This week, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee, Nguyen Manh Quyen, signed a decision recognizing the Huong Son special relic complex, also known as the Huong Pagoda, in My Duc District as an official tourist destination for the city.
Located approximately 60 kilometers southwest of Hanoi’s bustling downtown area, the Huong Pagoda transports visitors to a magical world. Spanning over 4,900 hectares, the complex is an intricate mosaic of pagodas, temples, and caves, each boasting stunning stalactites and stalagmites. The site is dedicated to the worship of Buddha and indigenous deities, reflecting the rich fusion of religious beliefs in the region.
Constructed in the late 17th century and meticulously renovated over the years, the Huong Son complex stands as a testament to historical preservation. It seamlessly blends its scenic beauty with its cultural significance, contributing to the diverse and unique Buddhist culture that Vietnam is renowned for.
The Huong Pagoda Festival is an annual affair, traditionally held from the sixth day of the first lunar month through to the third lunar month. It is a grand celebration, recognized as the biggest and longest traditional festival in not only Hanoi but also the entirety of Vietnam.
A pilgrimage to the Huong Pagoda complex during the Lunar New Year is more than just a vacation; it is a spiritual journey to the heart of Buddhism. Devotees and tourists alike embark on a transformative experience as they explore the pagodas, temples, and caves while participating in ceremonies seeking the blessings of Buddha.
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The massive turnout of half a million pilgrims during the three days of the Lunar New Year (Tet Festival) in 2024 is a testament to the festival’s popularity. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times |
According to the management board of the Huong Son special relic complex, the festival attracts approximately one million pilgrims annually. Beyond worshipping Buddha, visitors are captivated by the majestic landscape that serves as a backdrop for the enlightenment of the Bodhisattva, creating an atmosphere of serene spirituality.
A representative from the Hanoi Department of Tourism underscored the cultural and religious significance of the site, stating, “Hanoi’s Huong Pagoda is a multifaceted complex encompassing pagodas, temples, and communal houses. Moreover, it is one of 11 special national relics in Vietnam, making it an invaluable asset for the development of cultural and spiritual tourism within the complex.”
In recent years, the management of the Huong Pagoda relics has undergone innovation, prioritizing the preservation of the site’s historical and scenic value while harnessing its potential for festive activities and tourism. This strategic approach bore fruit in 2023, when over one million visitors flocked to the Huong Pagoda, captivated by its unique allure.
Looking ahead, the Hanoi Department of Tourism and the My Duc District People’s Committee are committed to elevating the complex’s appeal. Their vision is to transform it into a high-quality tourist attraction that meets the stringent criteria to be recognized as a national tourist area, further cementing its status as a must-visit destination.
By 2030, the Huong Pagoda complex is destined to become a national tourism area and one of the foremost tourism centers in both the capital and the entire country. The Department has also expressed intentions to apply for recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ensuring its global prominence.
In addition to the Huong Son complex, the Hanoi People’s Committee also acknowledged the Hong Van tourist site in the outlying district of Thuong Tin as a city-level tourist destination. Nestled along the Red River, Hong Van has successfully developed rural tourism, showcasing the unique charms of northern Vietnam’s rural villages.
With a focus on cultural, agricultural, and MICE tourism, Hong Van has attracted an average of 35,000 visitors annually, generating an estimated tourism revenue of over VND10 billion (US$406,000). Tran Quoc Bao, Chairman of the Hong Van People’s Committee, shared their ambitious goals, stating, “We aim to establish Hong Van as an enticing destination for domestic and international tourists by 2025, with a focus on commercial, service, and tourism sectors as the commune’s economic cornerstone.”
Vietnam’s Law on Tourism 2017 outlines the criteria for a site to be recognized as a city-level tourist area, emphasizing the importance of advantageous tourism resources, adequate infrastructure, connectivity to national systems, and the maintenance of security, order, social safety, and environmental protection.
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