Discover Hanoi's new tourist routes exploring the heritage and handicraft villages of southern Thang Long. From winemaking to lotus silk production, experience Vietnam's cultural treasures.
Hanoi is set to unveil two new tourist routes aimed at showcasing the rich heritage and traditional handicraft villages in the southern part of Thang Long. These routes are part of a broader effort by the Hanoi Tourism Department to enhance the capital's tourism offerings by promoting lesser-known cultural and historical destinations.

The two planned routes—"Explore the Heritage Road in the South of Thang Long"—will take visitors through picturesque villages known for their unique cultural practices, historical monuments, and traditional crafts. The initiative seeks to encourage travel businesses to create new tour packages that connect these localities, offering fresh experiences for both domestic and international tourists.

Route 1: Central Hanoi – Thanh Tri – Thuong Tin – Phu Xuyen
This route introduces visitors to three prominent villages: Ngau Village, Phuc Am Village, and Cuu Village.

Ngau Village in Thanh Tri District is renowned for its winemaking tradition and the beautiful architecture of Ngau Pagoda. Here, visitors can enjoy not only the serene scenery but also witness the traditional winemaking process and explore OCOP (One Commune One Product) items, a regional initiative promoting local specialties.

Phuc Am Village in Thuong Tin District is famous for its votive offerings—traditional paper models burned during religious ceremonies. The village exudes a vibrant, festive atmosphere, especially as Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) approaches, giving visitors a taste of the local culture.

Cuu Village in Phu Xuyen District offers a glimpse into the past with its unique European-inspired architecture. Amidst the rustic charm of a Vietnamese village, travelers can explore ancient houses that reflect a blend of East and West architectural styles, providing a peaceful and historical backdrop.

Route 2: Central Hanoi – Thanh Oai – Ung Hoa – My Duc
The second route connects Noi Binh Da communal house, Quang Phu Cau incense stick village, and My Duc silk and lotus silk handicraft village.

Noi Binh Da communal house, located in Thanh Oai District, is dedicated to the national ancestor Lac Long Quan. The communal house is particularly notable for its bas-relief depicting a boat race festival on the Do Dong River, which holds deep cultural and historical significance. This unique artifact was recognized as a national treasure in 2015.

Quang Phu Cau incense stick village in Ung Hoa District is a visually stunning destination known for its photogenic displays of brightly colored incense sticks drying under the sun. The vibrant hues and aromatic scents make it a popular stop for photographers and travelers alike.

My Duc Silk Village, in My Duc District, offers a hands-on experience with the age-old art of silk production. Visitors can partake in activities such as mulberry picking, feeding silkworms, and spinning silk, including the rare and highly valued lotus silk—a delicate fabric made from lotus stems.

Boosting Heritage Tourism in Hanoi

While these villages are already on the radar of some tourists, the infrastructure and tourism services remain underdeveloped. Phan Huy Cuong, Head of Planning at the Hanoi Department of Tourism, acknowledged that while these areas hold great potential, challenges such as inadequate infrastructure, lack of synchronized services, and untrained human resources have hindered the full realization of their tourism value.

The city plans to prioritize improvements, including the development of new attractions and cultural products, particularly focusing on night tourism. This includes supporting local heritage sites and cultural relics to enhance visitor experiences.

A Collaborative Effort for Tourism Growth

The proposed routes have garnered support from travel businesses, with Phung Quang Thang, Chairman of the Hanoi Travel Association, noting that these routes could serve as a foundation for new tours connecting local destinations. However, for these tours to succeed, several improvements are necessary, including upgraded infrastructure, better roads, and facilities such as parking lots and souvenir shops.

Local authorities are also encouraged to invest in tourism training programs to improve communication skills among residents, enabling them to provide better services and information to tourists. By enhancing both the physical and human infrastructure, these routes can become significant contributors to Hanoi's cultural tourism sector.

Conclusion
The introduction of the Heritage Road routes offers a promising opportunity to explore Hanoi’s cultural and historical depth beyond its popular attractions. By linking the city's heritage sites and traditional craft villages, these routes will provide visitors with an enriching experience while promoting sustainable tourism in less-explored areas. With planned improvements and collaboration between tourism authorities and local communities, these new routes are set to become a key highlight in Hanoi’s expanding tourism landscape.