'Bell of Tran Vu' night tour brings sacred heritage to life

THE HANOI TIMES — In the mystical night, the Quan Thanh Temple was bathed in a brilliant, ethereal light that blended with the pale purple smoke gently drifting over the stage. The slow, solemn chime of Tran Vu's bell took visitors on a fascinating journey of discovery.

Against this sacred backdrop, artists dressed in traditional ceremonial attire solemnly re-enacted an ancient procession, offering tributes to Genie Huyen Thien Tran Vu, a revered deity renowned for protecting the nation, dispelling evil and maintaining peace.

Launched on May 28 at Quan Thanh Temple, the night tour “The Bell of Tran Vu” was not purely for entertainment, but also a cultural initiative aimed at preserving tradition and fostering national pride.

Every movement and gesture of the performers exuded profound reverence for their ancestors and cultural depth. Under the stage lights, five-colored flags danced vividly, while powerful choreography and resonant ceremonial music came together to revive the vibrant spirit of ancient Thang Long festivals. Each element, from the grandest scene to the smallest detail, added to a profound yet captivating experience.

The program was one of a series celebrating the 64th anniversary of Ba Dinh District and the District Party Committee, the 80th anniversaries of the August Revolution and National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.

As well as the artistic performance, the tour invited visitors to explore the cultural significance of this sacred site. They could view treasured artefacts such as the twin bronze rebirth lamps and the ancient bronze gong known as Tran Vu Quan Khanh, or explore the time-honored legends associated with the Truc Bach area.

Guests also had the opportunity to learn about the area's traditional crafts, including the elegant art of Truc Bach silk weaving and the bronze casting of Ngu Xa Village, which produced the statue of Huyen Thien Tran Vu that is now recognized as a national treasure. The artefacts preserved at the temple vividly illustrate the site's ongoing connection to Vietnam's folk art traditions.

The experience went beyond mere observation and listening. There were also interactive activities, such as tea ceremonies in a historic setting, calligraphy practice, an exploration of traditional clothing and bronze casting demonstrations. There was also an opportunity to purchase souvenirs that captured the essence of Hanoi's culture.

Nguyen Thi Hai, a 61-year-old resident of Thuy Khue Ward in Tay Ho District, said everything about the program was deeply impressive. "I was particularly moved by how the tour brought ancient stories to life, from traditional rituals to legendary depictions that are ingrained in the soul of Hanoi.”

She expressed hope that this tour offering would be replicated at other heritage sites, enabling cultural values to be preserved through traditional methods and revitalized in modern life, particularly for younger generations.

The “Bell of Tran Vu” tour was welcomed not only by residents, but also left a lasting impression on international visitors.

Matiza Moreira, 50, from Portugal, said: "I was captivated by the gentle and refined beauty of each movement in the performance."

She added that the quiet night-time setting had allowed her to feel a deeper inner connection, something that daytime tours rarely offer. She said that folk festivals staged with such care are few and far between around the world and fully deserve greater international promotion in 2025.

Sharing this sentiment, Patricia Canine, also from Portugal, suggested adding English subtitles to help non-Vietnamese speakers better understand the rituals and stories presented throughout the tour.

A new opportunity for Hanoi’s tourism development

The launch of the night tour, 'The Bell of Tran Vu', comes at a time when Hanoi’s tourism industry is continuing to recover and grow steadily. During the first five months of 2025, the city received almost 12.77 million visitors, marking a 10.9% increase compared to the same period last year. Total revenue reached approximately VND51.94 trillion (around $2.03 billion).

In an interview with The Hanoi Times, Nguyen Tien Dat, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Tourism Association, said he was confident that the program would enrich Hanoi’s portfolio of high-quality tourism products.

He noted that the tour, with its distinctive identity, could boost the city’s appeal during peak seasons while helping to preserve and enhance the cultural value of its heritage.

Dat also pointed out that Vietnam offers a broad spectrum of tourism experiences, ranging from beach resorts to historical and cultural sites in Hanoi, Hue and Hoi An. These sites are particularly appealing to travellers seeking cultural immersion. He cited French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Ngoc Son Temple as evidence of the growing international interest in Vietnam’s heritage.

However, he added that achieving the government’s target of double-digit tourism growth requires strengthening communication efforts, improving infrastructure, enhancing the visitor experience and maintaining a safe and respectful tourism environment.

Duong Xuan Trang, a representative of Mai Viet Travel, a company that specializes in the French market, said: "This was my first time joining a night tour, and I was truly impressed by the deep spiritual atmosphere. Traditional performances like classical drama of tuong helped me to gain a better understanding of the legend of Tran Vu.”

He also expressed hope that the performance space could be made quieter to allow the sound of the bell to resonate more clearly, thereby enhancing the experience's sacred and immersive nature.