Spreading traditional culture through ‘back-to-the-village’ tours

Aside from a dense network of historical and cultural sites, diverse festivals and cuisine, and long coastline, Hai Phong city is also known for traditional craft villages, places that embody the beauty and cultural values of Vietnam.

Tours that bring international visitors “back to the village” have contributed to spreading these traditional cultural values, sustainably developing craft villages, and positively boosting the city’s economy.

Attractive ‘back-to-the-village’ journeys

As part of the 3rd meeting of the APEC Business Advisory Council (ABAC III) held in Hai Phong from July 15 to 18, international delegates took part in an exciting tour to Chu Dau pottery village, often referred to as the cradle of high-end ceramics that once brought global recognition to the Vietnamese ceramic brand.

There, delegates were able to admire delicate ceramic products featuring distinctive patterns deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, and even try their hand at traditional pottery-making.

“I truly love the scenery and the ceramics here. It was amazing to create a product that carries the essence of Vietnamese culture with my own hands. I’ll bring this special gift back to share with my friends,” said Amy Chien, a lecturer at Taipei University and member of ABAC III.

Earlier, when Thanh Ha lychee trees began to turn red with ripe fruit, a farmtrip program was organized in the heart of the lychee region. In addition to the unique lychee-picking experience, visitors also enjoyed checking in at a lush, vibrant countryside and hearing folk tales that felt both familiar and new.

The program allowed travel businesses to assess the destination’s real-life appeal and potential, while also connecting with partners to tap into this promising “back-to-the-village” tourism model.

Promoting traditional cultural essence

Hai Phong boasts a rich tradition of history and culture, along with stunning natural landscapes and abundant natural produce. The city is also home to a wide range of time-honored craft villages, spanning various trades.

In the past, Hai Phong had thousands of cooperatives and artisan workshops in handicrafts and fine arts. Today, many handicraft products continue to thrive, not only selling well locally but also reaching other regions and even international markets.

Beyond economic benefits, such as job creation, income generation, and improved living standards, some craft villages have also developed tourism services tied to their traditional trades. Notable examples include Bao Ha wood-carving and lacquer village, Nhan Muc figurine-making village, Duong Dong pottery village, Kien Thuy kite-making village, My Dong casting village, Chu Dau pottery village, etc.

According to Tran Thi Hoang Mai, Director of the city Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, the unit always pays attention to promoting tourism in traditional craft villages, places that showcase the unique cultural character of the locality.

Highlights include an upcoming competition to design souvenirs and gifts for Hai Phong tourism, aimed at honoring artisans and skilled workers, as well as various promotional activities for tourism in craft villages through mass media, experiential tours for international visitors and travel companies, thereby propagandizing the cultural soul of Hai Phong’s land and people to domestic and international friends.

HAI HAU