Van Phuc Silk Village
Van Phuc silk village (or familiar name as Ha Dong silk village) is located in Van Phuc ward, Ha Dong district, approximately 10km away from Hanoi City. Famous with its unique silk weaving tradition of more than 1,000 years, Van Phuc silk products have lured every tourist arrived here by their sophisticated design patterns and it’s most long-standing history in Vietnam.
Especially, in Van Phuc silk village, you can see how the traditional silk be woven from the natural silk material, giving a soft, smooth touch and sophisticated looking which you can find in nowhere. May be for that reason, Van Phuc silk was chosen to make national costume in Nguyen dynasty. Between 1931 and 1932, Van Phuc silk was on displays in international exhibitions for the first time in Marseille, then Paris and was highly appreciated and preferred by the French. From 1958 to 1988, Van Phuc silk mostly was exported to Eastern European market, and since 1990, it has been known widely in many countries all over the world.
Situated right in the middle of Hanoi city, suffering so many changes during the industrialization and modernization of Hanoi, Van Phuc still keep its ancient features of a normal Vietnamese village like the old-century trees, stone wells, communal houses and ancient altars, etc.
To visit this famous silk village, you can go along the Le Van Luong road or Nguyen Trai road then turn to Van Phuc road at the Nguyen Trai’s crosswards. It is easily to realize Van Phuc silk village sitting on the Nhue riverbank by its main gate “Van Phuc village”)
Right beside the main village’s gate is Van Phuc Pagoda. Let mix into the normal silent atmosphere of Vietnamese pagodas, inhale the frankincense and incense smoke, the cluster of flowers, green grasses, and wooden bridge across the lotus pond will make you feel familiar and relaxed.
Walk on the small path leading to the Exhibition House of traditional silk products; you will see the very old wooden loom dated back to 19th century on your left side. Nowadays, when the weaving machines have been replacing almost of ancient looms, this is one of rare ancient loom that still be preserved.
Inside the Exhibition House, there are many sophisticated products made from silk like: scarves, shirts, wallet. Van Phuc silk has been known for its high quality, smooth, light weight, and elegant appearance. Especially, a traditional kind of silk called Van Silk made in Van Phuc make the wearers feel cool in summer and warm in winter. Today, to satisfy various demand for silk of the market, Van Phuc silk producers have expanded their silk and garment goods like embroidered silk, wrinkled silk, double layers and more colors for silk products. At the same time, you can also have chance to study the silk weaving production via loom samples.
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, entices travelers with its centuries-old tradition of incense-making. Offering a glimpse into the authentic charm of Vietnam travel, a Quang Phu Cau tour will unveil the captivating essence of this destination.
Address of Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
Quang Phu Cau, situated in Ung Hoa District, approximately 35 km from downtown Hanoi, is a quintessential Vietnamese village renowned for its craft of incense-making. Upon arrival, visitors are immediately struck by the sight of incense bundles strewn along pathways, temple courtyards, and vacant plots of land. Notably, these bundles boast a variety of vibrant colors, predominantly red, lending the landscape an enchanting, colorful allure. This picturesque village is one of the captivating places to visit near Hanoi, offering travelers a glimpse into the heritage and craftsmanship of Vietnam.
Learn about the process of making incense
During the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village tour, visitors are immersed in the captivating process of incense-making, engaging directly with local artisans. Careful selection of raw materials is crucial, prompting villagers to avoid hasty or careless production. The bamboo sticks used as the base for the incense must be of sufficient maturity and undergo meticulous screening before being deemed suitable for use. While traditional methods involved manual dipping of the bamboo sticks into fragrant oils, modern machinery now assists in meeting production demands without compromising on quality.
Take photos with colorful backgrounds
During your Hanoi itinerary, a Quang Phu Cau village tour offers the opportunity to take striking photos against vibrant backdrops. On a sunny day, a leisurely stroll reveals the picturesque sight of the locals drying incense. Amidst the serene landscape, the radiant red incense bundles adorn open spaces, creating a captivating scene against the clear sky. These oversized incense bundles, with their clustered heads and rounded bases, serve as perfect focal points for memorable photos. Opting for simple attire with contrasting colors ensures you seamlessly blend into the enchanting surroundings, capturing countless charming snapshots to treasure.
