Hanoi launches "The Bell of Tran Vu" night tour, seeking to enliven Vietnam's heritage
“The Bell of Tran Vu” is Hanoi’s first cultural and spiritual night tour, blending heritage and live performances to offer a unique experience that connects Thang Long’s legacy with modern-day Hanoi.
THE HANOI TIMES — The opening ceremony for the night tour, "The Tran Vu Bell: Touching the Sacred, Living the Legend," took place on May 28 at the Quan Thanh Temple in Hanoi's Ba Dinh District.
The event celebrates the 64th anniversary of Ba Dinh District (May 31, 1961–May 31, 2025) and its Party Committee (June 9, 1961–June 9, 2025), ahead of the 80th anniversary of National Day.
At the event, Ta Nam Chien, Chairman of the Ba Dinh People's Committee, highlighted Ba Dinh as a land of rich heritage. It is home to iconic sites, such as the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, the One Pillar Pagoda, the Voi Phuc Temple, and the Quan Thanh Temple, which are one of the most sacred of the "Four Guard Temples of Thang Long."
Following Hanoi’s Resolution developing cultural industries in the capital to 2030 and vision to 2045, Ba Dinh District is actively promoting heritage tourism by integrating the values of historic relics with the image of a modern town. “It contributes to the sustainable development of Hanoi's culture and people in the context of international integration," he said.
Chairman of Ba Dinh People's Committee Ta Nam Chien delivers the opening speech at the ceremony. Photos: Tung Lam/The Hanoi Times
“The Bell of Tran Vu” is the first cultural and spiritual tourism product to combine heritage and live performance. It is inspired by the traditional festival that celebrates the descent and blessings of Genie Huyen Thien Tran Vu.
The program consists of two parts.
In the first part, visitors experience traditional folk festivals and intangible cultural heritage through live stage performances enhanced with lighting and dramatization. These performances recreate ceremonial scenes, such as ancient processions and incense-offering rituals, as well as folk operas that honor the merits of Genie Tran Vu. Through emotional storytelling and elaborate stage production, the artists convey a sacred atmosphere to the audience.
Live stage performances showcase traditional Vietnamese folk culture.
In the second part, visitors are guided through the outdoor and indoor areas of the temple. They are introduced to the stories and mysteries still preserved, such as the pair of bronze lamps and the ancient bronze bell known as Tran Vu Quan Khach.
Guests can explore the history of the Truc Bach area and the Truc Bach silk weaving village, which was once home to royal weavers under the Trinh Lords in the 18th century. They can also learn about the bronze casting craft of the Ngu Xa village.
In addition to the performances, the night tour also offers a unique cultural experience: enjoying tea ceremonies, watching calligraphy demonstrations, trying on traditional royal costumes, and shopping for souvenirs inspired by the Four Sacred Temples of Hanoi.
“The Bell of Tran Vu" will run for 90 minutes and will officially open to the public every week in August 2025. Each tour will accommodate around 100 guests and aims to provide a unique nighttime experience that connects visitors with the legacy of Thang Long.
