Hanoi’s new tourism package revitalizes cultural landscape

THE HANOI TIMES — Hanoi has taken a bold step to reinvent its tourism image with the launch of “Hanoi 2025 – Convergence of Essence,” an ambitious program that brings together the capital’s heritage, craft villages, and creative spirit into a unified cultural journey.

Unveiled on October 18 in Phuc Tho Commune, the lanch represents a significant move in Hanoi’s ongoing efforts to reshape its tourism landscape and strengthen its reputation as a UNESCO Creative City of Design.

The event, jointly organized by the Hanoi Department of Tourism and six communes on October 18, including Phuc Tho, Dai Thanh, Ngoc Hoi, Hong Van, Chuyen My and O Dien, attracted local leaders, tourism experts and craft artisans eager to showcase the unique harmony between Hanoi’s history and its modern creativity.

Building Hanoi’s cultural identity

As part of the city’s 2025 investment, trade and tourism promotion program, the “Convergence of Essence” embodies Hanoi’s vision of sustainable and innovative tourism development, following Government Resolution 82/NQ-CP issued on May 18, 2023.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism Tran Trung Hieu said the theme “Convergence of Essence” captures Hanoi's unique position as a meeting point of the past, present and future. 

"It is a city where cultural heritage, centuries-old craft villages and modern creativity come together, proudly affirming Hanoi’s status as both a thousand-year-old capital and a UNESCO Creative City of Design," said Hieu.

Building on this theme, Hieu said that the launch of new tourism products is not only a promotional effort, but also a celebration of Hanoi’s enduring values expressed through innovation.

“This ceremony not only unveils products born from cooperation between government, businesses and the community, but also honors the culture, heritage and people of Hanoi. It’s a story of timeless essence meeting forward-looking creativity,” he said.

The initiative also supports the Hanoi Party Committee’s broader strategy to position cultural tourism as a key growth driver in the city’s cultural industries.

To achieve this, the capital focuses on five directions: developing unique products rooted in local identity, revitalizing night tourism through arts and cuisine, accelerating digital transformation for smart tourism, building a creative and skilled workforce, and expanding regional and international cooperation, especially within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network.

Connecting heritage, craft villages and nature

The “Convergence of Essence” tourism package introduces three curated itineraries designed to immerse visitors in Hanoi’s deep cultural and human heritage. These include “South Thang Long Heritage Road – Quintessence of Vietnamese Craft Villages,” “The Path of Learning,” and “The Colors of Flowers of Tuong Phieu.” Each journey offers a different perspective on the capital’s creative spirit.

The first route, “South Thang Long Heritage Road - Quintessence of Vietnamese Craft Villages,” highlights Hanoi’s western communes, including Dai Thanh, Hong Van, Ngoc Hoi and Chuyen My, where centuries-old craft villages keep folk art alive with modern touches.

Visitors can admire lacquerware in Ha Thai Village, explore the European-inspired architecture of Cuu Village, try traditional tailoring and chrysanthemum wine in Ngau Village and experience the vibrant spiritual life of Phuc Am Village. Each stop reflects the evolving story of Vietnamese craftsmanship grounded in both history and creativity.

Next, “The Path of Learning” pays tribute to Hanoi's noble values of kindness, respecting for elders and a love of knowledge. In O Dien Commune, visitors can explore Van Hien Temple, dedicated to historical scholars such as Grand Tutor To Hien Thanh (1102–1179). The itinerary goes beyond sightseeing, offering a journey through the intellectual and moral fabric that has shaped Hanoi’s identity as a city of learning and innovation.

Finally, “The Colors of Flowers of Tuong Phieu” paints a serene picture of harmony between heritage and nature. Nestled beside the gentle Tich River in Phuc Tho Commune, Tich Giang Village stretches across more than 100 hectares of blooming flowers and ornamental plants, from ancient chrysanthemums to rare orchids.

At the heart of this lush landscape stands the Tuong Phieu Communal House, a special national relic showcasing architectural mastery from the Le Trung Hung period (1533- 1789). Built with ironwood, laterite and terracotta, this communal house uniquely preserves the worship of Duc Tan Vien Son Thanh and treasures relics such as 17th to 18th-century palanquins, royal decrees from the Nguyen Dynasty and ceramic artifacts from the 18th and 19th centuries.

“The Colors of Flowers of Tuong Phieu” offers visitors a refreshing escape into rural tourism that seamlessly blends heritage, nature and community life. It captures the spirit of a modern Hanoi that honors its ancient countryside soul, inviting travelers to experience tranquility, authenticity and cultural richness all in one place.

Together, these thoughtfully crafted tours invite visitors to discover Hanoi beyond the well-known city center, offering immersive experiences that reveal the city’s rich cultural tapestry and stunning natural beauty.

By connecting heritage sites, traditional craft villages and serene rural landscapes, “Hanoi 2025- Convergence of Essence” opens a fresh chapter in exploring the capital’s soul. These unique journeys not only deepen understanding of Hanoi’s vibrant identity but also showcase the harmonious blend of history, creativity and nature that makes the city an irresistible destination for travelers seeking authentic Vietnamese culture and lasting memories.