The tour, titled “Explore the Heritage Road in South of Thang Long”, will commence mid-month and encompass historical landmarks and artisanal villages on the periphery of Hanoi.
Expectedly, this novel tourist itinerary will be unveiled by the city’s Department of Tourism during the Vietnam International Tourism Fair 2024, scheduled to be held in Hanoi from April 11 to 14.
| Quang Phu Cau incense-making village is a captivating tourist destination in Hanoi. Photo: Le Giang/The Hanoi Times |
The itinerary will guide travelers from Hanoi’s urban center to historical sites and craft villages in the suburbs, encompassing Noi Temple in Binh Da village, Binh Minh commune, Thanh Oai district; the renowned Quang Phu Cau incense-making village in Ung Hoa district; and Phung Xa weaving village in My Duc district.
Located in Binh Da village, Binh Minh commune, Thanh Oai district, Noi Temple is dedicated to Vietnam’s national ancestor Lac Long Quan, who reigned during the Hong Bang dynasty of ancient Vietnam in 2825 BC. The bas-relief depicting the boat race festival on the Do Dong River, attended by Lac Long Quan and the nobles of Lac Viet, is a distinctive feature of the communal house. The Prime Minister bestowed national treasure status upon the bas-relief in 2015.
Noi Temple also houses a collection of antiquities, including annals, inscriptions, a bronze bell, lacquered boards, parallel sets, and implements employed in sacrificial rituals from the Ly Dynasty (1054 to 1225) to the Le Trung Hung Dynasty (1533-1789).
| Noi Temple, situated in Binh Da village, Binh Minh commune, Thanh Oai district, Hanoi, exudes serenity and beauty. Photo: Ho Ha/ The Hanoi Times |
Apart from exploring the heritage sites in the southern regions of the ancient Thang Long Citadel, travelers will delve into traditional craft villages, including the Quang Phu Cau incense-making village in Ung Hoa District, where all six villages have been recognized as craft villages.
The six villages of Xa Cau, Quang Nguyen, Upper Phu Luong, Lower Phu Luong, Cau Bau, and Dao Tu boast a centuries-old legacy of incense production. They are the primary incense suppliers to the northern region, and the trade provides the main source of income for countless local households.
The world-renowned villages of Quang Phu Cau are a magnet for domestic and international travelers. In January, as production surges in preparation for the Lunar New Year festival, the villages of Quang Phu Cau commune thrum with activity, producing countless incense sticks to meet the nation’s demand. The entire area transforms into a vibrant spectacle, a must-see for those who appreciate picturesque landscapes.
| Foreign tourists visit the Quang Phu Cau incense-making village in Hanoi. Photo: Le Giang |
The village is also a popular spot for photography enthusiasts, both local and foreign. Images of incense sticks arranged in neat rows on the ground, captured by talented photographers, have garnered major photography awards.
At the Phung Xa Weaving Village in My Duc District, visitors can witness the various stages of mulberry and lotus silk production, including silkworm rearing, mulberry silk spinning and weaving, and weaving silk from lotus fibers.
Meritorious artisan Phan Thi Thuan in Phung Xa Village is widely recognized as the first Vietnamese artisan to successfully weave silk from lotus fiber. In 2019, Thuan unveiled unique lotus silk scarves, shirts, and dresses. This is regarded as a milestone for the country’s silk-weaving industry, paving the way for its future growth. Lotus silk has since gained prominence and popularity throughout the country.
| Silkworm silk is renowned globally, but lotus silk or lotus fiber silk is unique to Vietnam. Hanoi artisan Phan Thi Thuan’s passion and ingenuity have elevated the craft to new heights: weaving silk from lotus fiber. Photo: Infonet |
According to Dang Huong Giang, Director of the
Hanoi Department of Tourism, the new tourist route is being developed and implemented to empower tour operators to diversify their offerings and attract more domestic and international travelers to the region.
“It also reflects the department’s commitment to developing and enhancing the quality of tourism products and destinations associated with the preservation and promotion of Hanoi‘s heritage, historical monuments, and craft villages,” she remarked.
Hanoi aims to welcome around 27 million visitors this year, including 5.5 million foreign tourists, representing an increase of 9.2% and 16.4%, respectively, compared to the previous year. Total tourism revenue is projected to reach VND103.74 trillion (US$4.22 billion), an 11.1% annual increase. The average occupancy rate of accommodations and hotels is targeted at 62%.
To achieve these objectives, Hanoi is prioritizing product development, encompassing experiential tours connected to heritage, relic sites, and traditional villages, as well as culinary, MICE, healthcare, river, and agrotourism, in addition to enhancing government regulation of the sector.
