Discover Hanoi’s hidden gems in 2024 with new tour routes to heritage sites and craft villages, offering fresh experiences for visitors.
Hanoi’s tourism is set to shine in 2024, with new tour routes designed to guide visitors through the city’s lesser-known suburban areas, highlighting its cultural heritage and traditional craft villages. One of the most anticipated tours, "Exploring the Heritage Road in South Thăng Long," promises to immerse travelers in the rich history of outlying districts such as Thanh Oai, Ứng Hòa, and Mỹ Đức.
Discovering Thanh Oai: The Legend of Lạc Long QuânThe tour's first stop is the Nội Bình Đà Temple-Communal House in Thanh Oai, located about 20km from Hanoi’s bustling center. This historic site pays tribute to Lạc Long Quân, the mythical father of the Vietnamese people. Visitors will not only hear the legendary story of Lạc Long Quân and Âu Cơ but also admire the unique bas-relief of the nation's founder, recognized as a national treasure in 2015.
“The bas-relief, which is over 600 years old, depicts Lạc Long Quân on a throne watching a boat race. Its detailed carving makes it a must-see for anyone interested in Vietnamese history,” said temple custodian Nguyễn Chính Chinh. The temple, with its rare wood carvings and cultural significance, is expected to gain further recognition as a special national historical site.
The Vibrant Incense Craft of Quảng Phú CầuNext, the tour moves on to Quảng Phú Cầu Village, located 20km from Nội Bình Đà in Ứng Hòa District. This village is famed for its century-old incense craft. Tourists are greeted by vibrant displays of pink and red incense sticks spread across the roads and pavements, creating a picturesque scene perfect for photographs.
Artisan Đỗ Thị Tâm and her fellow villagers are eager to teach visitors the traditional process of making incense, from splitting bamboo to dyeing and drying the sticks. “We even let tourists try their hand at crafting incense, making the experience more interactive and engaging,” said Tâm.
Apart from the craft, visitors can enjoy local dishes like bánh đúc (plain rice flan) and bánh khúc (cudweed sticky rice cake) while learning about the village’s history and its commitment to preserving its ancient craft.
Silk Weaving in Phùng Xá Village, Mỹ ĐứcThe tour concludes in Phùng Xá Village in Mỹ Đức District, renowned for its silk production. Here, visitors can experience every stage of silk-making, from feeding silkworms to spinning yarn, and even witness the rare art of weaving lotus silk, a specialty of master artisan Phan Thị Thuận.
Thuận, a 70-year-old artisan, is the only person in Vietnam who weaves silk from lotus fibers. Her unique craftsmanship has attracted international attention. “We bought some of her silk products, which are unlike anything we’ve seen before,” said Michelle Trần, a visitor from the U.S.
Phan Huy Cường from Hanoi’s Department of Tourism noted, "These new routes will help connect localities, offering tourists fresh experiences while boosting the cultural heritage of Hanoi’s suburban districts."
A New Chapter for Hanoi TourismAs Hanoi continues to develop its tourism sector, these new routes not only offer visitors a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s rich heritage but also create opportunities for local artisans to showcase their work. With the promise of fresh experiences in 2024, these tours are set to be a highlight for both local and international tourists looking to explore the authentic cultural landscapes outside Hanoi’s city center.
