Developing tourism in Hung Yen

Throughout the more than a thousand years of the nation's history, Hung Yen has not only been a fertile rice-growing region but also a land of "spiritual and talented people," marking periods of prosperity and decline, especially through the image of Pho Hien – a once thriving trading port. From the lessons of ancient Pho Hien, Hung Yen today can draw directions for breakthroughs, becoming an attractive destination for cultural, spiritual, and riverine tourism .

The river, the source, and the golden memories.

Going back in time, we see that Pho Hien was not far from the capital Thang Long. On one side of the river was Phu Phuong, and on the other side was Chi Long in Son Nam Ha. On both Phuong and Long, via the waterways of the Day and Hong rivers, people could once transport goods from Thang Long and its various crafts to communities in all directions.

Pho Hien also served as a gateway, controlling all river trade routes from the coast into Northern Vietnam, connecting to bustling urban areas, including the capital city of Thang Long. Historical records show that in the 17th and 18th centuries, kings, officials, and talented individuals frequently traveled by waterway to Pho Hien for entertainment, shopping, and to enjoy the cultural atmosphere of these vibrant cities.

During its heyday, Chinese merchants in Xich Dang established trading bases there and expanded their connections with ports such as Hoi Trieu in Thanh Hoa, Can Hai and Hoi Thong in Nghe An . Pho Hien was also directly connected to international trade routes via the East Sea, with countries such as Japan, China, Southeast Asian countries, as well as many Western countries such as the Netherlands, England, France, Italy, Portugal, etc.

Pho Hien is not only economically strong but also a "spiritual land" with a rich system of temples, pagodas, and shrines: Hien Pagoda, Mau Temple, Thien Hau Temple... It is a place where poets and scholars stop to admire the scenery, a place that preserves anecdotes about the harmonious blend of East and West, creating a unique "multicultural space". The people of Pho Hien in the past skillfully combined geographical factors, the river, and cultural and religious life, transforming Pho Hien into an integral part of the "soul" of the Northern Delta region.

However, Pho Hien could not escape the cycle of rise and fall. When the Red River changed its course, the Pho Hien port was no longer convenient for ships to pass through. The shift in the political and economic center towards the South (Vi Hoang, Nam Dinh), along with the Nguyen dynasty's "closed-door" policy, caused Pho Hien to gradually decline. Western trading posts dwindled, the port became deserted of merchant ships, and Pho Hien faded into oblivion.

What is the profound lesson here? It's not just due to natural changes; this decline also reflects a lack of sustainable development awareness and vision that is not closely tied to the river, the source of life. The Red River once "carried" Pho Hien to the heights of commerce and culture, and when people neglected its role, the riverside city lost its vitality.

Looking back at Pho Hien today, it is clear that the river is not only a "transportation route," but also a "cultural waterway," connecting communities, nurturing identity, and creating intangible values for development. This is also an important basis for Hung Yen today to affirm the role of the Red River, Luoc River, Bac Hung Hai River, etc., as potential waterway tourism routes and cultural foundations.

Unlocking the tourism potential of the riverside, reviving the "spirit of the countryside" in Hung Yen.

In the context of international integration and fierce competition among tourist destinations, finding a unique path is a matter of survival. Fortunately, Hung Yen possesses a treasure trove of heritage that few places have: over 1,800 historical relics, including 176 national-level relics; ancient villages and traditional craft villages such as Nom village, Phu Ung village… along with characteristic festivals of the Red River civilization. All of these are like “gems” waiting to be polished to shine.

The gentle Red River flows around Pho Hien today.

In particular, the Red River, the "mother river," could become the "backbone" for riverside tourism development. Along this river, tourists can experience a journey "back in time," from Hanoi to Pho Hien, from modern to ancient times. Boat tours will recreate the bustling trading scene of the past, combined with visits to traditional craft villages, temples, and historical sites along the river.

The Luoc River and the Bac Hung Hai River, important irrigation systems, are also "green" tourist routes, offering an experience close to nature. Visitors can not only admire the peaceful scenery of Hung Yen's countryside but also learn about rural life, a unique part of the "soul of the countryside" that urban tourists always crave.

Developing tourism in Hung Yen cannot simply stop at promoting destinations. It requires a comprehensive, long-term strategy centered on preserving and promoting heritage values, harmoniously combining natural, cultural, and community elements. First, it is necessary to conduct surveys and create detailed dossiers on tangible and intangible heritage in the area. From there, a "Hung Yen cultural tourism map" should be developed, avoiding fragmented and uncoordinated exploitation. A waterway tourism route should be planned, with the Red River potentially becoming a "key tourism route" connecting Hanoi, Hung Yen, and Hai Duong. River tours will offer novel experiences, allowing visitors to discover the peaceful beauty of the Red River Delta. Simultaneously, routes along the Luoc River, Bac Hung Hai, etc., need investment, linked to traditional crafts, cuisine, and festivals. Furthermore, river improvement and environmental protection should be prioritized. Dredging and clearing waterways is not only a requirement for agricultural production but also the "lifeblood" of tourism. A clean and beautiful river will be a space for ecological experiences, connecting village culture and recreating the memories of ancient Pho Hien. In addition, it is necessary to build boat docks, riverside rest stops, floating restaurants, etc., but these must harmonize with the landscape and not disrupt the cultural and historical space. "Soft" infrastructure (human resources, tourism products, professional services) also needs to be prioritized. Finally, it should be noted that local people are the main actors in tourism. They are the "living guides" who tell stories of their village and preserve traditions. Tourism development must be linked to improving livelihoods and the quality of life for residents.

With a strong commitment to developing cultural tourism as part of its socio-economic development strategy, Hung Yen province recently completed the project "Construction and Restoration of the Ancient Pho Hien" and submitted it to the competent authorities for approval. The project not only aims to restore a once-renowned trading port in Northern Vietnam but also represents a strategic breakthrough to transform Hung Yen into a unique cultural tourism destination.

When implemented, the project will unlock the immense potential of Pho Hien – a land rich in unique historical, architectural, and religious values. In particular, developing tourism by leveraging the advantages of the Red River and waterways will create new attractions, recreating the bustling trade flow of the past, transforming Pho Hien into a "highlight" of riverside tourism – a type of tourism increasingly popular with visitors.

At the same time, the project will promote the preservation and promotion of tangible and intangible heritage values – from temples, pagodas, and shrines to traditional festivals such as Ca Tru, Cheo, and Hat Trong Quan. Recreating diverse cultural spaces, combining preservation and development, will not only improve the lives of the people but also affirm Hung Yen's position on the national and international tourism map.

Organizational chart of the functional zoning of the project to restore the ancient Pho Hien street as proposed by Xuan Truong enterprise (Image extracted from the project proposal)

Today, Hung Yen has all the conditions to continue writing the "heroic epic of Pho Hien," transforming its rivers and heritage into soft power – a competitive advantage in tourism. As tourist boats once again glide along the Red River, and as the ancient Pho Hien is revived in a new rhythm of life, Hung Yen will not only be a destination, but also a journey back to its roots – a land that embodies and spreads enduring culture and history.

Thanh Mai

Source: https://baohungyen.vn/phat-trien-du-lich-hung-yen-bai-hoc-tu-pho-hien-xua-va-huong-toi-tuong-lai-3181778.html