Discover Hung Yen, where tradition and history hold sway
Hung Yen, nestled in the heart of the Red River Delta, boasts a dynamic blend of cultural heritage and economic vibrancy. With a population exceeding one million residents and covering an area of approximately 923 square kilometers, the province thrives as a pivotal hub in northern Vietnam.
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| A corner of Pho Hien, Hung Yen (Source: VietnamPlus) |
In the recently announced Provincial Plan, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh assessed that Hung Yen has a great deal of space, potential, and opportunities for breakthrough development to create the 'Red River miracle'. The province benefits from its strategic location near Hanoi, facilitating trade and investment. Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with substantial outputs in rice and fruit production, while the industrial sector sees rapid expansion, particularly in electronics and textiles. Additionally, investments in infrastructure and urban development further bolster economic prospects, making Hung Yen an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign investors.
A glimpse into the past
Hung Yen's history stretches back over a thousand years, with relics and ancient structures bearing witness to its storied past. One of the province's crown jewels, the Pho Hien relic complex, serves as a testament to its former glory. In the 17th century, Pho Hien rivaled Hanoi as a bustling commercial hub, attracting traders from China, Japan, and Europe. Today, visitors can wander through its narrow streets, exploring temples, pagodas, and ancient houses that echo the grandeur of its heyday.
The Chu Dong Tu Temple, located in Khoai Chau, Hung Yen, is a well-known historical structure in the Northern Midlands. The two most well-known temples, Da Hoa and Da Trach, are recognized as national historical relics and honor Saint Chu Dong Tu, Princess Tien Dung, and Princess Tay Sa. The temple's architecture includes 18 houses with curved tile roofs shaped like 18 stylized dragons, recreating the image of Princess Tien Dung's 18 boats while traveling on the river.
The Chu Dong Tu - Tien Dung Temple is home to several unique antiquities, one of which is the oldest throne in Vietnam, the Luc Binh Bach Tho. Singing palanquins, delicately carved and cast statues are also outstanding features of the temple.
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| Boat procession at Chu Dong Tu - Tien Dung festival. (Source: baohungyen.vn) |
In addition, the gold-plated architecture makes a very strong impression on visitors when visiting Phuc Lam Pagoda. The temple's shimmering beauty and vivid yellow tone will remind you a little bit of Thai temples. But, yet, Phuc Lam Pagoda still exudes beauty from Vietnam. This more than a century-old pagoda's distinctive construction and fine carvings have created a serene area that draws many visitors who come to pray for prosperity and good fortune. After visiting the pagoda, visitors can enjoy Hung Yen culinary specialties such as banh te, bun ca (fish vermicelli), Ban soy sauce...
Cultural riches and traditions
Hung Yen is a province steeped in cultural traditions, many of which are still preserved and celebrated today. Chu Dong Tu Festival, one of the 16 biggest celebrations in Vietnam, is held from the 10th to the 12th of the second lunar month. Ten boats will be in a water parade to the Red River as part of this celebration, which also include other folkloric events including pot-banging, dragon season, cockfighting, and boat singing. The ceremony is also celebrated solemnly with many custom rituals and prayers for a year of good weather and good harvests.
Traditional craft villages form another integral part of Hung Yen's cultural heritage. A popular tourist spot in Hung Yen for people who enjoy traditional beliefs is the Cao Thon incense village, which is known for its subtle, lingering scent. Skilled artisans in the hamlet craft these incense sticks, each uniquely elaborated.
Cao Thon incense hamlet enjoys renown for its compressed incense sticks, incense rings, and other traditional goods. Even after over a century of existence, the incense village continues to live up to its name and draw attention from both domestic and foreign markets, including China and India.
The artisan hamlet of Ban Yen Nhan is prominently recognized for its soy sauce, which has been made there for hundreds of years and is passed down from generation to generation. Visitors will notice the distinct scent of soy sauce as soon as they arrive in the town. Since every bottle of soy sauce in this location originates from the handmade creation of local families, quality, safety, and cleanliness remain guaranteed.
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| Each jar of Ban soy sauce is meticulously made by local people (Source: Vietnam Record Association) |
The process of cooking soy sauce seems simple with natural ingredients such as corn, rice... but requires skill and meticulousness, creating delicious Ban soy sauce products compared to other regions. Visitors can easily buy soy sauce as a gift or use it as a dipping sauce to make their meals more appealing.
Embark on a journey to Hung Yen and uncover the heart of Vietnam, where every corner holds a story, and every encounter leaves an indelible mark on the soul. Its allure lies not in grandiose attractions but in the quiet moments of discovery, where history, culture, and nature intertwine to create memories that linger long after the journey ends.
