From nearly 100 ancient relics in Hanoi and over a year of meticulous surveying and research by leading experts from France and Vietnam, four heritage routes associated with four traditional Vietnamese beliefs have been officially launched, giving visitors the opportunity to experience the most special and profound values of 28 typical relics of the capital city.
Notably, for the first time, a vast archive of documents in French, Sino-Vietnamese, and Vietnamese has been brought to life through the "Hanoi Heritage Tourism Journey" project. Each historical site is then vividly recreated through complete, digitized records on interactive electronic maps and integrated into the H-Heritage application. From there, with just a smartphone, tourists can touch history.
As the chief scientific coordinator and involved in the entire research process, Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep (French International Technical Cooperation Agency - Expertise France) shared that she was truly moved on the day the project was launched.
A journey to awaken heritage
- As the person in charge of a project to revive the heritage of the capital city, funded by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs, how do you assess the results of this project?
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep: We implemented the project in a short period of time with a relatively modest budget, but I am very satisfied with the results, because of the objectives achieved and especially because the project also has significant training value.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep. (Photo: Mai Mai/Vietnam+)
Firstly, we have the opportunity to train students majoring in tourism, history, culture, and architecture in some survey methods and theories about heritage.
Secondly, in terms of research, we organized a group study covering 10 in-depth topics. Thirdly, in terms of digital technology, we have developed a website, an interactive map, and an app that guides visitors on heritage experience itineraries.
However, due to limited time and budget, we have only been able to test four routes. We hope to continue receiving support from relevant Vietnamese authorities to expand these routes into a "trail network," with each stop representing a historical site. This is also a method of bringing heritage closer to individuals, helping heritage interact with the community.
I believe the project has successfully covered all levels, from typical recreational tourism experiences to cultural and religious exploration of Vietnam. This is because the four itineraries we developed are linked to four traditional Vietnamese beliefs, which I analyzed in great depth and detail.
The traditional craft of silversmithing is still preserved in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter. (Photo: Nhu Dung/Vietnam+)
Furthermore, the project aims to complement extracurricular activities in training, becoming a tool for teachers to instruct students. Each journey is linked together by a compelling, memorable story. For example, the vocational journey will consist of 8 locations associated with 8 different professions, deeply connected to the labor culture of ancient Hanoi and traditional Vietnamese culture.
However, we still need experts from Vietnam, France, and internationally to continue working together to support local authorities and governments so that we can achieve network coverage similar to the Hanoi metro network for the product and eventually expand it nationwide.
- Given the initial results you just mentioned, how do you assess the role of scientific institutions, and especially the participation of universities, in this project?
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep: Our project involves three very important universities: the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, with its history and tourism departments; the School of Interdisciplinary Sciences under Hanoi National University, with its heritage department; and the University of Architecture.
We collaborated with these three universities to take students on field trips and have them participate in presentations. We found it quite effective in training not only within the school but also by allowing students to go into the field to learn what knowledge they need to acquire at each historical site along the way.
French Ambassador to Vietnam Olivier Brochet visits Quan Thanh Temple. (Photo: Mai Mai/Vietnam+)
I think the project could later collaborate with the University of Culture, tourism departments of universities, the Hanoi Department of Tourism, and the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism to expand the "heritage network" nationwide.
We will continue to expand this journey.
- What key criteria were used to develop the itineraries, and were any difficulties encountered during implementation?
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep: These four journeys were chosen to be launched first because they are connected to the traditional beliefs of the Vietnamese people. Firstly, the worship of the guardian deities of Thang Long (Hanoi's four fortresses); secondly, the worship of the founding fathers of the oldest traditional crafts for Hanoi and Vietnam; thirdly, the worship of the Mother Goddess, a belief recognized by UNESCO as a world intangible cultural heritage and a unique belief of Vietnam; and fourthly, the Zen Buddhist temple journey, associated with the monk An Thien, a prominent figure of Vietnamese Buddhism who founded a very special Zen school.
In the future, we aim to create new itineraries about traditional craft villages and ancient Vietnamese churches built during the French colonial period. These are the kinds of itineraries we will continue to create.
- The project has just been launched to the public in Hanoi with four heritage experience routes. What are the plans for expansion in the future, Madam?
Dr. Nguyen Thi Hiep: Currently, our website belongs to a European program, headquartered in Switzerland, and all the itineraries we post will be promoted throughout Europe. Expanding the itineraries is certain, as the current results are a successful experiment, and we definitely need to replicate this model.
International tourists visit the Temple of Literature - National University. (Photo: Mai Mai/Vietnam+)
To achieve this, we will need to work with the City and various levels of Vietnamese government to further expand the scope of these new itineraries. For example, we are researching the possibility of creating a heritage tour that combines French colonial architecture with ancient villas; or a tour of Buddhist temples with a branch influenced more by Indian or Chinese traditions. We also want to explore a tour of traditional craft villages in ancient Hanoi and its surrounding areas.
These are the areas we are currently researching, and we hope to continue to receive funding and have larger projects to undertake.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
The "Hanoi Heritage Tourism Journey" project is part of the FEF-R Patrimoine project, funded by the French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs (through the French Embassy and the French Institute in Vietnam - IFV), and implemented in collaboration with the University of Social Sciences and Humanities - Vietnam National University, Hanoi (USSH - VNU), the French School of Far Eastern Studies (EFEO), and the Francophone University Organization (AUF).
(Vietnam+)
Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/trai-nghiem-di-san-thu-do-voi-nhung-diem-cham-tin-nguong-co-truyen-dac-biet-post1081175.vnp
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