Van Phuc – A thousand-year-old silk village preserving the essence of Vietnamese culture.

When talking about Vietnamese silk, one cannot fail to mention Van Phuc village in Ha Dong ward, Hanoi. For generations, this village, nestled beside the tranquil Nhue Giang river, has diligently woven lustrous, soft silk fabrics that possess both ancient beauty and are deeply connected to the essence of national culture.

Van Phuc Silk Village, located in Ha Dong Ward, Hanoi , has a history spanning over 1,000 years. Previously known as Van Bao, it was renamed Van Phuc due to a taboo against using the Nguyen Dynasty's name. Throughout its more than a millennium, the village has weathered numerous historical changes, yet it has preserved its essence, becoming a symbol of Vietnamese silk today.

With nearly 800 households engaged in the craft, accounting for approximately 60% of the village's households, Van Phuc produces 2.5 to 3 million square meters of fabric annually, contributing up to 63% of the village's total revenue. It is also recognized by the Vietnam Book of Records Center as the "Oldest Silk Weaving Village Still in Operation Today"—a testament to the enduring vitality of this traditional craft.

As early as 1931, Van Phuc silk was introduced at the Marseille Fair (France) and immediately gained acclaim, being recognized as one of the most exquisite and beautiful silks in Indochina. By 1958, the silk products from this region were being exported to many Eastern European countries, and to this day, they are still available in many countries around the world .

What makes Van Phuc silk so special is the exquisite detail in each thread and each pattern. The silk here is not only soft, smooth, and durable, but also embodies the soul of the artisan. The patterns on the silk are diverse, symmetrically arranged, with graceful, simple yet free-spirited lines. These silk products are not only for wearing but also for admiring, for appreciating a beauty deeply rooted in art and culture.

Today, in addition to preserving traditional beauty, Van Phuc is also gradually innovating to keep up with market trends. The people here have combined traditional weaving techniques with modern technology, creating diverse products to meet domestic and international demands.

Besides being the place that produces famous silk fabrics, Van Phuc has also become an attractive destination for tourists.

Village roads adorned with colorful silk, ancient houses steeped in history, and looms still regularly creaking… all combine to create a unique cultural space that captivates many visitors.

Amidst the hustle and bustle of modern life, when many traditional craft villages are facing the risk of extinction, Van Phuc continues to shine as a vibrant testament to the enduring vitality of Vietnamese craft village culture. Each silk fabric here is not only a product of skillful craftsmanship, but also the embodiment of memories, traditions, and national pride.

Recognized as a member of the "World Creative Cities of Crafts" network, Van Phuc craft village is not only a source of pride for Hanoi but also for the entire country. The younger generation here is following in the footsteps of their ancestors, both preserving and innovating to bring Vietnamese silk to even greater heights.

Festival for the Preservation and Development of Vietnamese Traditional Craft Villages.

The moment the Van Phuc silk weaving village was officially announced.

The ceremony marked the acceptance of Bat Trang pottery village and Van Phuc silk weaving village as members of the global network of creative craft cities.

Source: Economic & Urban Newspaper

Source: http://sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn/van-phuc-lang-lua-nghin-nam-giu-hon-tinh-hoa-viet.html