Phan Thu Hang – The Visionary behind Vietnam’s cultural spaces

Leaders of the Hanoi Union of Friendship Organisations, along with representatives from embassies and ASEAN bloc leaders, and distinguished guests at the 57th ASEAN anniversary event at Thang Long Imperial Citadel in September 2024.

An inspiring woman

I first met Ms. Phan Thu Hang on a sunny autumn day in Hanoi, on the Trinh Cong Son walking street. A friend introduced her, saying, “She’s behind the cultural spaces we admire.” Our conversation flowed easily, as if between longtime friends. As she spoke, her eyes sparkled with enthusiasm and love for Hanoi, where she had poured her youth and dedication into beautifying every corner.

As the Founder and Chairwoman of the Board of Directors at ICEP – Hanoi Classy, Ms. Hang shared that her affection for Hanoi began in childhood, when walking through the city’s old streets was a daily joy. In 2016, that love found authentic expression when she was invited by the Hoan Kiem District Department of Culture to develop activities for the newly launched pedestrian zone. The remarkable success of the Hoan Kiem Walking Street brought economic and cultural benefits to the capital and marked the start of a journey where her ideals continued to flourish.

ICEP-Hanoi Classy is a strategic partner of HAUFO in meaningful Cultural Diplomacy activities.

Creating vibrant cultural spaces

In 2017, Ms. Hang accepted another invitation from the Tay Ho District People’s Committee to conceptualise and build the Trinh Cong Son Walking Street. With ICEP as the sole partner, the “Tay Ho District Street Food and Cultural Space” officially opened in May 2018, quickly becoming a beloved weekend destination. The elderly rediscovered old memories, children found space for play and creativity, and the public enjoyed soulful Trinh music performances or immersed themselves in traditional genres like ca tru and hat xam.

Tue Tinh Food Street - Hải Dương (old) was implemented by ICEP-Hanoi Classy in collaboration with Bình Hàn ward (old Hải Dương) under the direction of the People's Committee of Hai Duong city (now part of Hai Phong city).

Ms. Hang noted with a smile that the project's success was due to the tireless efforts of her team, along with invaluable support from her son, Master Nguyen Tuan Hung, collaborators, Ngói-Concept design studio, and numerous artists, scholars, and directors. “Pioneering new initiatives is never easy, but the greatest reward is seeing the space come alive in the community's hearts,” she said.

ASEAN Colours 2024, a Cultural Diplomacy event directed by the Hanoi People's Committee & HAUFO.

Ongoing Projects, New Journeys

There were moments during our conversation when we paused, not just because Hang had so many memories to recall, but also because emotions sometimes slowed her words. Following the success of Trinh Cong Son Walking Street, ICEP - Hanoi Classy was again entrusted with the Hai Duong Walking Street project. Though planning began in 2019, the COVID-19 pandemic delayed the launch until 2022. Within just six months, ICEP, alongside local cultural and economic departments, worked intensively to inaugurate the Bach Dang Walking Street on April 28, 2023. After its huge success, her team was again chosen to carry out the Tue Tinh Food Street project, which opened on April 26, 2024.

The young architects group from Ngoi Concept, a member unit of ICEP, is implementing creative projects and urban space planning in old Hải Dương city (now Hải Phòng).

According to Ms. Hang, they put their utmost effort into every project, believing that sincerity would always be met with appreciation. Dr. Architect Nguyen Quang also invited ICEP – Hanoi Classy to consult on the Ponl de Long Bien Walking Street project at Splendora Urban Area (Bac An Khanh, Hanoi). Many ICEP’s initiatives focus on young audiences, such as VietnamTelling (3D light projection by Nguyen Cam Tu), Corona Kid Warriors, The Feelings in Me by Art Tree Studio, and numerous student-led creative efforts nationwide.

The Cultural Exchange - Creative Space under the Trinh Cong Son Pedestrian Street project, invested by ICEP-Hanoi Classy under the direction of the Tay Ho District People's Committee, now in Tay Ho ward. One of Tay Ho's green, creative cultural addresses.

Tirelessly Spreading the Love for Culture

Over nearly a decade, Ms. Hang and her team have helped shape various cultural spaces – not only walking streets but also unique creative events like Sắc 16, a street fashion and music project held in Hanoi's Old Quarter, which brought a modern flair to historic settings.

Her commitment continues to shine through in significant events, such as ASEAN Colours at the Thang Long Imperial Citadel in September 2024, held to celebrate Vietnam’s National Day (September 2). The program showcased ASEAN countries' traditional costumes and cuisine, delivering a powerful message of unity, pride, and friendship between Vietnam and the region.

When I asked if she ever felt tired juggling so many roles, Hang smiled, “There were times I did, but not anymore. Now, I want to contribute more. Every walking street is a new story, and every working day gives me fresh energy.”

Her passion remains undiminished. This remarkable woman continues her journey with ICEP, helping to craft culturally rich public spaces where memories are preserved, communities are connected, and the soul of Vietnam shines ever brighter.

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