
Van Thang village stands at a promising crossroads, combining traditional craft values with experiential tourism. Local authorities are building connections with businesses nationwide, expanding the value chain from production to consumption. Preserving this craft is not just about economics; it is about safeguarding the cultural soul of the "agarwood land," elevating Vietnam's agarwood brand on the world stage.
