About 30 km north of Tuy Hoa City, An Cu Commune (Tuy An District, Phu Yen Province) is home to one of the oldest traditional crafts in the region – the sedge mat weaving village of Phu Tan. For hundreds of years, the village has kept its peaceful rhythm of life, where every family is connected to sedge and looms. This craft is not only a way to earn a living but also a part of the community’s memory, passed down through generations.
Sedge – The Lifeline of the Village
Unlike many other rural areas, Phu Tan’s farmers devote about 25 hectares of land to growing sedge instead of rice. The lush green fields, caressed by sea breezes and the bright sunshine of Central Vietnam, are not only a familiar landscape but also the main source of raw material for mat weaving. The sedge grown here is durable, soft, and naturally glossy, making it perfect for weaving mats.
During harvest season, bundles of sedge are cut, cleaned, and tied into rafts to float down the canals back to the village, or carried on shoulder poles along small paths. This has become an iconic scene, reflecting a slow-paced life closely tied to the land and water.
From Sedge Fields to Finished Mats
Creating a complete mat requires many steps. Once harvested, sedge is split into smaller strands, dried under the sun, and dyed in various colors. Dyeing is one of the most important stages, requiring both skill and experience. Bundles of sedge are soaked in boiling dye to ensure the colors are vibrant and long-lasting. Artisans must work in the heat, carefully controlling the fire and timing to achieve even, fade-resistant colors. Popular colors include green, red, yellow, or the natural shade of sedge.
When the dyed strands are ready, weaving begins. In the past, weaving was done entirely by hand, requiring two people to work together: one feeding the sedge into the loom, the other beating the shuttle. Each day, they could produce only about two pairs of mats. Handwoven mats have a unique charm – tight, strong, and elegant in every weave.
A Village Through History
In 1977, Phu Tan was officially recognized as a traditional craft village of Phu Yen Province – a tribute to the cultural and economic value the craft brings to the community. However, it was not until 1995, when the provincial Agricultural Promotion Center organized annual training classes for local workers, that the craft began to flourish again. These classes not only improved skills but also kept the “fire” of tradition alive, encouraging younger generations to continue the craft.
Today, the village has more than 200 households with about 600 workers engaged in weaving. Most families both grow sedge and weave mats, creating a self-sustaining cycle of production right at home.
Embracing Machines
The arrival of modern technology has brought significant changes to Phu Tan. Many households have invested in weaving machines, increasing productivity and reducing manual labor. While handweaving yields only two pairs of mats per day, machine weaving allows three people to produce up to 18 pairs a day, with higher selling prices and consistent quality.
Mr. Nguyen Minh Quang, 65, one of the first to adopt machines in the village, shared: “With the same 1.6-meter size, a handwoven mat sells for about 60,000 – 70,000 VND per pair, while a machine-woven mat can sell for 150,000 VND per pair.” This difference has helped improve the incomes of local families.
Still, most of the preparation work – cutting sedge, cleaning, splitting, dyeing, and drying – is done by hand. These manual processes are essential to preserving the soul and quality of Phu Tan mats.
The Rhythm of Village Life
Walking into Phu Tan, you will see courtyards full of colorful sedge strands drying in the sun. The sound of weaving machines blends with the chatter of artisans, creating a unique melody. Many elderly villagers still work at the loom, teaching the younger generation as they go.
Handwoven mats are usually priced around 50,000 – 60,000 VND per pair, while machine-woven ones range from 130,000 – 160,000 VND. This variety meets different customer needs and helps the craft remain sustainable.
Preserving the Craft, Preserving the Soul
For over a century, the sedge mat weaving craft in Phu Tan has seen many changes, from wooden handlooms to modern machines, from late-night weaving by lamplight to working under the bright sun. Yet the sedge is still grown on the same soil, still dyed and dried in Phu Yen’s wind and sunshine, still requiring the skilled hands and dedication of local artisans.
The village not only provides year-round jobs but also preserves a part of rural heritage – where hard work, perseverance, and community spirit are woven into every strand. Visiting Phu Tan is not just about seeing green sedge fields but also feeling the heartbeat of a craft that has lived alongside its people for generations.
Follow Instagram @Dementravel.official or Facebook Demen Travel for more stories about Vietnam Wonders.
Source: Compiled
Photos: Demen Travel
