The charm of a traditional craft hamlet dating back thousands of years can still be seen at Van Phuc Silk hamlet, a historic village with banyan trees, wells, common courtyards, and other features. It is steadily developing into a popular tourist attraction in Hanoi that should not be missed. In addition to being the capital of Vietnam, Hanoi is well-known for being a popular travel destination with a wealth of historical and cultural landmarks. The craft villages are the only ones among them that have continued to exist and grow. One of the most exquisite and well-known silk-weaving villages in Vietnam is Van Phuc Silk Village, which you should choose for your Indochina trip.
Where is Van Phuc Silk Village Situated?
Located in Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, on the bank of the calm Nhue River, Van Phuc Silk Village—also called Ha Dong Silk Village—is situated more than ten kilometers from the city center. You can ride a motorbike along this simple route to get to the village: Nguyen Trai - Le Van Luong - To Huu. You just have to pay the parking fee to access the village, which is free.
Best Time for Van Phuc Village Tour
All year long, Van Phuc Silk Village is open to guests. Nonetheless, late winter and early spring are the best seasons to visit this place. The weather is cool and lovely right now. November in particular is Van Phuc's culture week, when you may immerse yourself in a lively environment with brilliant landscapes. With surrounding yellow lights and a specially designed umbrella road and village entrance, the village will resemble a scaled-down version of Hoi An in Hanoi.
Visitors and residents alike can benefit from the event in Van Phuc Silk Village by gaining a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical significance of silk weaving.
Van Phuc Village History
The history of Van Phuc Silk Village dates back more than a millennium. Old banyan trees, markets, water wharves, and shared yards can all be found here. It was originally displayed to the public in 1931 at the fair in Marseille and 1932 at the fair in Paris.
"Made in Van Phuc" silk goods are consistently of the highest caliber, despite the various ups and downs of history. They are frequently exported to Eastern European nations since the French value their attention to detail and refinement so highly.
Van Phuc silk is equally elegant and robust, although it has a certain hardness and softness. Additionally, it offers a wide variety of patterns to satisfy the tastes of all clients. For hundreds of years, Van Phuc silk has been at the forefront of Vietnam's textile industry because of this.
In Van Phuc Silk Village, some of the most recognizable silks are:
The most well-known and typical type of silk in the village is called van silk. The silk thread's lustrous sheen is its most striking attribute. Because of the creativity and attention to detail of knowledgeable and experienced artisans, the silk remains incredibly smooth even in the absence of any polishing equipment or technology. You can observe a variety of patterns on the silk. Van silk is the best material option for an exquisite ao dai.
Satin silk: Due to its exceptional softness and sheen, satin is a favorite material among women. For bodycon open-back dresses, it is ideal. Additionally, satin will keep you cool and comfortable during the heat. Satin silk will, however, fade with repeated washings and is easily wrinkled. Van Phuc Silk Village is well-known for its exquisite satin silk production.
Best Things to Do & See in Van Phuc Village Tours
The umbrella road
This is the route that leads to Van Phuc, a traditional silk village. With its colorful hanging umbrellas covering about 100 meters in length, it's the perfect spot for young people to check-in. When the lights are on at night, the route appears even more enchanting. There are numerous silk stores on both sides of the street.
The mural street
The mural street in Van Phuc Silk Village is a must-see attraction. A massive painting that depicts the common scenes of the town, including the banyan tree at the waterfront, the community yard, and the silk-making process, adorns it. Local educators and village residents painted this painting. The village center is where it is located.
Van Phuc Pagoda
The historic Van Phuc Pagoda will be seen as soon as you arrive in the village. For hundreds of years, the pagoda has stood in place. The wooden bridge, the lotus flower, and the old banyan tree are the main attractions here. Away from the bustle of the city, visitors visiting the temple will experience a sense of calm and relaxation.
One of Vietnam's oldest settlements for silk weaving is Van Phuc Silk Village. Every year, it draws a sizable number of visitors, both domestic and foreign. With the knowledge above, perhaps you can arrange your visit to the Silk Village more effectively.
