THE HANOI TIMES — Escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and venture just 20 kilometers out of the city to Hong Van Commune, a serene countryside escape and proud recipient of the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award for its sustainable tourism practices in 2024.
Nguyen Van Phuong, Vice Chairman of Hong Van People’s Committee, sheds light on the pillars and future direction of Hong Van Tourist Area, envisioning it as a “countryside worth living in.” Photo: Nguoi Hanoi Online
Each day begins early in Hong Van Tourist Area, located in Hong Van Commune, Thuong Tin District. From 5 AM onwards, the alleys and eateries buzz with activity, welcoming visitors seeking fresh air and tranquil scenery. The area boasts a picturesque landscape of vegetable fields, peach blossoms, ornamental plant villages, and aquaculture zones.
Throughout the day, the streets are abuzz with locals partaking in physical activities and tourists exploring the surroundings. As night falls, the area transforms into an inviting ecotourism destination, with lights illuminating the streets and creating a cozy atmosphere.
Hong Van Tourist Area is particularly lively during the evenings and on weekends, attracting groups of tourists looking to reconnect with nature. Popular activities include class and alumni reunions, as well as family getaways. Visitors can indulge in sightseeing and team-building activities in the beautifully landscaped green gardens, followed by dining experiences in the halls. Group sizes vary, ranging from a few families to large gatherings of dozens of people from the same class or organization.
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According to Nguyen Van Phuong, Vice Chairman of the People’s Committee of Hong Van Commune, the Hong Van Tourist Area stands out as one of the first community-based tourism areas in the city and is an esteemed winner of the ASEAN Community-Based Tourism Award 2024.
“We are delighted to host hundreds of thousands of visitors annually in our peaceful suburban area, and the best part is that we don’t charge any entrance fees. Guests only pay for the products and services they choose to enjoy,” shared Phuong.
Hong Van Commune has skillfully leveraged each village’s name, historical traditions, landscape construction, and economic transformation to create a unique, eco-friendly, and agricultural destination. This inviting setting entices visitors from near and far who are eager to immerse themselves in community-based tourism.
The Hong Van Tourist Area is strategically developed around eight key themes that showcase the region’s cultural and natural wealth. These include traditional spiritual and cultural tourism, centered around the enchanting story of Chu Dong Tu and Tien Dung. Additionally, the area boasts ornamental plant villages, highlighting the local flora and unique products of the Red River Delta.
The region also emphasizes family traditions, neighborly love, and authentic local cuisine. Visitors have the opportunity to engage in farming experiences, admire the peaceful view of afternoon blue smoke rising from the Red River dyke, and explore the captivating coastal area. This coastal stretch features Fairy Flower Island, Fairy Beach, and the enchanting Love Festival. The area’s cultural offerings are further enhanced by folk melodies that echo the vibrant heritage of the region.
Immerse yourself in the scenic views of Hong Van Ornamental Plants Craft Village. Photo: Cong Tam/ The Hanoi Times
Phuong emphasized the commune’s ongoing commitment to research and development in creative tourism products. This includes food tourism, where visitors can delve into the culinary delights of the northern countryside, sample traditional Red River dishes, participate in cooking classes, and attend food festivals. Another innovative offering is “art tourism,” which takes visitors on a journey through galleries and exhibitions of ancient objects, revolutionary tradition halls, festivals, and traditional art performances such as cheo (Vietnamese operetta) and quan ho (love duet) singing.
To cater to diverse tastes, there are also contemporary attractions like bolero tea rooms and street art performances. Additionally, tourists can explore the ecological space along the Red River dyke, the floodplain, and the serene water surface.
“We are dedicated to continuously enhancing our tourism offerings,” said Phuong. “This includes diversifying our tourism products, strengthening our partnerships with tourism businesses and travel agencies, embracing digital transformation, utilizing social media platforms, and incorporating more cultural activities to promote our unique destination.”
He added, “We are committed to improving the quality of accommodation, food, transportation, and tour guide services. A key focus is on prioritizing human resources with foreign language skills and creating an even more welcoming living environment for our valued visitors.”
A bird’s-eye view captures the beauty of Hong Van Commune on the outskirts of Hanoi. Photo: Cong Tam/ The Hanoi Times
Tourists can also explore the renowned hundred-craft land of Thuong Tin, home to historical gems such as Dau Pagoda and Nguyen Trai Temple. Additionally, they can visit localities in the core area of the Chu Dong Tu – Tien Dung legend, including the spiritual and cultural tour “Exploring Ancient Tales” from Hong Van to the Special National Relic Site of Da Hoa – Da Trach in Khoai Chau District, Hung Yen Province. This tour aims to become a highlight in the Kinh Ky – Pho Hien heritage journey.
Meet the talented bonsai artist Pham Van Quynh from Hong Van Ornamental Plants Craft Village, Thuong Tin District, Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Nga/ The Hanoi Times
Local authorities have also organized “educational tourism” initiatives, catering to students and young travelers eager to learn about traditional culture and history. These programs include folk games, cultural exchanges, and immersive experiences in the northern rural space.
One notable program, “Agri-tourism – Ornamental Plant and Stone Sculpture Villages,” offers tourists a chance to gain agricultural knowledge and skills, as well as learn about stone sculpture and the Ornamental Plant Village. The products of this village have been recognized as four-star OCOP (One Commune, One Product) items in Hong Van Commune.
With its diverse offerings and commitment to excellence, the Hong Van Tourist Area is well on its way to becoming a sought-after destination for MICE tourism events, leveraging the potential of this ASEAN-awarded locale.
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