Hung Yen, located in the heart of the Northern Delta, is a destination where history and culture intertwine. Known as a “living museum” of the Red River Delta rice civilization, the province preserves more than 3,700 relics, including six special national relics, 284 national relics, ten national treasures, and 28 intangible cultural heritage sites.

The Pho Hien cultural space is one of Hung Yen’s most iconic highlights. Once a thriving international trading hub in the 16th and 17th centuries, it was celebrated with the saying: “First the capital, second Pho Hien.” Today, visitors can explore its ancient charm while immersing themselves in the traditions of Northern Vietnamese countryside life, from folk singing and traditional arts to agricultural festivals.

Equally captivating are Hung Yen’s traditional craft villages. With 257 villages dedicated to crafts such as silver carving, silk weaving, embroidery, incense making, and ornamental plant cultivation, these communities preserve centuries-old skills. They also offer travelers the chance to engage directly with artisans, making cultural tourism both educational and hands-on.

For those seeking nature and relaxation, Hung Yen provides access to ecotourism experiences. Its convenient connections to the Southeast coastal ecosystem allow visitors to combine heritage exploration with trips to Con Den, Con Vanh, Dong Chau, and mangrove forests. These destinations are perfect for a refreshing weekend getaway.

No journey to Hung Yen would be complete without savoring its cuisine. The province is famous for its longan fruit, Nguyen village’s rice cakes, and Quynh Coi fish soup. These dishes, simple yet deeply flavorful, embody the essence of local culinary traditions and leave a lasting impression on every visitor.

Hung Yen is thus a destination that harmonizes heritage, craftsmanship, nature, and gastronomy – offering travelers a rich and multifaceted journey into the soul of the Red River Delta.

Hung Yen does not have any golf courses yet…stay tuned for future projects in this spectacular province!

The Pho Hien National Special Historical Site is one of Hung Yen’s most treasured destinations, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the rich historical, cultural, and architectural legacy of what was once Northern Vietnam’s most bustling international trading port, a flourishing metropolis where diverse cultures converged. While Thang Long Citadel (Hanoi) had 36 streets and wards, Pho Hien boasted more than 20 wards and towns, earning the saying: “First comes Kinh Ky, second stands Pho Hien”.(Kinh Ky means the Capital).

Recognized as a National Special Historical Site in 2014, the Pho Hien complex encompasses 16 representative relics. These include the Xich Dang Literature Temple, Chuong Pagoda, Mau Temple, Hien communal house and pagoda, Pho Pagoda, and many other temples and pagodas distinguished by their unique architecture and unmistakable identity.

Among the highlights is the Mau Temple, located beside Half-moon Lake in Quang Trung Ward. Its ancient beauty is enhanced by three towering trees – Banyan, Ficus, and Fig – all over 700 years old, creating a sacred and mysterious atmosphere.

Another must-see is the Xich Dang Literature Temple, built during the Le Dynasty in the 17th century. This temple symbolizes Hung Yen’s tradition of studiousness and respect for learning. It preserves invaluable artifacts, including nine stone steles inscribed with the names of 161 scholars who passed imperial examinations in the former Son Nam region. The steles are masterpieces of artistry, adorned with intricate carvings of dragons, unicorns, and two dragons worshipping the moon, all executed with remarkable grace and precision.

No journey to Pho Hien would be complete without visiting Chuong (Bell) Pagoda, often described as “Pho Hien’s most beautiful scenic spot.” The pagoda is celebrated for its serene landscape and impressive collection of Buddha statues, including the Three Treasures Hall, the Eight Vajrapani protectors, the Eighteen Arhats, and the Ten Kings of Hell.

Exploring Pho Hien is best done at a leisurely pace. Within a radius of about five kilometers, visitors can rent bicycles, motorbikes, or cyclos to discover its treasures. Along the way, local specialties such as longan fruit, lotus seed tea, and eel noodle soup provide a delightful taste of Hung Yen’s culinary heritage. Together, these experiences make Pho Hien not only a historical site but also a vibrant window into the life and spirit of the people of Hung Yen.

The Mausoleum and Temple Complex of the Tran Dynasty Kings in Tam Duong village, Long Hung commune, Hung Yen province, is a site of immense historical and cultural significance. Long Hung is recognized as the birthplace of the Tran Dynasty, a dynasty that left a brilliant mark in Vietnamese history with three great victories against the Mongol invaders (in XIII century). This land embodies the fiery “Dong A spirit” and serves as the sacred resting place of the dynasty’s wise rulers.

Covering a vast area of 195.01 hectares, the complex is divided into two main sections: the tomb area and the temple area.

The tomb area, spanning 38,221 m², preserves the resting places of the first three kings of the Tran Dynasty. “Phần Đa (also known as Chiêu Lăng)” is the tomb of King Tran Thai Tong, the dynasty’s founder. “Phần Trung (also known as Dụ Lăng)” is the tomb of King Tran Thanh Tong, remembered as a wise ruler who safeguarded national independence with three victories against the Mongol invaders, both as Crown Prince and after ascending the throne. The Buddha Hall (also known as Đức Lăng) is the tomb of King Tran Nhan Tong, a heroic monarch and the founder of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, revered for his intellect and spiritual depth.

The temple complex is equally impressive. The King’s Temple, built on 6,498 m², honors the first three kings (Trần Thái Tông, Trần Thánh Tông, Trần Nhân Tông) along with Supreme Emperor Trần Thừa (father of King Trần Thái Tông), the dynasty’s ancestors, and key political figures such as Tran Thi Dung and Tran Thu Do. The Saint’s Temple, covering 6,011 m², is dedicated to Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan, his family, and descendants, reflecting his enduring legacy as a national hero. The Mother Goddess Temple, with an area of 6,228 m², commemorates the Queen Mothers and Princesses of the early Tran Dynasty, adding a spiritual dimension to the complex.

Beyond its architectural grandeur, the mausoleum and temple complex holds profound cultural value. Each year, from the 13th to the 16th of January, a traditional festival is held to honor the Kings, Queens, officials, and royal family members of the Tran Dynasty who contributed to the nation. This celebration reinforces the site’s role as a living testament to Vietnam’s feudal history and its enduring cultural heritage.

The Keo Pagoda (also known as “Than Quang Tu”), located in Vu Tien commune, Hung Yen province, was built in 1632 during the Le Dynasty, is a Special National Monument and one of Vietnam’s most remarkable wooden architectural masterpieces. With its grand scale and exquisite craftsmanship, Keo Pagoda is considered one of the oldest and most significant pagodas in the country, making it a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Hung Yen.

According to ancient inscriptions, the original complex covered 28 acres (about 100,800 m²). Today, the monument spans over 41,500 m². Its structures are arranged in the style of “nội nhị công, ngoại nhất quốc”, (double ‘Công’ (I-shaped) layout enclosed within a single ‘Quốc’ (enclosed square/rectangle) boundary) aligned along a North – South axis known in feng shui as the sacred axis. Visitors are captivated by the harmony of its layout and the artistry of its wooden architecture. Highlights include the outer and inner triple gates, the Buddhist temple, the main sanctuary, the shrine, the upper hall, the ceremonial staff hall, and especially the tallest wooden bell tower in Vietnam – all standing as a testament to nearly 400 years of enduring craftsmanship.

Keo Pagoda is celebrated as a unique wooden masterpiece, preserving two recognized National Treasures. The first is a set of intricately carved wooden doors adorned with dragon motifs, dating back to the 17th century, located at the inner triple gate and recognized in 2017. The second is a precious wooden altar from the Le Trung Hung period, also from the 17th century, which was designated a national treasure in 2021. These artifacts showcase the refined aesthetics and spiritual devotion of ancient Vietnamese artisans.

Beyond its architectural and artistic value, Keo Pagoda is also a vibrant cultural hub. The Keo Pagoda Festival is one of Hung Yen’s most important traditional events, held twice a year: in spring on the 4th day of the first lunar month, and in autumn in the middle of the ninth lunar month. The festival is a time for prayers for peace and prosperity, drawing large crowds of pilgrims and visitors from across the country.

The Con Vanh Ecotourism Area in Hung Phu commune, Hung Yen is a pristine natural landscape shaped by centuries of Red River alluvial deposits. Spanning nearly 1,700 hectares, it features a diverse ecosystem: almost half the area is covered in lush mangrove forests, while 56 hectares are home to whispering casuarina groves that line a 6-kilometer-long coastline.

The typical Northern climate makes summer the ideal time for visitors to come to Con Vanh to cool off. From April to September, the weather is sunny and the sea is calm, perfect for outdoor activities, enjoying fresh seafood, and breathing in the fresh air.

A distinctive feature of Con Vanh beach is its alluvial sand. Though not as fine as other beaches, it carries a rustic charm and intimate beauty. The clear blue waters, gentle waves, and moderate depth make it a safe and welcoming place for families and children. Here, travelers experience the harmony of sea and forest – a peaceful retreat to reconnect with nature.

The Infinity Beach, also known as Quang Lang Beach, is one of Vietnam’s most enchanting coastal landscapes. Nestled along the banks of the Diem Ho River, this 10 km² stretch of shoreline offers a pristine and tranquil beauty that feels both real and dreamlike. It is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and a deeper connection with nature.

What makes Infinity Beach especially captivating is the magical moment when the tide recedes. The sea surface transforms into a vast mirror, perfectly reflecting the sky above. The combination of dark brown alluvial sand and calm waters creates a surreal scene, making visitors feel as though they have stepped into another world. This phenomenon has earned Infinity Beach its reputation as a “paradise for Instagrammable photos.”
Beyond its striking scenery, the beach offers a poetic glimpse into everyday life. Visitors can watch local fishermen catching seafood in the early morning, immersing themselves in the simple rhythm of coastal living. The atmosphere is peaceful, authentic, and deeply connected to the land and sea.

The best time to explore Infinity Beach is from July to October, when the weather transitions from summer to autumn. During this period, temperatures hover around 23–24°C, creating a pleasantly cool environment. The soft light and serene landscapes make this season perfect for photography, capturing the endless horizon where sea and sky meet in “infinity.”

Located in Le Loi commune, Nam Cao silk weaving village has preserved the essence of its craft for more than 400 years. Using hand looms that are decades or even centuries old, artisans create shimmering silk scarves, ao dai, ao ba ba, cushions, and fabrics. Every stage – from selecting raw materials to spinning, weaving, and dyeing – reflects meticulous skill and creativity. Recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage, the village invites visitors to admire its dazzling silk products and even participate in the weaving and dyeing process.

Situated in Long Hung commune, Hoi Mat weaving village has sustained its craft for over a thousand years. Crossing rice fields, visitors encounter more than 3,000 households, with 80% still engaged in mat weaving. Using sedge and jute fibers grown in fertile alluvial soil, artisans craft mats adorned with symbols of longevity, floral motifs, and intertwined characters. Travelers can witness the rhythmic shuttle of looms and even try spinning fibers themselves, immersing in the timeless countryside atmosphere.

In Tra Giang commune, Dong Xam village has been a cradle of silver engraving for over 600 years. During the Nguyen dynasty, its artisans crafted jewelry, bows, and swords for the imperial court in Hue, and their legacy helped establish Hanoi’s famous Hang Bac Street. Many stages of production remain entirely handmade, ensuring each engraved line carries the unique mark of human artistry. Visitors can admire sparkling silver jewelry, household items, and intricate works of art.

Villages such as Van Giang, Phung Cong, Me So, and Nghia Tru are renowned for their vibrant gardens of roses, chrysanthemums, marigolds, bougainvillea, and orchids. Bonsai, banyan, fig, kumquat, and pomelo trees are meticulously shaped by skilled artisans. Strolling through these lush gardens, visitors can capture beautiful moments and learn cultivation techniques directly from farmers. During Tet (Lunar New Year), the villages bustle with trucks carrying flowers and plants, spreading the joy and colors of spring across the country.

• Cao Thon Incense Village: Located about 9km from Pho Hien, Cao Thon incense village (Son Nam ward, Hung Yen province) has existed for nearly 300 years, preserving the secret of traditional incense making with its distinctive aroma. The artisans carefully select ingredients, such as cinnamon, cloves, incense leaves, star anise, cardamom, pine, grind them into fine powder, mix with natural glue, and then roll them into incense sticks by hand, preserving the exquisite craftsmanship. Currently, about 200 households in Cao Thon incense village still practice the craft.
• Lai Trieu Incense Village: Lai Trieu village, now part of Thuy Anh commune, Hung Yen province, is also a long-standing incense-making village, over 300 years old. Lai Trieu incense is famous for its gentle, not overly strong aroma, thanks to its ingredients – sugarcane, dried sword-leaf dianella root, bamboo sticks, charcoal, and resin. After being handcrafted, the incense is bundled and naturally dried, preserving its pure fragrance.

Visiting the incense-making village, tourists will encounter bundles of golden-red incense drying in the yards, enjoy the subtle fragrance spreading throughout the peaceful countryside, and experience the incense-making process.

The art of Cheo is a traditional theater form deeply rooted in Vietnamese culture, blending theater, folk dance, and music into a unique performance style. Originating in the Northern Delta, Cheo has long been tied to community life, often staged in communal houses, which earned it the name “San Dinh Cheo”.

What makes Cheo distinctive is its use of folk tales and Nom stories, bringing to the stage narratives that reflect the daily lives, emotions, and aspirations of farmers. Through humor, satire, and moral lessons, Cheo promotes virtue, condemns evil, and critiques social injustice. Its characters are symbolic and instantly recognizable: the elegant scholar, the virtuous heroine, or the cunning villain. Each character introduces themselves in performance, creating a unique theatrical identity.

Cheo is also remarkable for its flexible combination of singing, speaking, dancing, and makeup, all imbued with the folk style of the Red River region. The Hung Yen Cheo tradition stands out for its creativity in musical accompaniment, using four types of instruments to enrich the performance, heighten drama, and create distinctive sounds.

Although Cheo is no longer as widespread as in the past, dedicated artists continue to preserve and pass on their passion. Every Cheo melody resonates not only as music but as a living memory of the countryside – a cultural soul that embodies Vietnam’s heritage.

The Hung Yen longan has long been a proud symbol of the land and people of Hung Yen, celebrated in folk songs and poetry as the “king” of all longan varieties. The province is often likened to the “capital” of the longan tree, with its famed caged longan standing out for its exceptional quality.

Every year, beginning in the 6th lunar month, Hung Yen’s roads are filled with the golden-brown clusters of ripe longan. The fruit is prized for its large, round shape, smooth skin, and thick ivory-white flesh. Crisp and translucent like amber, it offers a sweet, refreshing taste accompanied by a delicate aroma. Just peeling away the thin skin reveals the irresistible flesh, making it a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

Beyond its culinary appeal, the longan is also a gift of nature with multiple uses. Longan wood is strong, reddish-pink, and durable, often used in household items. The people of Hung Yen have also perfected the art of making dried longan, a valuable traditional medicine. The fresh flesh is separated and dried into chewy, dark brown segments that retain their aroma and intense sweetness. Dried longan can be eaten directly, steeped in alcohol, or brewed into tea, believed to improve appetite, promote restful sleep, and calm the mind.

For travelers, Hung Yen longan is more than just a fruit – it is a cherished gift and a taste of home. Visitors often bring back bags of golden longan as souvenirs, carrying with them not only a local specialty but also the sweet memory of the fertile alluvial land of the Red River.

“Banh Cay” (crab-egg cake) of Nguyen Village has long been a source of pride, tied to fascinating folk tales. Some say its name comes from the cake’s texture, resembling crab eggs. Others recount that in the past, the cake was offered to the king. When he tasted its sweet, savory flavor with a hint of ginger spice, he asked its name. Local officials replied “spicy cake,” (bánh cay) which villagers later mispronounced as “crab-egg cake” (bánh cáy).

Crafting this fragrant, chewy cake is a meticulous process using entirely natural ingredients: glutinous rice, gac fruit, gardenia fruit, peanuts, sesame seeds, ginger, carrots, tangerine peel, coconut, molasses, and pork fat. The pork fat is soaked in sugar for half a month, then stir-fried until crisp and translucent. Glutinous rice is steamed with gac and gardenia, pounded, dried, and puffed until crispy. Sesame seeds and peanuts are roasted, while carrots and tangerine peel are stir-fried with ginger water and molasses.

Once prepared, all ingredients are stirred together, poured into wooden molds lined with sesame seeds, pressed tightly, and topped with more sesame and grated coconut. The cake hardens before being cut into even slices. Thanks to this traditional method, the cake retains its flavor for months.

A truly authentic Nguyen Village’s Banh Cay carries the aroma of sesame, peanuts, and tangerine peel; the richness of lard and coconut; the delicate sweetness of molasses; and the gentle warmth of ginger. Best enjoyed with a cup of hot lotus tea, this rustic yet refined flavor has made the cake a beloved Hung Yen specialty, cherished by locals and visitors alike.

The Nhech (one type of eels) salad of Thai Thuy, Hung Yen, is regarded as one of the region’s most elaborate and refined seafood dishes. Its main ingredient is a type of fish resembling an eel, found in coastal lagoons. Locals use ash to carefully clean the slime from its body before preparation, ensuring freshness and purity.

To craft the dish, the eel is thinly sliced and mixed with fragrant roasted rice flour. The skin is fried until crispy, adding a rich, fatty flavor, while the bones are crushed and cooked into a special dipping sauce known as “cheo”. This sauce is blended with ginger, garlic, chili, pepper, and finely chopped lemongrass, creating a bold, spicy, and distinctive taste.

When served, Hung Yen locals traditionally wrap the eel salad in fig leaves and fresh vegetables, then dip it in “cheo”. The chewy, sweet, and savory eel combines with the richness of the sauce, the aroma of roasted rice flour, and the freshness of herbs, producing a delightful harmony of flavors.

Enjoying eel salad is more than a meal – it is a culinary experience that reflects the creativity and sophistication of Hung Yen’s cuisine, leaving visitors with an unforgettable taste of the region.

The sea worm, often called “heaven’s bounty” or “earth dragon,” is a unique natural product that appears with the tides in the brackish fields of Bac Thuy Anh commune, Hung Yen. Harvested each year in the lunar months of September and October, sea worms are celebrated in local folk verses as a treasured gift of autumn.

Nutritious and versatile, sea worms can be prepared into a variety of dishes that highlight the creativity of Hung Yen’s cuisine. Popular specialties include patties made by mashing worms with minced meat, eggs, betel leaves, dill, and orange peel before frying them to a golden crisp; clay-pot stews simmered with orange peel, sour starfruit, ginger leaves, and pork belly; spring rolls filled with sea worms; and grilled betel-leaf wraps. Each preparation combines sweet, rich, and spicy flavors with the fragrant notes of herbs and citrus, creating a sensory experience that is both rustic and refined.

Enjoying these dishes is more than just tasting food – it is a cultural reflection of patience, timing, and the rhythm of coastal life. For visitors, savoring sea worm delicacies offers not only a culinary adventure but also a deeper appreciation of Hung Yen’s traditions and its connection to nature.

With Vietnam’s long coastline, jellyfish salad is a dish enjoyed in many regions, each with its own distinctive preparation. In Thai Thuy, Hung Yen, this salad has become a celebrated specialty, offering the refreshing taste of the coastal countryside.

The process of making jellyfish salad is meticulous. Fresh jellyfish are first cleaned to remove toxins, then marinated with alum salt to achieve a chewy, crispy texture. They are sliced thin and blanched in boiling water. Onions are prepared in the same way, then mixed with shredded chicken, dried squid or beef, roasted peanuts, coconut pulp, carrots, shredded green mango, and herbs such as lime leaves and mint. The key lies in the dressing – a harmonious blend of fish sauce, sugar, lemon juice, garlic, and chili – which balances sweet and sour flavors while enhancing the natural freshness of the ingredients.

When served, the crisp jellyfish combines with the richness of fish sauce, the nutty flavor of roasted peanuts, the delicate aroma of herbs, and the tang of green mango. Coconut pulp and shredded chicken add depth, while the dressing ties everything together into a vibrant, flavorful dish.

Thai Thuy’s jellyfish salad is more than just food; it is a sensory experience that captures the essence of the sea. With its crisp textures, balanced flavors, and refreshing character, it has become an unforgettable culinary specialty that reflects the unique charm of Hung Yen’s coastal cuisine.

Throughout the ages, rice has been inseparably tied to the wet-rice civilization, embodying the sweat, dedication, and resilience of Vietnamese farmers. In the fertile plains of Hung Yen – nourished by abundant alluvial deposits – rice is not only a staple food but also a carrier of enduring economic and cultural significance. Across expansive fields, hardworking farmers carefully select varieties and draw upon generations of cultivation wisdom to produce rice that is fragrant, consistently high in quality, and able to meet the ever-rising demands of the market.

Among the most notable varieties are TBR225, cherished for its soft, sticky texture and naturally sweet, nutty flavor that remains delightful even when cooled; the widely grown Bac Thom No. 7, renowned for its rich sweetness; and Nep Cai Hoa Vang (Golden Flower Glutinous Rice), prized for its distinctive aroma and stickiness, ideal for traditional sticky rice dishes and cakes. Each variety carries its own unique flavor profile, yet all are born of fertile soil, favorable climate, and the tireless hands of farmers – together reinforcing the reputation of Hung Yen rice in the marketplace.

Beyond its culinary value, Hung Yen rice is deeply woven into the cultural fabric of rural life. It graces family meals, enriches traditional festivals, and features prominently in customs and folklore surrounding rice cultivation. Thus, the humble grain stands as a symbol of abundance, resilience, and the industrious spirit of the people of the Northern Delta – and indeed, of Vietnam as a whole.