For those enchanted by the soft and intricate beauty of silk, a visit to Van Phuc Silk Village is undoubtedly a must. Not only renowned for its craftsmanship, but this village is also an appealing tourist destination in Hanoi, boasting a virtual paradise for photography enthusiasts.
Where is Van Phuc Silk Village located?
Van Phuc Silk Village is located in the Vạn Phúc Ward, Ha Dong District, approximately 10 kilometers from the center of Hanoi. Van Phuc Silk Village in Ha Dong, Hanoi is one of over 1,000 traditional craft villages that still exist in Vietnam, regarded as the cradle of silk weaving with a history spanning thousands of years. In Van Phuc Silk Village, nearly 800 households engage in the traditional silk weaving craft.
To reach Van Phuc Silk Village, you can use the following means of transportation:
- Taxi: Simply tell the taxi driver the address is Van Phuc Silk Village, and they will take you to the entrance of the village.
- Motorbike: From the city center of Hanoi, take either Le Van Luong Street or Nguyen Trai Street towards Ha Dong Post Office.
- Bus: Bus routes that go to Van Phuc Silk Village include numbers 3, 07, 14, 20c, 25, 26, 31, 32, 36, 50, 55, and 79.
Explore the History of Van Phuc Silk Village
Van Phuc Silk Village is a renowned craft village in Hanoi, honored by the Vietnam Record Center as the “Oldest Operating Silk Weaving Craft Village” up to the present day.
Formerly known as Van Bao, Van Phuc Silk Village adopted its current 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. After admiring the silk products exhibited there, the French recognized Van Phuc silk for its exquisite quality, with elegant and robust lines, making it the most beautiful silk in the Indochina region. By 1958, Van Phuc silk was officially exported to Eastern European countries. Today, Van Phuc Silk from Ha Dong remains highly favored and widely used in many countries worldwide.
Despite the passage of time, Van Phuc silk has retained its traditional beauty, maintaining its position as the leading silk producer in the Vietnamese weaving industry.
What’s Interesting About Visiting Van Phuc Silk Village?
Van Phuc Silk Village is a convergence of ancient traditions and modernity, offering not only vibrant and beautiful silk pieces but also a plethora of intriguing discoveries and stylish backgrounds for your photos.
Van Phuc Silk Village’s Gate
As soon as you set foot in Van Phuc Silk Village, you will undoubtedly be mesmerized by the unique and impressive design of its welcoming gate. The entrance gate is entirely constructed with red bricks, bearing the distinctive mark of tradition. The design of the gate conveys a sense of grandeur and resilience, symbolizing the unity of the entire village, ready to overcome challenges for the continued growth and development of the craft village. Adjacent to the entrance gate, there is a large stone plaque with the deeply engraved inscription “Van Phuc Silk Village.”
The Colorful Umbrella Street in Van Phuc Silk Village
Before entering the inner areas of the silk village, you will be treated to a view of a stunning array of colors created by thousands of charming small umbrellas suspended overhead, covering a 100-meter-long stretch. The Umbrella Street in Van Phuc is a recent addition, but it has already become a magnet for many visitors seeking the perfect photo opportunity.
Van Phuc Silk Stalls
Visiting the silk stalls, you’ll have the opportunity to touch and feel the soft, lustrous silk fabrics. The patterns on the silk here are incredibly diverse and creative, stemming from four basic categories: plants, animals, geometric shapes, and objects. What sets Van Phuc silk apart is the symmetrical arrangement of these patterns, providing a pleasant and uncluttered aesthetic. This characteristic contributes to the simplicity and openness that define Van Phuc silk.
The primary material used to weave Van Phuc silk, which captivates everyone, is silk thread. According to artisans, creating a perfect silk product involves multiple stages, from obtaining the silk thread and reeling it to weaving, dyeing, and stretching it out for exposure. In traditional silk types, Van silk is the most renowned and preferred by customers.
The stalls selling Van Phuc silk offer a diverse range of products: silk fabric, silk clothing, silk scarves, and more. You can comfortably choose the items you like, making it a meaningful gift for yourself or others.
Unique Mural Wall in Van Phuc Silk Village
In addition to the picturesque Umbrella Street, Van Phuc Silk Village boasts an impressive mural wall. The unique images on this wall are hand-painted by teachers from the Van Phuc Preschool, depicting the activities and livelihood of Van Phuc Silk Village.
Van Phuc Silk Village Festival
If you happen to visit towards the end of the year, don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the Van Phuc Silk Village Craft Festival, held from November 8th to November 17th. The festival comprises three main parts: the ceremony, the fair, and promotional activities. During these days, Van Phuc Silk Village is immersed in a lively atmosphere, adorned with vibrant and colorful scenes.
While during the day, the silk village impresses with its dazzling silk strips, the evening brings an enchanting touch as the area is illuminated by a series of golden lights, casting a magical glow on each silk thread, creating a breathtaking spectacle.
Van Phuc Village Temple
In the heart of Van Phuc Silk Village, there is a sacred temple known as Van Phuc Temple, dedicated to Thanh Hoang Lang, a figure honored for contributions to the nation and people. This temple holds significant historical and cultural importance in Hanoi, serving as a revered site for the local residents.
What to Eat When Traveling to Van Phuc Silk Village?
Near Van Phuc Silk Village, there are numerous restaurants and eateries offering a diverse range of dishes, from snacks to hearty meals. After an exciting tour of the craft village, you can satisfy your appetite at the following recommended dining spots:
- San Ho Đo – Fresh Seafood: 26 Van Phuc
- Lau 1 Nguoi – Hotpot for One: B7 63 Van Phuc
- Aki Tea – Bubble Tea & Snacks: 19, Alley 31, Van Phuc
- Dinh Hang – Pho & Various Noodle Dishes: 82 Van Phuc
- To Thuc – Specialty Duck Dishes: 430 Van Phuc
