Van Phuc Silk Village, one of the most ancient villages in Hanoi, is a must-visit if you want to admire the vibrant colors and intricate designs of silk weaving. In this article, Vietnamtour.in will tell you the historical roots of this destination as well as how to enjoy its beauty to the fullest. Stay tuned!

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Historical Background Of Van Phuc Silk Village

The story of Van Phuc Silk Village began over 1,200 years ago. Legend has it that A La Thi Nuong, a skilled weaver from Cao Bang, introduced silk weaving to the village. But it wasn’t until the 1930s that Van Phuc’s silk was known worldwide when displayed at fairs in Marseille and Paris. Thanks to its meticulousness and high quality, the product was exported throughout Eastern Europe.

While some historical challenges exist, Van Phuc Silk has maintained its reputation and is renowned for its beauty, durability, and variety of patterns. It was once a luxury textile reserved for royalty and aristocrats, but nowadays, it has become more popular among locals and consumers worldwide.

Location

Van Phuc Silk Village is situated on the bank of the Nhue River in Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, over 10 kilometers from the Old Quarter.

As you lay your first step here, you will be greeted by rows of ancient banyan trees, colorful umbrellas, communal houses, and dazzling arrays of silk products of different kinds.

Best Time To Visit

While Van Phuc Silk Village is open year-round, we recommend visiting in the late winter and early spring (from December to March), which offer the most comfortable weather with a cool climate. Moreover, if you get there in November, you might have a chance to join Van Phuc’s cultural week and witness the vibrant village with colorful decorations.

How To Get There

It is rather simple to reach Van Phuc Silk Village, regardless of the means of transport you choose.

By motorbike or car: Head southwest from the city center on either Le Van Luong Street or Nguyen Trai Street. Then, look for intersecting points that turn onto Van Phuc Street. The village is around this area.
By bus: Take bus numbers 3, 07, 14, 25, 26, 31, 32, 36, 50, 55, and 79, which stop near the village

What To Expect When Visiting Van Phuc Silk Village

Watch The Silk Production Process Firsthand

There are two main elements that form the high quality of Van Phuc silk: time and meticulous craftsmanship. While modern technology might somehow intervene in the production, you can still witness skilled artisans conduct intricate techniques in the process, from raising silkworms to weaving to dyeing and finishing. As a result, you can admire a wide range of silk and garment options, including wrinkled silk, embroidered silk, traditional glossy, embroidered silks, double layers, etc.

Visit Numerous Van Phuc Silk Stalls

Around 90% of Van Phuc silk village households make a living by silk production. So, prepared to be overwhelmed by vibrant silk stalls all over the area. As you walk along the road, you can witness various stylish outfits and unique souvenirs displayed in the front of the store. If you are interested, the friendly sellers will introduce certain materials with colors that suit your skin tone and the weight you desire.

Take Beautiful Photos At The Umbrella Road

As you enter the village gate, imagine entering a wonderland of colorful umbrellas. It stretches overhead for around 100 meters, creating an eye-catching background for your photos. This spectacular umbrella road also represents the vibrant silk creations that awaits you to explore.

Check-in At The Mural Wall

Besides endless silk stalls, you can visit the captivating Mural wall, which is painted by the villagers. The artwork showcases the panoramic view of the village, sketching symbolic details such as the banyan tree, communal houses, and of course, the intricate silk.

Admire The Rustic Vibe Of The Wooden Bridge

At first sight, this bridge looks quite similar to the Cau Pagoda in Hoi An due to its short length, dome shape, and wooden material. This is where the locals often spend time enjoying the gentle breeze and turquoise water or go fishing. Besides its ancient architecture, this bridge becomes unique for connecting the bustling road on one side with the tranquil rural life on the other.

Explore The Timeless Beauty Of Van Phuc Pagoda

This pagoda was constructed during the Ly Dynasty of Vietnam. It has a unique architectural charm and is surrounded by towering banyan trees and lotus ponds, making it a perfect place to break from the city’s hustle. If you are lucky, you can witness cultural events and spiritual gatherings taking place here to learn more about the long-lasting Vietnamese culture.

Visit The Historic Ho Chi Minh Relics

This is one of 14 sites in Hanoi’s network of museums and monuments dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh. The President resided and worked in 1946. It was when he wrote the “Call for National Resistance” to unite the Vietnamese people against French colonialism. If you visit here, you can wander around to admire the architecture or go inside to discover artifacts that possess historical and educational value.

Enjoy World-Wide Famous Local Food

That is all for the sightseeing and cultural value in Van Phuc Silk Village. Let’s satisfy your taste with traditional Hanoi cuisine. It takes time to think about what to eat when arriving here since the dishes are diverse, ranging from savory delights to sweet treats. So, our recommendations below might help:

Pho: Vietnam’s national dish with fragrant noodle soup, thin rice noodles, chicken/beef, and fresh herbs
Banh Mi: Popular Vietnamese street food which is full of savory ingredients (e.g., fried egg, chargrilled chicken, pickled vegetables)
Xoi xeo: Glutinous rice served with mung bean paste and fried shallots
Bun Ngan: Refreshing dish with delicious duck broth, fresh noodles, and bamboo shoots
Trang Tien ice cream: Hanoi’s iconic ice cream with a variety of classic flavors like green bean, coconut, and chocolate
Sweet Soup (Che): Various flavors and ingredients which can be served hot or cold. Some must-tries are green rice, mung bean, black bean, and lotus seed.

Notes/Tips When Visiting Van Phuc Silk Village

Wear comfortable shoes and light clothes to wander around easily
Dress politely when visiting historical sites like Van Phuc Pagoda and Ho Chi Minh Relics
Respect the local customs and environment
Try bargaining at the silk stalls to get a better deal
Go with a local guide to enjoy all the sightseeing and food without any hassle

Ancient locations in Hanoi, like Van Phuc Silk Village, always impress tourists with their long-lasting history and exquisite craftsmanship. While this article provides stunning pictures of silk products, seeing them firsthand and admiring the local weaving techniques is far more satisfying. So why wait? Let Vietnamtour.in help you plan your holiday with our customizable Vietnam tour packages, so you can focus on taking amazing photos and unforgettable memories.

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