Thuy Ung Horn Carving Village, located approximately 30 kilometers south of Hanoi, has been included in the tourism map of the capital city due to the hard work of its inhabitants in preserving and showcasing the ancient art of handcraft that has been passed down for generations. This stunning village is a must-see destination for any tourist looking to explore the cultural heritage of Vietnam.
Located in the outskirts of Thuong Tin District, Hoa Binh Commune is proud to be the first village to qualify for tourism services. With its picturesque scenery and charming atmosphere, the village has become a popular destination for visitors looking to explore and relax. From exploring the local cuisine to taking in the stunning views, Hoa Binh Commune offers an array of activities for tourists to enjoy. With its unique culture and friendly locals, Hoa Binh Commune is sure to be a memorable experience for any traveler.
| Local visitors join a trade fair at Thuy Ung craft village in Thuong Tin District. Photos: Thuy Ung craft village |
Nguyen Xuan Huy, a veteran of the craft village with four centuries of experience under his belt, has seen his family remain involved in the production of horn combs for five generations. Drawing on his long legacy of knowledge, Huy has helped to keep the craft alive and thriving.
“Through the ups and downs, the handicraft villagers like our family are very proud of the products we have created. We have not only maintained the 400-year-old craft, but also improved the living conditions of our village from the craft,” he said happily. “Our family has been able to provide regular jobs for 40 workers in the village.”
On average, Huy’s family purchases more than three containers of raw materials each month, predominantly buffalo horns from India and selected African nations.
He added that the bone and horn industry in Thuy Ung village has gradually been on the rise in recent years. Each household has invested in modern machines such as horn-cutting machines and hydraulic horn presses and expanded their production scale to create products with high quality and variety of designs.
“Thuy Ung’s handmade horn combs are gaining immense popularity in both domestic and international markets, such as South Korea and Japan,” he declared.
According to Nguyen Thi Xuyen, a bone and horn craftswoman, it is essential for the villagers to continue developing and preserving traditional crafts that recognition of Thuy Ung as a tourist attraction is vital.
| A 77-year-old artisan at work in the Thuy Ung horn carving village. |
Chairman of Hoa Binh Commune People’s Committee Hoang Van Thang emphasized that, as Hanoi recognizes Thuy Ung craft village as a tourist destination, it is an opportunity for Thuong Tin District to leverage its strengths and promote its tourism potential. Furthermore, this recognition presents a chance to preserve and promote cultural values, as well as create typical tourism products for the city.
He added that, in order to meet the criteria to become a tourist destination, the local government has divided the village into a number of tourist areas. These include an administrative center, a cultural and sports center covering an area of nearly 4 hectares, a shopping destination combining food services and other convenient services, and two remaining areas which span 61.2 hectares and focus on craft households, shops that display and sell products from Thuy Ung horn comb craft village.
Visitors to Thuy Ung Horn Comb Craft Village can explore the historical heritage of the area and experience the unique handicraft production process first-hand. Admire the community houses, pagodas, ancestral churches, ancient wells, shrines, and heritage banyan trees, and visit the exhibition area to browse the village’s handicraft products. Immerse yourself in the culture and tradition of this fascinating place!
Thang added that the district authority is focusing resources on road infrastructure to develop handicraft village tourism. By doing so, they hope to attract more visitors to the area and support the local economy. Furthermore, they plan to introduce educational and cultural activities to encourage people to appreciate the unique heritage of the handicraft village.
Local artisan Nguyen Van Su expressed his hope that the Hanoi Department of Tourism would support the growth of handicraft village tourism. He suggested organizing experience tours, training staff working in tourism, and raising awareness of tourism professionals in order to achieve this goal. By doing so, it would help to ensure that the legacy of Vietnam’s traditional handicrafts will continue for generations to come.
He urged the city’s Department of Industry and Trade to provide support for vocational training, evaluate and recognize artisans, and implement policies that promote the development of young talent in the area.
| A fair displaying products of Thuy Ung craft village attracts a large number of visitors. |
Nguyen Manh Than, Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, highlighted the importance of Hoa Binh City regularly coordinating with other departments and agencies and the Department of Tourism to organize professional training courses in the field of tourism. He emphasized that the local government should devise comprehensive training and professional plans for the management board and tour guides of the tourism site.
“It is essential to urge organizations, individuals, and businesses to take advantage of the potential and benefits of Thuy Ung tourism site and invest in developing tours, itineraries, and creating novel and alluring tourism products that meet the demands of vacationers,” he stated.
At a meeting in Hanoi in March, Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, emphasized the importance of developing Thuong Tin District into an all-encompassing tourist destination. He highlighted the potential of the area, citing its historical and cultural relics, handicraft villages, and picturesque attractions.
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The Hanoi authority has recognized four captivating tourist attractions in Thuong Tin District, including Hong Van ornamental creature village (Hong Van Commune), Ha Thai lacquer village (Duyen Thai Commune), Thuy Ung craft village, and Van Diem carpentry village (Van Diem Commune). With the goal of furthering tourism in the area, the city has set a target for the 2022-2025 period that each locality will host one to three community-based tourist services and attractions, with the involvement of farmers, cooperatives, households, and businesses. By doing so, the citizens of Hanoi can enjoy an even more enriching experience when exploring the beauty of their local area. |
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