Hanoi is renowned not only for its ancient streets and heroic historical sites but also for the peaceful beauty of traditional craft villages, especially bonsai villages. Among these, Hong Van bonsai village in Thuong Tin district has become an attractive eco-tourism destination, drawing visitors with its lush green spaces, unique bonsai art, and tranquil rural cultural experiences.
Introducing Hong Van Bonsai Village
Hong Van bonsai village, located in the eastern part of Thuong Tin district, about 20km south of Hanoi’s city center, was officially recognized as a tourist destination by Hanoi City in 2018. This recognition marked a significant shift from a purely agricultural commune to a model of eco-tourism craft village, opening up new and sustainable economic development directions for local residents.
Hong Van is not just a place for producing and trading bonsai; it has evolved into a unique cultural, artistic, and tourist space. Visiting Hong Van, tourists can immerse themselves in the verdant greenery of sprawling gardens, tree-lined paths, and flowers, experiencing a sense of peace and tranquility far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. This place is not only an ideal destination for nature and bonsai enthusiasts but also an opportunity to explore traditional cultural beauty, learn about the life of craft villagers, and enjoy exciting eco-tourism experiences.
Artistic Bonsai Gardens of Artisan Nguyen Tien Dung
One of the special highlights of tourism in Hong Van bonsai village is the bonsai garden of artisan Nguyen Tien Dung. With an area of nearly 3,000 m2 and over 4,000 bonsai artworks meticulously shaped and styled, Mr. Dung’s garden is truly a living art museum. Each bonsai here is not merely a plant but a culmination of creativity, meticulousness, and the artisan’s dedication.
Hong Van bonsai village located in Thuong Tin district, east of Hanoi, about 20km south of the city center – Photo: sodulich.hanoi
When visiting artisan Nguyen Tien Dung’s garden, tourists not only admire the beauty of unique bonsai artworks but also have the opportunity to learn about the bonsai creation process. Mr. Dung shares: “When visitors come to the garden, the first thing is to admire the works completed by the artisan. But they always wonder how these works are created, so visitors will be able to see all stages from when I create from a raw plant to becoming a finished piece.”
Even more special, visitors can experience the exciting “one-hour artisan” activity. Under the enthusiastic guidance of the artisan, visitors will personally handle stones and shape branches to create mini bonsai artworks with their own personal touch. This is a unique experience that not only helps visitors better understand the art of bonsai but also creates memorable moments in their journey to explore Hong Van village.
Unique Travel Experiences in Hong Van
Coming to Hong Van bonsai village, tourists are not limited to visiting gardens and admiring bonsai. This place also offers many unique and diverse travel experiences, suitable for various interests.
Immersing in green space: Hong Van is covered in the green of trees and flowers. Visitors can leisurely stroll along tree-lined village roads, enjoying the fresh air, admiring the lush family gardens, and colorful flower rows. This is a great opportunity to relax and relieve the stress and fatigue of urban life.
Exploring the bonsai care process: Besides admiring artworks, visitors can also learn about the process of planting and caring for bonsai in the gardens. From selecting seedlings, shaping, fertilizing, watering to pest control, each stage requires meticulousness, patience, and the experience of the gardener.
Experiencing craft village culture: Hong Van is not only a bonsai village but also a place that preserves the traditional cultural beauty of the Northern Vietnamese countryside. Visitors can learn about the history of formation and development of the craft village, interact with friendly and hospitable locals, and explore unique customs and traditions.
Fun and entertainment activities: In addition, Hong Van also has many fun and entertainment activities suitable for families and groups of friends. Visitors can rent bicycles to cycle around the village, organize picnics in the gardens, participate in folk games, or simply enjoy local specialties.
Mr. Nguyen Tien Hiep, a cultural and social officer of Hong Van commune, shared: “The bonsai craft village used to be where people traded bonsai, then shifted to services. Here, we create products that are models for tourists to come here, not only to visit but also to experience with artisans. Here, there are tourism tour products such as ‘a day with an artisan.’ These are exploitation activities by the people, in addition to exploiting and selling bonsai, there are also services for visitors to visit, take photos, check in, experience with the craft village, both preserving the unique features of the traditional bonsai craft village and bringing value to the people.”
Exploring Hong Van Culture and People
Hong Van attracts tourists not only by its beautiful natural landscape and unique bonsai artworks but also by the cultural beauty and people here. Hong Van people are known for being gentle, simple, hospitable, and always proud of their craft village tradition.
Visitors to Hong Van will feel the sincerity and openness of the locals. They are willing to share stories about the craft village, about bonsai care experiences, and the unique cultural features of their homeland. Interacting with Hong Van people is an opportunity for visitors to deeply understand the life, customs, and spiritual cultural values of the Vietnamese countryside.
Besides, Hong Van is also a place that preserves many other traditional cultural values such as communal houses, ancient pagodas, and craft village festivals. Visitors can visit Hong Van communal house, where the village’s tutelary god is worshiped, and learn about the history and unique architecture of the communal house. During the village festival season, visitors will be immersed in the bustling and joyful atmosphere of traditional cultural and artistic activities.
Useful Information for Your Trip to Hong Van Bonsai Village
To have a complete and meaningful trip to Hong Van bonsai village, visitors can refer to some useful information below:
Ideal time to visit: Hong Van is most beautiful in spring and autumn. In spring, trees sprout buds, flowers bloom, and the air is fresh and cool. In autumn, the weather is cool and pleasant, and bonsai trees turn yellow and red, creating a romantic scene.
Transportation: From Hanoi city center, visitors can travel to Hong Van by motorbike, private car, or bus. If going by motorbike or car, follow National Highway 1A to the South, turn into Highway 427, and go about 5km to reach Hong Van. If going by bus, you can take bus routes number 04, 06, 08, 62, 94, get off at the stop near Thuong Tin area, and take a motorbike taxi or taxi to Hong Van.
Attire: You should choose comfortable clothes suitable for sightseeing and walking in the gardens. You should bring sports shoes or flats for easy movement.
Personal items: You should bring a hat, sunscreen, and sunglasses to protect your skin from the sun. If you intend to experience “a day as an artisan,” you should bring gardening gloves.
Cuisine: In Hong Van and the surrounding area, there are many eateries and restaurants serving local specialties of the Northern countryside such as hill chicken, grilled fish, clean vegetables, and rustic rice dishes. Visitors can enjoy local cuisine at simple eateries or more luxurious restaurants.
Eco-Tourism Development and the Future of the Craft Village
Hong Van bonsai village is gradually affirming its position as an attractive eco-tourism destination on the Hanoi tourism map. With the efforts of local authorities, the dedication of the people, and its inherent potential, Hong Van craft village tourism promises to continue to develop strongly in the future.
The development of eco-tourism not only brings more stable income to Hong Van people but also contributes to preserving and promoting the traditional cultural values of the craft village. At the same time, this is also an opportunity to promote the image of Hong Van bonsai village to domestic and international tourists, contributing to enhancing the position of Vietnamese bonsai in the international market.
As shared by Mr. Nguyen Tien Dung, Vice Chairman of the Bonsai Art Association: “The garden is my passion. I want to spread the love of nature to everyone through what I do. Because planting trees adds blessings, because it creates greenery for life, creates greenery for this life. That is special. Moreover, since ancient times, our ancestors have wanted to bring nature and plants into every house and every yard because of their love for nature. Therefore, my wish is for everyone to know how to grow trees, for every household to know how to grow trees to decorate their home. Moreover, through that, it will create a future workforce to create artworks so that one day, Vietnam will have a glorious name on the world bonsai map.”
Hong Van bonsai village is not only an attractive tourist destination but also a symbol of the successful transformation of a traditional craft village in the context of integration and development. Come to Hong Van to discover the unique beauty of the Vietnamese countryside, enjoy the green space, experience craft village culture, and feel the hospitality and sincerity of the people here.