The Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival, held from August 23 to 25, was a celebration of the capital’s culinary and artisanal offerings. The event showcased the city’s unique cuisine and crafts, attracting visitors eager to immerse themselves in Hanoi’s cultural heritage.
 |
| Visitors indulging in the delights of the Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2024. |
A Taste of Hanoi’s Cultural Heritage
With the theme “Hanoi Noshes”, the festival highlighted food and gift tourism, a unique aspect of travel in many countries. Guests were invited to embark on a culinary journey, sampling Hanoi’s signature dishes and discovering the rich cultural stories behind each tasty treat.
Over 20 food stalls tempted visitors with a myriad of flavors, and photo opportunities were aplenty. Among the mouthwatering offerings were Me Tri green rice flakes, Thanh Tri steamed rice rolls, Pho banh mi, Huong Mai ‘pho’ rolls, and the sweet delights of Duong Lam peanut candy and braised dessert soup. Artisan Vu Thi Phuc invited guests to sample the Moc Lam Green Rice Flakes from Me Tri Village, a traditional Hanoi specialty crafted from green rice flakes or com.
The festival also shone a spotlight on tourism gifts from traditional craft villages, recognizing their role in developing Vietnam’s tourism brand. One such artisan, Nguyen Tan Phat from Duong Lam Ancient Village, displayed his unique lacquer works, showcasing the northern region’s cultural heritage.
 |
| Hanoi Temple of Literature-inspired ice cream – a unique treat! |
Nguyen Van Su, Head of the Association of Craft, Ancient and Cultural Villages, revealed that the event also featured products from Thuy Ung Craft Village, including jewelry and beauty tools crafted from horns. These unique gifts, Su noted, offered a special connection to Hanoi’s cultural heritage.
“The Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for artisans to connect with tourists and showcase the capital’s diverse gift offerings,” Su added.
According to the Hanoi Tourism Department, the event served as a platform for craft villages and traditional handicrafts to come together, exchange ideas, and market their products and services. It was a chance to honor the artisans and businesses dedicated to preserving and promoting Hanoi’s cultural heritage through their creations.
Elevating Hanoi’s Gift Tourism
 |
| Tourists discovering unique souvenirs at the Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival 2024. |
Hanoi is home to 1,350 craft villages, each with its unique gift offerings. However, Phung Quang Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, acknowledged that the city’s souvenirs lack diversity and unique characteristics. He noted that many tourists seek memorable, culturally significant items, and it is essential to offer a range of options that reflect Hanoi’s rich heritage.
Tien Thanh Dinh, Director of Asia Jewel Tours and Trading JSC, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the limited options available for tourism companies when sourcing gifts for foreign visitors. The lack of well-known brands and effective marketing of gift items have been ongoing challenges.
 |
| Small toys, big fun! Visitors were delighted by the variety of souvenirs on offer. |
Dr. Trinh Le Anh, an expert in event management, emphasized the importance of cultural storytelling in elevating the appeal of Hanoi’s gifts. By connecting products to the city’s rich history and traditions, artisans can evoke emotions and stimulate demand among tourists.
Nguyen Duong Thao, Director of Duong Lam Ancient Village Relic, shared how they have partnered with artisans to offer hands-on classes in traditional fine arts. These interactive experiences allow visitors to create their own souvenirs, painting on ancient tiles and old doors, and taking home a piece of Hanoi’s cultural heritage.
 |
| The Hanoi Tourism Gift Festival – a celebration of culture, cuisine, and crafts. |
Le Ba Ngoc, Secretary-General of the Vietnam Handicraft Exporter Association (VIETCRAFT), suggested that Hanoi tailor its products to target customers’ preferences. In addition to traditional distribution channels, craft villages should leverage e-commerce to reach a wider audience, including international visitors.
Dang Huong Giang, Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department, emphasized the importance of creating unique, culturally significant gift items. “A gift for tourists should have cultural and spiritual meaning, be compactly designed, and use environmentally friendly materials,” she said. By meeting these criteria, artisans can ensure that visitors take home not just a souvenir but a lasting memory of Hanoi’s rich heritage.
Vietnam Military History Museum receives Fatherland Protection Order
NDO – The Vietnam Military History Museum held a ceremony in Hanoi on July 15 to celebrate its 60th anniversary (1956-2016) and receive the Fatherland Protection Order, first class.
Ancient house in Ma May
NDO – Ma May, a rare quarter that still retains several old houses, has created one of the characteristics of Hanoi. Hanoi’s streets are becoming increasingly crowded and traditional features can sometimes be hidden behind modern life. But if one takes the time to relax and look around, the ancient features begin to reveal themselves.
Hanoi, HCM City see good growth of tourism revenue
NDO – In the first ten months of 2016, the revenue of Ho Chi Minh City’s tourism industry amounted to VND80 trillion while Hanoi’s reached over VND50 trillion.
Book festival “Hanoi – City for Peace” opens
NDO – The Hanoi book festival with the theme “Hanoi – City for Peace” opened at the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long in Hanoi on October 2, as part of activities to celebrate the 65th anniversary of the capital’s Liberation Day (October 10, 1954-2019).
Russian Film Week opens in Hanoi
NDO – Russian film-lovers in Hanoi will have a chance to enjoy the country’s well-known films with free entrance from December 9 to 13 during the “Russian film week in Hanoi”.
