In the heart of the vibrant modern capital, Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village, a place preserving culture and childhood memories, unveils a colorful world with thousands of bamboo dragonflies. Come and enjoy a nostalgic journey back to childhood with My Hanoi Tours!
Introduction to Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village
Where is Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village?
Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village is located in Thach Xa commune, Thach That district, approximately 40km west of the Hanoi city center. Protected under the shade of Tay Phuong Pagoda, this craft village creates a tranquil hometown scene amid the bustling backdrop of the capital. Despite its suburban location, visitors can easily reach the village via a road that connects to the city center.
Under the sunlight, the landscape around the village becomes vibrant with bamboo trees and unique bamboo dragonflies. Tourists can visit, explore, and purchase unique handmade products, bringing back childhood memories from this excellent craft village.
Time to Visit Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village
Thạch Xá Bamboo Dragonfly Village in Hanoi is best explored from September to November and from March to April. During these months, the weather is warm and pleasant, not too hot or dry, providing favorable conditions for traveling and experiencing this picturesque countryside.
For the optimal experience, choosing the autumn season is recommended. During this time, Hanoi undergoes a complete transformation with a new, gentle, and romantic landscape. The lush green grass, unique bamboo dragonflies, and traditional village will make your journey truly memorable, offering a delightful blend of nature and folk art.
History of the formation of Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village
Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village, one of the renowned traditional craft villages in Hanoi, has undergone over 20 years of development. Thach Xa is situated in the ancient land of Thach That, which holds a rich history and culture with up to 50 different traditional craft villages.
The artisans and craftsmen in Thach Xa have inherited and developed the art of making bamboo dragonflies through generations. Their products are not just handicrafts but also artistic masterpieces that showcase skill and creativity. Each item carries a nostalgic feeling and a deep sense of history, representing an integral part of Vietnamese culture.
The unique beauty of Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village
The name “bamboo dragonfly” originates from the unique products created by folk artisans in Thach Xa. These creations are crafted from green bamboo sticks, one of the distinctive symbols of the Vietnamese countryside.
The rustic and brilliant beauty of Bamboo Dragonflies is associated with childhood
Each bamboo dragonfly product possesses its own unique beauty, especially given their ability to perch anywhere due to the principle of gravitational balance, without the need for any devices or motors.
While bamboo dragonflies may seem simple at first glance, the reality is that crafting a well-balanced product like this requires a significant amount of time and meticulous work from the artisans. Despite this, the craftsmen tirelessly and wholeheartedly create vibrant and colorful dragonfly wings day after day.
Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village has been perfected through the inheritance of multiple generations and is closely tied to the childhood memories of the people in the capital. If you want to revisit your childhood, come to this village and create your own bamboo dragonfly. Don’t forget to check in at Hanoi!
A meaningful gift for expatriates and tourists
In addition to the hands-on experience of crafting your own dragonfly wings, you can also choose to purchase these vibrant and colorful bamboo dragonflies as gifts when traveling to Hanoi. A bamboo dragonfly makes a meaningful and nostalgic gift, brimming with childhood memories and beauty, to give to your friends and loved ones.
If you’re wondering where to buy bamboo dragonflies in Hanoi, undoubtedly the answer lies in Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village.
Learn the process of making Dragonfly Bamboo in Thach Xa Village
Although it may appear simple, crafting well-balanced and vibrant bamboo dragonfly wings like these requires significant time and is done with utmost dedication.
The bamboo used is carefully selected from forests in regions like Ha Giang, Hoa Binh, or Vinh Phuc, then brought to Hanoi. The long, slender green bamboo is thoroughly stripped, dried, and bleached before being shaped. Afterwards, artisans decorate and paint the bamboo, turning these dragonflies into colorful and radiant works of art.
Tourist Destinations Near Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village
Thach Xa Water Puppet Ward
Near Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village, Yen Village is a cultural treasure in the Northern region, known for its historical water puppetry art that has been practiced for hundreds of years. Despite facing challenges, the artisans in this village have maintained and developed this art form.
Yen Village’s water puppetry troupe once performed before Emperor Bao Dai in Hue and has now returned with creativity and technological improvements. Water puppetry in Yen Village not only influences the water’s surface but also combines underwater control and string puppetry on land, creating a unique and lively performance.
With a blend of tradition and innovation, Yen Village’s water puppetry has brought this art form to large stages and participated in performances in various locations. At Yen Village, you will have the opportunity to experience the unique water puppetry art, gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture, and appreciate the dedication of the artisans.
Tay Phuong Pagoda
Tay Phuong Pagoda, situated atop Cau Lau Mountain near Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village, is a temple imbued with Vietnamese spirituality and culture. Located 40km from Hanoi, this temple has deep connections to the history and traditions of Vietnamese Buddhism.
Built during the reign of Mac Phuc Nguyen (1547 – 1561), Tay Phuong Pagoda has undergone multiple renovations and developments. It holds significant importance in Vietnam’s cultural heritage, with 34 sculptures considered national treasures. Tay Phuong Pagoda is renowned for its exquisite carvings of the 18 Arhats, showcasing the allure of traditional Vietnamese art.
From the summit of Cau Lau Mountain, you can admire the natural beauty and find tranquility within your soul. Tay Phuong Pagoda is an ideal destination for spiritual connection and learning about the rich culture of Vietnam.
Hoang Long Ecotourism Area
Hoang Long Ecotourism Area, located less than 1km from Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village, is an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility amidst nature. The area offers a vast space with modern amenities in the pristine atmosphere of the Northern countryside.
Impressive with its blend of traditional architecture and modern design, this resort creates a unique and charming ambiance. It features high-end villas, traditional stilt houses, and ancient Northern Vietnamese houses. Visitors can engage in various recreational activities such as swimming, tennis, spa treatments, and sauna.
Nestled under the shade of pine and golden bamboo trees, Hoang Long Ecotourism Area provides a captivating and relaxing experience. It is also an excellent venue for events and conferences with modern meeting facilities and a large capacity.
Chang Son Craft Village
Located 30km west of Hanoi’s city center, Chang Son Craft Village is an impressive destination near Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village. Renowned for its traditional woodworking and exquisite woodcarving products, Chang Son has preserved the essence of its artistic heritage through the skillful hands of local artisans, despite the changing times.
Chang Son has successfully promoted its products to the national market and competes with many other craft villages. The village is famous for its unique patterns and intricate hand-carved details, creating a harmonious blend of antiquity and modernity.
Chang Son Village preserves a part of its past through stories about its name and origin. With its historical beauty and unique artistic expression, the village is an ideal destination to experience the cultural and traditional art of Vietnam.
Specialties of Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village
Che Lam
Che Lam from Thach Xa, Thach That district, is a culinary symbol deeply rooted in the local culture. This longstanding specialty is typically enjoyed during festivals and Tet (Lunar New Year). Each piece of Che Lam features an exquisite combination of sweetness from honey, spiciness from ginger, chewiness from glutinous rice flour, and richness from pork.
Crafting Che Lam requires high-level skills and meticulous attention to detail. It is more than just a dish; it reflects the sincerity and dedication of the people of Thach Xa. Every bite of Che Lam is a reminiscence of tradition and the Vietnamese spirit. While savoring Che Lam, you will experience the harmonious blend of flavors and delve deeper into the unique culinary culture of Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village.
Grilled Field Mice
Grilled field mice, a unique and impressive delicacy in Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village, has quickly made a mark on the hearts of tourists. The meat of field mice is sourced from local fields, known for its fragrant and chewy texture, setting it apart from other types of meat.
After being caught, field mice undergo a meticulous processing procedure. The meat is cleaned, grilled to a golden brown, and marinated with special spices. With diverse culinary creativity, field mice can be transformed into various enticing dishes such as grilled and roasted mice, mice cooked in tamarind sauce, or mice steamed with lime leaves. The sweet, tender, and firm texture of field mice meat will immerse you in the unique taste of this delicacy. Don’t miss the chance to try this distinctive dish when visiting Thach Xa, where the intertwining beauty of art and unique cuisine creates an unforgettable experience.
Chicken
Chicken from Thach That village, not far from Thach Xa Bamboo Dragonfly Village, is a delicious and unique specialty. If you have the chance to visit this area, don’t miss the opportunity to savor the special chicken meat.
Thach That chicken is renowned for its tender, sweet, and firm meat. It serves as an ideal ingredient for many delicious and flavorful dishes such as salt-grilled chicken, boiled chicken, chicken salad, and various other dishes. Each dish carries the unique taste of the rural village, creating a distinctive culinary experience. Moreover, if you visit during the 6th day of the Lunar New Year, you may have the opportunity to participate in the special Tet chicken festival in Canh Nau commune, featuring a unique chicken market that only takes place once a year.
Some notes when visiting Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village
- If you choose to use the bus as your means of transportation, you can catch the bus at the station near Tay Phuong Pagoda. From there, you need to walk about 500m in the direction towards the pagoda to reach the craft village.
- To ensure a smooth visit, it is advisable to contact the production workshop in advance to avoid arriving on days when no one is working at the workshop.
- In addition to Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village, you may find it convenient to visit Tay Phuong Pagoda during your trip. This pagoda is a special national relic and is considered a masterpiece of architectural art in Vietnam, providing you with a fascinating experience.
- Furthermore, you can refer to the Hanoi tourist map for easy navigation to nearby tourist destinations close to Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village.
It can be seen that Thach Xa Dragonfly Bamboo Village is not just a longstanding traditional craft village, preserving the memories of many people, but also a place for others to revisit their childhood, experience engaging activities, and relish in nostalgic moments. Come and explore it for yourself!
