Vietnam has a heritage of craftwork and people using their hands to make things work and function – with a reliance on the individual maker whose knowledge and skill are passed by generations. For Vietnam, handicrafts intangibly represent cultural heritage and national identity. In recent years, this form of locally-based manufacturing faces a major threat as a result of mass production alongside a lack of knowledge of new innovative ways to design. By exploring the potential of the craft – design approach within the context of Vietnam, the research tends to offer a framework for young designers to develop a sustainable project and start-up their business related to the handicraft sector in this country.