Van Phuc Silk Village, which has existed for over a thousand years, is one of the most beautiful and famous silk-weaving villages in Vietnam. It is also the cradle of our silk and brocade, preserving the traditional characteristics of the peaceful countryside. Visiting Van Phuc Silk Village on a beautiful sunny day, tourists will feel like they are stepping into a paradise in the heart of the capital.
Table of Contents
Overview of Van Phuc Silk Village
History of Van Phuc Silk Village
- Address: Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi City
While exploring the bustling urban beauty of Hanoi, do not forget to visit Van Phuc Silk Village – a place that preserves the essence of Vietnamese culture in a traditional craft village that has become famous and has been celebrated in poetry, music, and art. Located approximately 10 km from the center of Hanoi, Van Phuc Silk Village (also known as Ha Dong Silk Village) attracts tourists not only for its renowned silk weaving craft but also for its significant tourism potential.
Formerly known as Van Bao, Van Phuc Silk Village changed its name due to the influence of the Nguyen family. In 1931, Van Phuc silk was first introduced to the international market at the Marseille Fair and was praised by the French as the most exquisite product of the Indochina region. By 1958, Van Phuc silk had been exported to Eastern European countries and is still popular in many countries around the world.
Across generations, Van Phuc silk has maintained its traditional beauty and continues to lead the weaving industry in Vietnam. The silk in Van Phuc is recognized for its beauty and durability. The patterns on the silk are diverse, symmetrically decorated, with clean and precise lines, creating a sense of openness and decisiveness.
Considered a symbol of Ha Dong, the village gate welcomes visitors from afar to Van Phuc Silk Village, prominently located on the Tố Hữu Street, making it easily recognizable. The village gate, built with simple but solid red bricks, is a steadfast structure.
To the left of the main gate is a large plaque welcoming international visitors, engraved with the village’s name in beautiful calligraphy. Since ancient times, the village gate has been considered a protective barrier for the peace and well-being of the people, a place to welcome and send off those returning to their roots.
The cradle of Vietnam’s silk and brocade craft
When it comes to silk weaving, the legendary Van Phuc Silk Village is well-known. It has become not only a subject of poetry but also a cultural specialty and a beauty of Hanoi. Van Phuc Silk Village is a harmonious blend of traditional values and modernity, with over 800 households engaged in the craft.
Many families here still preserve the weaving frames passed down from their ancestors, alongside more modern mechanical weaving frames. Visiting the village feels like stepping into a different world with a nostalgic, simple, and peaceful atmosphere. Admire the symbols of a bygone era such as banyan trees, wells, communal yards, and bustling markets.
Within the silk village, the Van Phuc Silk Market is where products are introduced, promoted, and sold to tourists. Each shop has its own unique decoration, but they all share the common feature of vibrant, fresh colors. There are various products on display, including scarves, clothing, pants, traditional Ao Dai dresses, and many decorative items made from silk.
For the people of Van Phuc, each strip of silk represents the culmination of the laborious process, from mulberry cultivation and silkworm breeding to weaving. They see it as the crystallization of the land and sky, imbued with the effort and talent of artisans. Bringing back the precious specialty of their homeland and presenting it as a gift to respected elders holds a significance beyond words. The cultural essence of the weaving profession in Van Phuc Village deeply permeates the emotions and behavior of the Vietnamese people.
Ideal Time to Visit Van Phuc Silk Village
Van Phuc Silk Village is always ready to welcome visitors at any time. However, if you want to admire the most beautiful scenery of the silk village, it is recommended to visit during the cultural week held around November each year. During this time, the atmosphere in the village is lively and sparkling.
Located more than 10 km from the center of Hanoi, to reach Van Phuc, you can travel by motorcycle using a route starting from the city center – Nguyen Trai – Le Van Luong – To Huu. The visit to Van Phuc Village is entirely free. You only need to pay a parking fee if you bring your own vehicle.
A few meters from the village gate, there is a spacious parking area with motorcycle parking fees starting from 5,000 VND/bike and car parking fees starting from 30,000 VND/car. It is advisable for tourists to park their vehicles and explore the village on foot to avoid disrupting the overall scenery.
Additionally, if you prefer a fast and convenient means of transportation that takes you directly to various locations in Hanoi, you can immediately book the private car rental service with a driver in Hanoi from VnCarRentals.com. With professional drivers and years of experience, they will ensure your journey is safe and comfortable.
Captivating Experiences When Visiting Van Phuc Silk Village
Van Phuc Silk Village is a place where the beauty of ancient traditions intersects with modern vibrancy and colors. When you travel to Van Phuc Silk Village in Ha Dong, there are many interesting and captivating experiences waiting for you to explore:
Capture Artistic Photos on the Sparkling Umbrella Street
When mentioning the iconic Instagrammable spots in Van Phuc Silk Village, the sparkling umbrella street must be highlighted, located right at the entrance of the village. Above the 100-meter street, just after passing through the village gate, umbrellas of various colors decorate the pathway, providing an exciting and delightful experience for visitors.
The umbrella street not only holds aesthetic value but also symbolizes the colorful silk strips, creating a unique highlight for the silk village. Along both sides of the umbrella street, there are numerous stalls displaying the diverse and distinctive products of the village. Additionally, you can rent an Ao Dai (traditional Vietnamese dress) and take photos along this remarkable umbrella street.
Explore the Ancient Van Phuc Pagoda
Choosing to visit Van Phuc Silk Village, you not only get to admire the soft and enchanting silk fabrics and vibrant, colorful spaces but also enjoy moments of tranquility at the ancient Van Phuc Pagoda. The pagoda is situated just to the left of the village gate, featuring the ancient architecture typical of Northern Vietnamese temples.
The garden space of Van Phuc Pagoda, paved with red bricks, old banyan trees, a lotus pond, a waterfall, and a wooden bridge, all bear the marks of time. The sound of the pagoda’s wooden bell, chanting of sutras, combined with the peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda, will provide visitors with a relaxing and comfortable experience.
Strike a Pose with Mural Walls
Not only is the famous colorful umbrella street present, but in Van Phuc Silk Village, you can freely pose and take photos with the mural walls. The walls within the village are adorned with vibrant colors by preschool teachers, creating a new and colorful appearance. The mural walls form a gigantic painting that depicts familiar scenes from the traditional craft village.
The mural wall is located in the center of the village, surrounded by a spacious and refreshing courtyard. The colorful mural stands out in the serene and ancient atmosphere of the village, ensuring you capture beautiful photos.
Explore the Van Phuc Silk Market
When visiting Van Phuc Silk Village in Ha Dong, you cannot miss the famous silk market area. This market is where the village introduces and promotes its silk products to tourists. The silk market has many different stores, each decorated in its unique style but all vibrant and full of colors.
In each store, numerous product models such as clothing, Ao Dai, and scarves are displayed for visitors to choose from. Besides silk products, the shops in Van Phuc market also sell a variety of items combining different fabric materials or unique and eye-catching decorative items.
What Makes the Van Phuc Silk Village Festival Attractive?
In addition to the enticing experiences mentioned above, Van Phuc Silk Village also hosts a unique and lively festival. The festival typically takes place from October 26th to November 2nd each year. The festival is organized into three main parts: the ceremony, the festival itself, and the promotional activities.
During the festival, the space in Van Phuc Silk Village is decorated vibrantly, filled with colors from the prominent umbrella street at the village gate to the silk stalls. The most beautiful scene of the festival occurs in the evening when yellow lights illuminate, blending with the vibrant colors, creating a resemblance to a “mini Hoi An.”
Participating in the festival, you will have the opportunity to witness and experience the entire process of silk weaving from A to Z. The lively atmosphere, excitement, and the enthusiasm of the locals during the festival in Van Phuc Village will give you a joyful and impressive festival experience.
Travel Tips for Van Phuc Silk Village in Ha Dong
Here are some travel tips for your visit and exploration of Van Phuc Silk Village:
- In addition to personal vehicles such as motorcycles and cars, you can opt for public transportation such as buses or elevated trains to reach Van Phuc Silk Village.
- When visiting the village with your own vehicle, you can park it at the designated parking area just a few meters past the village gate. The village is not too large, so parking and walking will make your exploration and shopping more comfortable.
- You can visit and explore Van Phuc Village at any time of the year. However, the liveliest and most bustling time is during the cultural week at the end of October and on weekend evenings.
- If you choose to visit the village on the 1st or 15th day of the lunar month, try to avoid bargaining too much to avoid conveying a negative impression to the local vendors.
- In the village, there are not many restaurants, mostly street food stalls. The food at these stalls is generally clean, reasonably priced, so you can feel confident to enjoy your meal.
The article has provided detailed information about the history and fascinating experiences, as well as travel tips for Van Phuc Silk Village. Hopefully, through the shared insights in the article, you will gain knowledge about an attractive Hanoi destination and have an interesting and memorable experience with this traditional silk craft village!