Buzz
Discovering Hanoi involves exploring traditional craft villages, a captivating destination that preserves the roots of ancient culture.
1. Bat Trang Pottery Village
Located in Gia Lam district, just over 10km from the center of Hanoi, Bat Trang Pottery Village boasts a rich history spanning over 500 years in traditional pottery craftsmanship. Nestled along the banks of the Red River, this pottery village has evolved into a compelling tourist attraction.
Just 10km away from the city center, if you prefer not to travel by motorbike, you can catch bus 47A at the Long Bien transfer point to go straight to the pottery market, or bus 47B stopping at the village entrance. Along the way to Bat Trang pottery village, you may encounter numerous well-presented stalls set up at private homes. These stalls are often dubbed as 'VIP booths' due to their elegant decorations under sparkling lights and bright glass windows. However, if you're willing to explore, you'll discover unique and high-quality products at more affordable prices at this Hanoi tourist destination.
Venturing further into the market, you'll find the central market with a diverse range of 'specialty' items from pottery teapots, bowls, and utensils to the smallest eye-catching decorative pieces. This market area is quite comfortable for capturing memorable photos. However, as the products are tightly packed, taking up space, you should be careful while moving around to avoid breakage.
2. Van Phuc Silk Village
Van Phuc Silk Village, now located in Van Phuc ward, Ha Dong district in Hanoi, is approximately 10km away from the city center. With the urbanization process, the area has been upgraded with well-maintained streets and convenient transportation, yet it still preserves the long-standing traditional features of a Hanoi tourist spot.
Renowned for the artistry of silk weaving, from the quality to the exquisite and perfect techniques, Van Phuc Silk Village is not just a place for exchanging skills but also a bustling trading hub for generations. The silk products here vary in styles, colors, and purposes, ranging from simple, unadorned designs to vibrant garments that still retain the elegant and clever touch of artisans' hands. You'll undoubtedly 'lose your way' in this soft, graceful silk paradise when visiting Hanoi for tourism.
Today, Van Phuc silk is one of Hanoi's specialties and sought-after gifts. Van Phuc Village has also become an attractive destination in craft village tours – one of the fascinating tourist spots for travelers.
3. Chàng Sơn Fan Village
Located in Chàng Sơn commune, Thạch Thất district, the fan-making craft has been practiced for nearly a century, not only recognized domestically but also showcased in exhibitions in Paris.
To achieve a satisfactory product, selecting the right materials is the most crucial step. From bamboo tubes for crafting fan ribs to rattan fibers for edging and paper for wrapping, each must be carefully chosen for flexibility, sheen, and durability. After securely attaching the paper to the fan ribs, it is air-dried for artisans to paint their artwork on. The final step involves applying a glossy coating to ensure long-lasting and beautiful colors. Chàng Sơn Fans have become a specialty at this Hanoi tourist spot.
Chàng Sơn Fans come in various styles, sizes, suitable for both practical use and high-end decoration. These fans can be used as alternatives to wall paintings in spacious, vintage settings.
5. Chuong Village Conical Hats
Chuong Village, located in Phuong Trung commune, Thanh Oai district, nestled beside the gentle and picturesque Đáy River, is renowned for its ancient craft of making traditional conical hats.
The image of conical hats tilted gracefully under the afternoon sun, rustic and simple, standing out in the rice fields or nestling alongside the áo dài-wearing young ladies, has become an integral part of Vietnamese culture in general and the culture at this Hanoi tourist destination in particular.
Chuong Village's renowned conical hats are admired not only for their beautiful designs but also for their sturdiness, healthiness, and durability. Chuong Village hosts six vibrant markets per month, starting from the early dreamy hours, attracting the interest of many tourists.
The passage of time may blur the traditions of these traditional craft villages, but it doesn't dull the vibrant cultural aspects at this Hanoi tourist spot.
