Starting December 23, 2025, on the 49th floor of the Bitexco Financial Tower, Saigon Skydeck officially launches the “Woodblock Workshop” (Traditional Woodblock Printing Experience Space). This unique collaboration between Saigon Skydeck and Decor Hub offers visitors a special opportunity to directly “touch” Vietnamese folk culture right in the heart of Saigon’s most unique iconic building.
Visitors delight in the hands-on woodblock printing experience.
Beyond the experience of a 360-degree panoramic city view, visitors to Saigon Skydeck can now immerse themselves in the artistic space of Woodblock Painting—a heritage art form that appeared in the 12th century, flourished in the 18th century, and is now being revived by dedicated culture lovers.
The space showcases the essence of four representative folk painting styles: Dong Ho (Bac Ninh) with diep (scallop shell) paper; Hang Trong (Hanoi) featuring a technique that blends printing and hand-painting; Kim Hoang (Hanoi) on distinct red (hong dieu) paper; and Sinh Village (Hue) bearing the mark of the Ancient Capital. The common thread among these styles is the use of woodblock carving techniques and traditional Do paper—made from the bark of the Do tree (Rhamnoneuron balansae), renowned for a durability that can last for centuries.
Meticulous and exquisite woodblocks displayed at the workshop.
To provide the most authentic experience, the woodblocks at Saigon Skydeck are rigorously selected from wood types with fine grain, durability, and excellent ink absorption, such as Gold Apple wood (gỗ thị) and Jackfruit wood (gỗ mít). The wood undergoes a strictly supervised process: soaking for 1 to 6 months to prevent termites and warping, then naturally air-drying before artisans perform meticulous reverse-engraving techniques, transforming hand-drawn sketches into exquisite sculptures.
An intricate woodblock ready for the skillful hands of visitors.
Visitors getting hands-on experience with woodblock printing at Saigon Skydeck.
Notably, visitors can participate in a 30-minute Workshop to create their own artwork through a standard 7-step process: from selecting a woodblock, applying ink, and making a trial print, to directly pressing (printing) the image onto Do paper and finishing with colors. Additionally, stamping “Xin chào, from Saigon” message cards is a meaningful highlight. All proceeds from card sales will be contributed to the “Sharing and Spreading Love” journey for the community.
Ms. Phuong Ha – Representative of the BFT Management Board shared: “We envision Saigon Skydeck not just as a place for visitors to admire the modern beauty of the city from above, but also as a profound emotional ‘touchpoint’ for culture. Bringing the art of Woodblock Painting and Do paper to Saigon Skydeck is our way of honoring and preserving heritage beauty, so that every international visitor or young Vietnamese coming here can hand-print and take home a piece of Vietnamese culture as a souvenir.”
Through this activity, Bitexco Financial Tower once again affirms the Group’s philosophy of sustainable development: Alongside the mission of pioneering economic value for the country, Bitexco always strives to preserve, protect, and promote the nation’s traditional cultural and artistic values. The “Woodblock Experience Space” serves as a bridge to bring Vietnamese heritage closer to international friends, contributing to enriching spiritual life right in the heart of the modern metropolis.
SOME IMAGES FROM THE EXPERIENCE SPACE:
The DIY painting experience is loved by many children.
Artworks created by international guests visiting Saigon Skydeck.
Bark of the “Do” tree – the raw material that creates traditional Vietnamese Do paper.
Woodblocks meticulously finished by artisans and displayed at the experience space.
Visitors excitedly experimenting with mini stamps.
