Are you looking for a travel experience near Hanoi, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture? Discover the charm of Viet Phu Thanh Chuong with BDATrip in the following article!
Are you looking for a travel experience near Hanoi, where you can immerse yourself in the beauty of traditional Vietnamese culture? Discover the charm of Viet Phu Thanh Chuong with BDATrip in the following article!
Viet Phu Thanh Chuong is an architectural masterpiece initiated by artist Thanh Chuong in 2001. Located beside Keo Ca Lake in Hien Ninh commune, Soc Son district, about 40km from the center of Hanoi in the direction of Thang Long - Noi Bai, after turning onto National Highway 2 towards Vinh Yen. Designed over an area of more than 8000m², Viet Phu is an impressive representation of Vietnamese culture through various historical periods. It features unique architectural works such as Thanh Tinh house, Tuong Van pavilion, Mac Huong house, Huong gate, and Xuan Phong tea house. Notably, the ancient houses were carefully selected from Nam Dinh, Ha Tinh, Thanh Hoa, Ha Giang, creating a traditional, serene, and culturally rich space.
In 2004, Viet Phu Thanh Chuong proudly became a cultural sightseeing spot for the Swedish Royal delegation during their official visit to Vietnam. This event marked a significant turning point and elevated Viet Phu's international status. In 2005, it was officially renamed Viet Phu Thanh Chuong, reflecting a deep connection with its founder. Continuing its development, 2006 saw the addition of new structures such as Thanh Tam house, Thanh Tinh house, and valuable art and cultural collections including Dong Ho paintings, lacquer paintings, hand-embroidered paintings, and Vietnamese coins. In 2007, the manor was further upgraded with new facilities such as restaurants, tea houses, theaters, bookstores, and souvenir shops, catering to a wide range of visitor needs.
After more than 8 years since its opening, in 2009, the family of artist Thanh Chuong decided to open the manor to visitors, a pivotal decision. In 2012, Phu Thanh Chuong was praised by The New York Times for its mysteriously ancient beauty. Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2015, Viet Phu continued to develop under the management of the Thanh Chuong family, affirming its position as one of the leading cultural attractions in Hanoi. Harmoniously blending tradition and modernity, Viet Phu has become a symbol of Vietnamese culture, enduring the test of time and shining ever brighter.
Phu Thanh Chuong, situated beside Keo Ca Lake in Hien Ninh, Soc Son district of Hanoi, is about 30km from the city center in the direction of Thang Long Bridge. To reach this destination, you can choose from two means of transport:
- Motorcycle or personal vehicle: From Thang Long - Noi Bai highway, turn left onto National Highway 12, then continue for 1km and turn right at the second intersection following the signs. Continue for another 7km, turn right, and after 500m, you will reach Viet Phu.
- Bus: If opting for public transport, you can take bus number 64 from Bac Thang Long Industrial Park or Melinh Plaza, getting off at the stop opposite the post office (near Minh Phu High School). From there, a short 700m walk will lead you to Viet Phu. The journey takes about 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a fare of 9,000 VND per trip. Buses run 10 times a day, with an interval of 15-20 minutes between each service.
Viet Phu Thanh Chuong welcomes visitors from 9 am to 5 pm every day, including holidays and Tet. The ticket prices are as follows:
- Adults: 150,000 VND per person.
- Students (with a valid student ID): 120,000 VND per person.
- Elderly people (over 65 years old): 120,000 VND per person.
- Children: 120,000 VND per person.
- Children under 110cm in height: Free entry.
At Viet Phu, 13 ancient houses with unique names like Thanh Tinh house, Tuong Van pavilion, and Mac Huong house, stand out with their traditional beauty and serenity. Artist Thanh Chuong meticulously selected and restored each house, recreating the Vietnamese countryside's atmosphere with exquisite artistic architecture. The thatched roofs, three-section houses, watchtowers, pagodas, and the carved dragon motifs and curved roof tiles reflect the architectural beauty of ancient dynasties. Each corner here exudes the essence of Vietnamese culture and architecture, offering visitors deep and unique cultural experiences.
Visitors to Phu Thanh Chuong are captivated by the expansive lotus lake embracing the manor, a symbol of elegance, tranquility, and sophistication. You can leisurely stroll around the lake, admiring the beauty of blooming lotuses, immersing yourself in a poetic and peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, you have the opportunity to experience the gentle sensation of sitting in a boat, gliding over the water, listening to the birds sing and the breeze whisper. Certainly, this will be one of the unforgettable memories in your journey of exploration.
Viet Phu Thanh Chuong is like a green oasis, not only prominent with ancient architecture but also a place of lush gardens, filled with flowers and fragrances. Walking along the small paths, visitors can admire the vibrant beauty of flowers such as apricot, peach, rose, orchid, along with rare trees like banyan, five-fruits tree, and Bodhi tree. It is also an ideal place to relax under the cool shade of trees, listen to the birds singing, the stream flowing, and immerse in the peaceful and tranquil nature. Viet Phu is truly a great destination to relieve fatigue, enjoy relaxing moments, and rejuvenate.
One of the unique cultural experiences not to be missed at Viet Phu is watching water puppetry at Long Dinh Theater. Water puppetry, a traditional art form of Vietnam, has been recognized by UNESCO as an intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Audiences will enjoy creative and lively performances by puppets on water, depicting folk stories, historical events, love stories through songs, music, and the narration of talented artists. Additionally, you can participate in folk games such as tug of war, blindfolded goat catching, drumming, bringing a fun and friendly atmosphere, enriching the visitor's experience.
With its ancient and nostalgic beauty, Phu Thanh Chuong is the perfect destination for those who love traditional and vintage photography. It offers excellent settings from ancient houses, lush gardens, romantic lotus lakes to stone walls that bear the marks of time, creating unique and attractive frames. Wearing traditional Vietnamese costumes such as Ao Dai, Ao Tu Than, Ao Ba Ba, you will add charm and elegance to each photo. To get perfect shots, choose to shoot in the early morning or at dusk when the sunlight is gentle, creating beautiful and dreamy light effects.
To have a memorable experience at Viet Phu Thanh Chuong, remember the following tips:
- Dress respectfully, behave gently, and respect the unique cultural space.
- Maintain cleanliness. Use public restrooms near the main gate or in the Thanh Chuong restaurant.
- Do not touch, damage, or write on architectural structures, utensils, paintings, and art collections.
- Choose beautiful angles without disturbing others. Opt for morning or evening for the best lighting.
- Try the local specialties at Thanh Chuong restaurant, Thanh Tinh tea house, or Thanh Thuy coffee shop. You can also bring your own snacks and drinks, but remember to clean up after use.
Concluding your journey at Phu Thanh Chuong, Thanh Chuong restaurant is an ideal stop to enjoy the region's unique dishes. The restaurant, with its spacious, airy space, is delicately decorated, exuding a classic and warm style. Here, you can experiment with the diversity of local cuisine, from familiar dishes such as roasted chicken, carp stewed with pickles, Bun Cha, Cha Ca, steamed rice rolls, to new and unique flavors like smoked buffalo meat, wild boar meat, hot rice cake. Don't forget to enjoy the local specialty wines like sticky rice wine, corn wine, and plum wine to fully appreciate the rich and warm flavors of the local cuisine.
Near Viet Phu Thanh Chuong, there are several other worthwhile attractions to explore:
- Thanh Giong Temple: A sacred temple honoring Thanh Giong, one of the four immortals of the Vietnamese people. The temple is located on Ve Linh mountain, just 5km from Viet Phu. It's an ideal place to admire the majestic scenery of Soc Son and feel the solemnity and grandeur of the temple.
- Keo Ca Lake: This is a large natural lake located next to Viet Phu. Keo Ca Lake offers a vibrant natural landscape with a variety of plants, flowers, and animals around the lake, creating a majestic and beautiful scene. You can walk around the lake, observe blooming flowers, birds flying, fish frolicking, or participate in recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and camping.
- Co Loa Temple: This ancient temple, built during the Hung Kings period, is located within the premises of Co Loa Citadel, about 10km from Phu Thanh Chuong. Co Loa Temple has unique architecture, with stone columns, tiled roofs, bronze bells, embodying the traditional beauty. You can visit the temple to sightsee, pray, worship, and learn about the history and culture of the region.
Viet Phu Thanh Chuong reflects the vibrant culture and architecture of Vietnam. Plan your visit soon to discover many more interesting things!
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