Is it worth it?

Short answer: Yes, I had a blast discovering a crafty side of me! However, the workshop can be physically demanding, so starting with a small canvas is advisable to avoid sore hands and arms the next day.

Longer answer: Where/When/What/How?

• Location: 「Rug Talk Vietnam」– 10 Trương Hán Siêu, Quận Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội
  The studio is located on the 2nd floor of the building. Grab/Taxi is the most convenient to get there. If you ride a motorbike, you’ll have to find a parking place. Motorbike riders may park at a nearby cafe named ORO at 17 Truong Han Sieu, but I’m not sure if it’s safe because no security guy is watching over the vehicles.
  >>> Here’s their IG for direct chat: rugtalk.vietnam
  
• Opening time: Each workshop lasts 3 hours. There are several time slots but limited space, so do chat with them to book in advance to secure a slot:
  >>> Mon to Thu: 9am-12pm & 2pm-5pm
  >>> Fri to Sun: 9am-12pm & 2pm-5pm & 6pm-9pm
  

• Price:
  >>> Mon to Thu:
  VND450,000 (~US$18.5) per 50x50cm canvas
  VND550,000 (~US$22.6) per 70x70cm canvas
  >>> Fri to Sun:
  VND490,000 (~US$20.2) per 50x50cm canvas
  VND590,000 (~US$24.3) per 70x70cm canvas
  >>> They offer some discounts and add-ons: 5% off for 3-4 pax, 10% for 5 pax, surcharge VND100,000 (~US$4.1) for the 2nd person using the same canvas.
  Compared to the prices in Singapore and Malay, apparently, this is a bargain!
  
• Recommended schedule:
  – Prepare the design you want to recreate before you visit the workshop (try to get a clear picture of it)
  – Arrive 10-15min early to find the place and listen to the initial instructions (available in English), so that you will have a full 3 hours for tufting
  – After you’ve done with your work, the staff needs at least 20-25 minutes to finalize your product, so I highly recommend try out this restaurant named Cha Ca Thang (previously known as Quan Cha Ca Ha Hoi) while waiting. It is located right around that corner. They offer scrumptious cha ca (turmeric fried fish with spring onions and dill) at a reasonal price VND135,000 per pax. I’m not too sure about their English level but you can always use Google Translate for these situations, right?
  – Come back after you’ve had lunch/dinner/supper to collect your product
  
• My experience:
  The workshop is held in a small studio on the 2nd floor, equipped with air conditioners and electric fans for anyone who can’t deal with the heat in Hanoi. The cozy studio provided a comfortable space for us to joke around and diligently work on our canvases. The female staff who guided us was quite shy, but her sweetness and helpfulness made the experience even better. As shown in my photos, the yarn collection is not too impressive but totally adequate for creating a simple rug suitable for beginners. Typically, 3 to 5 colors are sufficient for most people. My friend, however, encountered issues with the threads and struggled to optimize his efficiency. On the other hand, I was able to pick up the technique quickly and, fortunately, did not encounter any problems with either the tufting gun or the yarn. The staff was accommodating and gave us both detailed instructions, tips, and tricks, but at the end of the day, it really comes down to individual skill 😅 I have to admit, my right hand was pretty sore the next day, but it was totally worth it in the end!