Unusual Hanoi Textile Tours: Old Quarter and Van Phuc Silk Village

Van Phuc Village

Vietnamese capital Hanoi is a veritable gold mine of historical and cultural treasures. Of all the things to do in Hanoi, the distinctive textile tours are the most popular as they allow tourists to explore the rich history of Vietnamese textile arts. This book will lead you on exciting textile tours of the Van Phuc Silk Village, well-known for its fine silk goods, and the Old Quarter of Hanoi, which is well-known for its expert tailors.

Explore the Old Quarter: Tailors’ Paradise

The Old Quarter

The many sights, delicious food, lively nightlife, and distinctive handicrafts have made Hanoi Old Quarter famous. Here in downtown, one can easily perceive the city’s ups and downs. That’s the reason it’s regarded as a great place for visitors to go on foot and discover Hanoian culture textile tours. Go through this post until the very end for further information on Hanoi Old Quarter! When one talks of Hanoi, one almost automatically thinks of “36 street Hanoi" or “Hanoi Old Quarter" since they are the streets that have seen the capital’s history. Nowadays, tourists just cannot miss the charming ancient area of Hanoi.

Hoan Kiem Lake is to the west and north of Hanoi Old Quarter. 36 streets make up this region. Hang Dau Street runs on the northernmost edge of the ancient district, while Phung Hung Street runs on the westernmost. Hang Bong Street, Hang Gai Street, Cau Go Street, and Hang Thung Street are in the southern portion; Tran Quang Khai Street and Tran Nhat Duat Street are in the eastern section.

Tailors in Hanoi Old Quarter

• Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake

Hoan Kiem Lake

Sword Lake, often called Hoan Kiem Lake, is regarded as the beating heart of Hanoi and is connected to the myth of the turtle god claiming the enchanted sword. This is a tourist spot in Hanoi that demonstrates the historical and spiritual legacy of the city in addition to drawing tourists with its airy scenery. Everyone visiting this city should thus make one visit here.

One old Turtle Tower is located in the center of Hoan Kiem Lake. In addition, you can see a little peninsula home in textile tours to several well-known sites such as Pen Tower, The Huc Bridge, Tran Ba Community House, Ngoc Son Temple, etc. A well-known speciality that has been enjoyed in Hanoi for many years is Trang Tien ice cream, which you may have when visiting Hoan Kiem Lake.

• Discover Hanoi’s ancient streets

Ha Noi Street

Explore Hanoi’s historic street, where lively business and age-old customs coexist peacefully with contemporary appeal. A fascinating look into Hanoi’s rich cultural legacy may be had from the 36 guild streets that make up the Old Quarter.

A select handful have been able to maintain their classic charm even if many have changed throughout time. Money changers are still busy and beautiful jewelry is clinking on Hang Bac, also called Silver Street. Hang Ma draws residents in quest of spiritual keepsakes with its colorful collection of religious objects and festive décor. Hang Gai, often known as Silk Street, is a lively patchwork of fabric stores and tailors textile tours who provide bespoke suits and gowns.

• Take in the busy vibe of Dong Xuan Market

Situated on the westernmost point of Hanoi Old Quarter, Dong Xuan Market is encircled by the streets of Dong Xuan, Hang Khoai, and Cau Dong. This market has long represented and been the pride of the Hanoi people, much like Ben Thanh Market in Ho Chi Minh City or Dam Market in Da Nang, textile tours.

Tucked down in the heart of Hanoi, this 6,500 square metre wholesale market is home to almost 2,100 vendors and 71 kiosks. It is a supply source for vendors and sells a wide range of goods to the residents of Hanoi. Every day hundreds of people visit there, mostly to buy, take photos, or eat, textile tours.

Key Tailor Shops to Visit

Chuong Tailor

Chuong Tailor

Known for its excellent service and wide range of fabrics.

Review: 

“Good quality tailors can make clothes really quickly. Extremely good value for money, but you can tell it’s not on the same level as tailors like A Dong Silk. They encourage you to buy more clothes, even with a small time frame, and then are not that keen to alter them if you are leaving soon. But overall a good value for money tailor with friendly well spoken English staff.”

“Same day service. Walked in, told them I needed a sports jacket, I selected the outer and inner fabric and they made it in 3 hours! After the fitting when I returned there were a few adjustments made and voila! Great service and value. Very satisfied.”

“Tailor that pays a lot of attention to your personal wishes and needs, and doesn’t mind adjusting the suit one more time. After two fittings I am really happy with the result textile tours!”

 Ngô Minh Tailor

 Famous for its quick turnaround time and precise fittings.

Review 

 “Fantastic experience with at this tailor from start to finish! They were really helpful when it came to helping me choose a fabric and style that suited me and were abled to accommodate all my requests. Absolutely thrilled with the overall result, fit is perfect and the quality second to none. Overall, incredibly friendly and personal service, really nice feeling to the shop as well.”

“Really good experience at Ngô Minh Tailor! Sat me on the couch, gave me water and there we were… so many fabrics to chose from, they suggested me many ideas, patterns, etc… I decided to go with something more classic because that’s what I needed, but the options are infinite! The next day I came back for fitting, gave some directions for adjustments and BAM! The work is impressive, the sewing looks very professional. Love my suit, would come back anytime!"

Discover Van Phuc Silk Village: A Legacy of Silk Weaving

Van Phuc Village

Known by its other name, Ha Dong Silk Village, Van Phuc Silk Village is situated more than 10 kilometers from the city center on the banks of the tranquil Nhue River in Van Phuc Ward, Ha Dong District, Hanoi. Follow this simple motorcycle path to get to the village: Nguyen Trai – Le Van Luong – To Huu. You only have to pay for parking; entering the hamlet is free of cost. The whole year round, Van Phuc Silk Village welcomes guests. Still, the best months to visit are late winter and early spring. The weather is really nice and chilly right now. November is especially the month when Van Phuc celebrates cultural week, so you will be surrounded by a lively environment and vivid landscape. Specially designed umbrella roads and village entrances with surrounding yellow lights will give the community the appearance of a little version of textile tours of Hoi An in Hanoi.

Van Phuc Silk Village Highlights

Van Phuc Village

There have been people living in Van Phuc Silk Village for over a millennium. Here are marketplaces, community yards, water wharfs, and old banyan trees. It made its worldwide debuts in 1931 at the Paris and Marseille fairs.

“Made in Van Phuc” silk goods are consistently of the highest quality, even with their turbulent past. Their elegance and attention to detail are highly valued by the French, who often export them to Eastern Europe.

Van Phuc silk is equally lovely and long-lasting, but with a certain hardness and suppleness. Its many designs are also appropriate for clients of varied inclinations. That is the reason Van Phuc silk has led Vietnam’s textile industry for hundreds of years.

• • Van silk: This silk is the most well-known and typical in the community. The shine of the silk thread is its most obvious characteristic. The ability and attention to detail of the trained and experienced artisans have left the silk very smooth even without the use of any polishing equipment or technology. Lots of various designs are seen on the silk. Van silk is the best option if you desire a sophisticated ao dai.

• Satin silk: The women adore satin because it is so glossy and silky. Perfect for bodycon open-back dresses. Summertime satin will also make you feel really cool and comfy. Satin silk is prone to wrinkles, nevertheless, and washings will cause inevitable fading. Famous for its exquisite satin silk is Van Phuc Silk Village.

Shopping Tips

Shopping

• Quality Check: When buying silk products, ensure their authenticity by checking for smoothness, luster, and strength.
• Bargain Wisely: While prices are generally fair, don’t hesitate to bargain for the best deals.
• Explore Local Shops: Visit multiple shops to see the variety of products and prices available.

Plan Your Textile Tour in Hanoi Today

The textile excursions in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Van Phuc Silk Village have something to offer everyone, regardless of your interests—fashion, history, or just seeking for unusual mementos. Take in the vibrant Vietnamese textile arts tapestry and bring a little bit of Hanoi’s cultural legacy home.

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