About Hung Yen
Hung Yen, located in northern Vietnam near Hanoi, is a province steeped in history and culture. Once a thriving center of trade during the feudal era, it was known for its bustling markets and rich cultural traditions. Today, Hung Yen is best known for its serene countryside, traditional villages, and ancient temples that reflect Vietnam’s timeless charm.
While Hung Yen may not be as well-known as its neighboring provinces, it offers travelers a peaceful retreat away from the crowds. Its unique blend of historical landmarks, vibrant festivals, and picturesque landscapes provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich heritage. For more details, explore the section on the best things to do in Hung Yen.
Is Hung Yen worth to visit?
Hung Yen is not a must-visit destination for most travelers exploring Vietnam, as its sights often pale in comparison to the historical and cultural attractions in nearby Hanoi. However, it can be worth a stop if you’re passing through the region or as a quiet day trip from Hanoi to explore specific interests. While there are some unique things to do in Hung Yen, such as visiting ancient villages and local temples, they may not be significant enough to warrant a dedicated trip for most itineraries.
Best time to visit Hung Yen
Hung Yen is located in northern Vietnam, sharing similar weather patterns with Hanoi. The region experiences a tropical climate with distinct dry and rainy seasons and cold winters.
The best time to visit Hung Yen is during the dry season, which runs from October to April, with the ideal months being October to December and March to April for pleasant temperatures and minimal rain.
During the rainy season from May to September, expect hot and humid weather with frequent downpours, which might make exploring less enjoyable. Winters (December to February) can be surprisingly cold for a tropical country, with temperatures occasionally dropping below 10°C. While still manageable, travelers should be prepared for chilly weather if visiting during this time
How to travel to Hung Yen
Hung Yen is located in northern Vietnam, just 35 kilometers southeast of Hanoi. The province’s main hub is Hung Yen City, but Hanoi serves as a much more convenient starting point for most travelers, with its superior infrastructure and transportation options. Hung Yen lacks its own train station or airport, so Hanoi is the gateway for reaching this destination. The journey from Hanoi to Hung Yen typically takes about 50 minutes in low traffic, making it an easy day trip or stopover.
From Hanoi to Hung Yen
Taxi
Taking a taxi is a practical option for the short distance to Hung Yen. Alternatively, you can book a car ride through Grab, which provides upfront pricing and tends to feel more reliable for a journey of around 35 kilometers compared to using a metered taxi.
Car with Driver
Hiring a car with a driver is an excellent choice if you want flexibility and convenience. You can create a personalized itinerary, visiting several sights in Hung Yen at your own pace. The driver will wait for you at each destination and return you to your hotel in Hanoi or even drop you off at another location afterward. This option is ideal for those who want a hassle-free experience with a fixed price agreed upon in advance.
Scooter / Motorbike
For budget-conscious travelers or those seeking more freedom, renting a scooter in Hanoi and riding to Hung Yen is a great option. However, be mindful that driving in and out of Hanoi can be chaotic, requiring confidence and experience with Vietnam’s traffic conditions. Additionally, while rental companies and police rarely check for licenses, having a valid one is necessary for insurance purposes.
Things to Do in Hung Yen
Hung Yen may not be a top tourist destination in Vietnam, but it offers unique insights into the country’s history, culture, and traditional crafts. This section highlights the best things to do in Hung Yen, focusing on its ancient villages, historic sites, and unique local industries.
1. Nom Village & Pagoda
Nom Village, located in Dai Dong Commune, Van Lam District, is one of the most well-preserved ancient villages in northern Vietnam. It offers visitors a chance to step back in time and explore its rich cultural and architectural heritage.
The village features a range of historical landmarks, including a village gate, a communal house, a jade-green pond at its center, and numerous ancient homes. These structures, many of which are over 200 years old, showcase intricate architectural details and have remained remarkably intact. The communal house at the end of the pond is dedicated to Saint Tam Giang, a general from the Trung Sisters’ era. Legend states he requested to be buried in Nom Village, where he was once stationed.
Nom Pagoda
Nom Pagoda is a standout feature of the village, home to over 100 clay statues believed to date back to the Ly-Tran dynasties (11th-13th century). These terracotta sculptures, each unique in posture and expression, are a testament to Vietnam’s historical craftsmanship. The pagoda also houses a garden of three-story grave towers made from laterite stone, adding to its historical charm.
Another highlight is the nine-span stone bridge, adorned with dragon head decorations, which has stood for about 200 years over the Nguyet Duc River. This well-preserved relic connects visitors to the spiritual and historical essence of Nom Village and Pagoda.
2. Thu Sy Fish Trap Craft Village
Thu Sy Village, located in An Thi District, is renowned for its traditional craft of weaving fish traps, a skill passed down through generations. These bamboo traps are not only functional tools for fishing but also intricate works of art, reflecting the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the local people.
Visitors can witness artisans in action, skillfully weaving the traps with precision and care. It’s a fascinating process that demonstrates the community’s dedication to preserving this age-old tradition. In recent years, the fish traps have also gained popularity as decorative items, blending traditional craftsmanship with modern utility.
Thu Sy Village offers a rare opportunity for travelers to learn about Vietnam’s rural lifestyle and traditional crafts while supporting a community dedicated to preserving its cultural heritage.
3. Pho Hien (Hien Street / Hien Town)
Pho Hien is one of the most historically significant sites in Hung Yen Province, located about 70 kilometers southeast of Hanoi. Once a thriving merchant port in the 15th to 18th centuries, it served as a key hub for trade between Vietnam, China, and Japan. Although its prominence has faded, Pho Hien remains a must-visit destination for history enthusiasts.
Covering an area of five square kilometers, Pho Hien features relics of its golden age, including temples, pagodas, and ancient architecture that evoke the charm of Hoi An on a smaller scale. Chuong Temple (Bell Pagoda), dating back to the Le Dynasty, is one of the highlights of Pho Hien.
4. Chuong Temple
Chuong Temple, also known as Bell Pagoda, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Hung Yen. Built during the Le Dynasty (15th-17th centuries), the temple is part of the Pho Hien historical complex and is recognized as a national architectural and artistic relic.
The temple features classic northern Vietnamese architecture, including a three-door gate, stone bridge, and courtyards leading to worship halls. Inside, it houses an impressive collection of ancient Buddha statues, including 18 Arhats and four Bodhisattvas, many of which date back hundreds of years. The statues, crafted from clay rather than wood, highlight unique techniques of traditional Vietnamese sculpture.
Visitors can also explore the lush surroundings and learn about the temple’s legendary golden bell, said to produce a sound heard for miles. Chuong Temple is not only a spiritual site but also a window into the cultural and historical significance of Hung Yen.
5. Mau Temple
Mau Temple, also known as Hoa Duong Linh Tu, is one of the most beautiful and significant cultural landmarks in Hung Yen. Located in Hung Yen City, it is part of the Pho Hien relic complex and is set amidst a scenic backdrop, with the Hồ Bán Nguyệt (Crescent Moon Lake) in front and shady trees providing a tranquil atmosphere.
Built during the Tran Dynasty in 1279, the temple has undergone multiple restorations over the centuries, maintaining its historical and architectural grandeur. A unique feature of the temple is the 800-year-old banyan tree standing near the entrance. This tree, intertwined with two other tree species, creates a natural “three-legged stool” that is both symbolic and impressive. Mau Temple is a place of worship for Duong Quy Phi, a noble concubine of the Song Dynasty, who fled to Vietnam during the Yuan Dynasty’s invasion.
Visitors will find a neatly arranged and serene space within the temple grounds, featuring sacred altars, ancient architectural elements, and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. The temple is not only a spiritual destination but also a historical and cultural treasure of Hung Yen Province.
6. Visiting Local Markets
Hung Yen’s local markets offer a glimpse into authentic Vietnamese rural life, as most areas of the province remain largely untouched by mass tourism. These markets are bustling hubs of activity, especially in the early mornings, and provide an excellent opportunity to experience the daily life of locals.
At the markets, you’ll find everything from fresh vegetables, fruits, seafood, and traditional snacks to household goods and handmade items. The atmosphere is lively and crowded, with vendors calling out their wares and bargaining being a common practice.
Notable markets:
- Van Giang Market: Known for its rich selection of fresh food, including local specialties like crabs, snails, and seasonal fruits. The market can be busy, and its narrow streets may feel cramped during peak hours.
- Cho Duong Cai: A roadside market operating from as early as 3:00 AM until late evening. It serves as a wholesale hub for fruits and vegetables and has an authentic rural charm. While chaotic at times, it offers a wide variety of goods.
7. Xich Dang Temple of Literature
Xich Dang Temple of Literature is a cultural and historical relic located in Hung Yen City. Built during the Le Dynasty, it is modeled after the Temple of Literature in Hanoi and served as a center for Confucian learning and examination. The temple complex features traditional northern Vietnamese architecture, with elaborate gates, ancient stone steles, and tranquil courtyards.
Travelers interested in Vietnam’s scholarly history and Confucian heritage will find this site a fascinating stop. The temple offers insight into Vietnam’s education system during feudal times and showcases intricate carvings and symbolic relics that reflect the cultural values of the era.
8. Long Thuong Bronze Casting Village
Long Thuong Village in Hung Yen is renowned for its traditional craft of bronze casting, a practice that has been passed down for generations. Artisans here create everything from intricate statues and religious items to household goods.
Visitors can watch the meticulous process of casting bronze, from melting the metal to shaping and polishing the final product. This is a rare opportunity to see a traditional craft still thriving in modern times. Travelers can also purchase unique souvenirs, supporting the preservation of this age-old art form.
9. Da Hoa Temple
Da Hoa Temple is part of the Da Hoa-Da Trach, Ham Tu-Bai Say cluster of historical relics in Hung Yen Province. This temple complex honors Chu Dong Tu and Princess Tien Dung, legendary figures in Vietnamese folklore. According to the tale, Chu Dong Tu, a humble fisherman, and Tien Dung, a princess, fell in love and achieved spiritual enlightenment.
The temple is located near the Red River, surrounded by serene countryside, making it a peaceful place to explore. Visitors can learn about the legends while admiring the temple’s architecture, ancient artifacts, and tranquil gardens.
10. VinWonders Hung Yen
VinWonders Hung Yen is a massive entertainment complex that offers a stark contrast to the cultural and historical sites in the region. While it is far removed from anything authentically Vietnamese, it provides a unique experience for those seeking modern attractions.
The site includes several themed areas, such as The Venice Grand World, a replica of Venice complete with canals and gondolas, VinWonders Ocean Park, an expansive waterpark, and VinWonders Wave Park, a lake with an artificial beach.
This megalomaniac project might not appeal to those looking for authentic Vietnamese experiences, but it offers an unusual and extravagant destination for families or travelers seeking something entirely different. For some, it’s an exciting and fun stop; for others, it might feel out of place amidst the traditional charm of Hung Yen.
Where to Stay in Hung Yen
Staying in Hung Yen is generally not recommended, as it is much more convenient to visit as a day trip from Hanoi, which offers a far better range of accommodations, dining options, and transportation facilities. Unless you have a specific reason to stay overnight in Hung Yen, such as business or attending a local event, basing yourself in Hanoi is the better choice.
That said, Hung Yen does have some accommodations. VinWonders offers options within its entertainment complex, including hotels and homestays set in the Venice Grand World area. While these “homestays” provide a unique experience, they lack the authenticity of traditional Vietnamese homestays.
In Hung Yen City, there are several hotels catering primarily to domestic tourists and business travelers. These hotels are functional but tend to lack the charm and amenities that international travelers might expect. For a more enjoyable trip, plan your visit as a day trip from Hanoi, where you can return to a comfortable stay after exploring Hung Yen.
