In commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the Capital’s Liberation, the Hanoi Tourism Department, in collaboration with the Thuong Tin District People’s Committee, has introduced a new tourism program, “Duyen Thai Craft Village Art.”
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| A glimpse into the traditional lacquerware crafted by the talented artisans of Ha Thai craft hamlet, located in Duyen Thai Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi. Photo: Lang nghe son mai Ha Thai |
The “Duyen Thai Craft Village Art” tourism program ventures beyond the typical tourist trails, showcasing the unique cultural and spiritual essence of Vietnam. Lacquerware, an art form deeply rooted in the country’s heritage, takes center stage, with each piece meticulously crafted to reflect the creativity and skill of its makers.
At the launch event, Mr. Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, highlighted the rich artisanal landscape of Hanoi, boasting 1,350 trade and craft villages that preserve 47 out of 52 traditional crafts practiced across Vietnam.
In alignment with the Hanoi Municipal Party Committee’s vision for cultural development and the enhancement of human resources, the Hanoi Tourism Department is committed to creating immersive tourism experiences. In 2024, they will develop experiential tourism products that showcase the heritage sites, relics, and craft villages along the “South Thang Long – Hanoi Heritage Road” route in Thanh Tri, Thuong Tin, and Phu Xuyen districts.
“It is our hope that the ‘Duyen Thai Craft Village Art’ tourism program will not only leave a lasting impression on visitors but also encourage more tourists to explore the craft village areas of Thuong Tin District and Hanoi as a whole,” expressed Mr. Hieu.
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| Mr. Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of Hanoi Tourism Department, during his visit to Duyen Thai Commune, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi |
The event offered a rich tapestry of experiences, including a hands-on demonstration of crafting votive offerings in Phuc Am Village, an insightful journey into the world of Ha Thai lacquer art, a tour of the production process, a showcase of diverse lacquerware creations, and a delightful exploration of local culinary delights.
Unveiling the Treasures of Craft Villages
According to the Thuong Tin District People’s Committee, four villages within the district have been recognized by the Hanoi People’s Committee as official tourist destinations: Hong Van Bonsai Village, Ha Thai Lacquerware Village, Thuy Ung Horn Carving Village, and Van Diem High-class Carpentry Village.
Despite their potential, these villages have faced challenges in attracting tourists due to a lack of distinctive tours. The “Duyen Thai Craft Village Art” program aims to address this by providing a platform for villagers to showcase the unique art of lacquerware and votive paper-making in Ha Thai and Phuc Am Villages, nestled within Duyen Thai Commune.
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| A lacquer showroom in Ha Thai Hamlet, Duyen Thai Commune, showcases the exquisite craftsmanship of the village artisans. |
Ms. Tran Thi Lan, Head of the Thuong Tin District’s Culture and Information Division, shed light on the significance of Phuc Am Village, known for its production of votive paper and offerings deeply intertwined with the spiritual culture and worship practices of the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms, recognized by UNESCO as Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2016.
“This tourism program is not merely about promoting products; it’s about harnessing the economic potential rooted in cultural and artistic values,” Ms. Lan emphasized. “We aim to attract travel agencies and businesses to collaborate with Ha Thai Lacquerware Village, fostering the growth of local tourism.”
Mr. Phung Quang Thang, Standing Vice Chairman of the Vietnam Tourism Association, suggested that investing in infrastructure and enhancing parking lots, landscapes, homestay accommodations, souvenir shops, production workshops, and travel experiences would further elevate the appeal of Thuong Tin as a tourist destination.
A Century-Old Legacy: The Ha Thai Lacquerware Village
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| The Ha Thai Lacquerware Village has attracted visitors from near and far, captivated by the intricate craftsmanship and vibrant colors of its creations. |
The Ha Thai Lacquerware Village, nestled in the heart of Duyen Thai Commune, Thuong Tin District, boasts a rich history spanning over 200 years. The artisans of this village have perfected the art of crafting lacquerware using natural materials, resulting in durable and visually stunning creations.
Each masterpiece emerging from Ha Thai bears the imprint of the craftsmen’s unwavering dedication, attention to detail, and passion. Months of meticulous work, involving 12 intricate steps and multiple layers of lacquer, go into crafting a single piece. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and elegant artistry of Ha Thai lacquerware captivate admirers, who also appreciate the skill and devotion inherent in each creation.
Ha Thai lacquerware has solidified its reputation and value not only within Vietnam but also on the international stage, earning recognition as a prestigious global brand.
Officially recognized as a craft village tourist destination by the Hanoi People’s Committee in 2020, Ha Thai Village now boasts a multitude of shops displaying their exquisite products. Their artwork has also found its way to various countries, including the UK, France, Russia, the USA, Spain, Australia, Italy, Japan, and South Korea.
The inauguration of the “Duyen Thai Craft Village Art” tour promises to unveil a unique craft village tourist route, promoting local tourism and economic development while preserving the traditional cultural values that make this destination so enchanting.
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