I’m a photography enthusiast, and the landscapes in Northwest Vietnam seem incredible for capturing scenic views. Are there any specific spots that are particularly photogenic...
Thu Sy commune, Tien Lu district, Hung Yen province is famous for its nearly 200-year-old traditional craft village in Vietnam specializing in bamboo fish trap. Surrounding simple old houses and the beautiful scenery of labour have become a source of inspiration for many photographers. This is also an ideal place for those who want to make an excursion to a peaceful land not too far from Hanoi.
Are you planning to explore bamboo fish trap making villages in Thu Sy, Hung Yen province? Let's find out the many interesting information about the village through the article below!
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1. About Thu Sy bamboo fish trap weaving village
The bamboo fish trap making village is a little-known place in Hung Yen province, located to the west of Hanoi, within 1 hour drive. Today, there are households still practising weaving bamboo thread to create fish traps.
Coming to the villages, visitors will feel the peaceful village space, hear the sound of roosters crowing at noon and witness the daily life of the local people. This place is not far from Hanoi, so it is suitable for tourists to explore during one day.
Đó or bamboo fish traps in Thu Sy have been in the weaving works for more than 200 years. Thu Sy’s villagers used to rely on fishing as their main source of income. Later, people gradually looked for other ways to earn for living, so there were not as many households as in the past. Tourism in the village has not been developed yet, so you will feel like you have found a truly peaceful childhood. Going around the village, especially on sunny days, you will come across three-compartment houses. There are not many tourists but only simple, friendly local residents. If you get lost, don't be afraid to ask a local, they will be willing to show you, even lead you to the place.
2. How to get to that Thu Sy craft village?
The bamboo fish trap making village in Thu Sy is 7km far from Hung Yen city and about 55km from Hanoi city centre. To get to this village, there are 3 options for you: by car, by motorbike or travel by guided tour.
2.1. Ride motorbike
Starting from the centre of Hanoi city, you drive along Highway 5, turn into provincial road 200 to arrive at Thu Sy commune, Tien Lu district, Hung Yen province. Continuing to go through Ba Hang, you have reached the bamboo weaving villages of Noi Lang and Tat Vien.
2.2. By car
You can follow the road for motorbike or drive on the highway Hanoi - Hai Phong, exit at the Yen My junction. Turn left and then drive straight to Thu Sy commune. Continuing to drive through the small winding alleys to reach Noi Lang and Tat Vien Village.
2.3. By a guided tour
If you are afraid to find a place to park your car and avoid getting lost, booking a tour is an option worth your consideration. Visitors should choose a reputable tour operator to rely on. Tour price will depend on the time you go, duration and the number of people in the group. If you go in a larger group, the tour price will definitely be cheaper, so why not get your friends and relatives to join in and explore the village.
3. Đó weaving - the skilful craft making
Đó profession has existed for a long time, associated with the long-standing wet-rice agriculture. Besides ploughing, in leisure time, people increase production by catching fish and shrimp. Đó is a traditional popular fish trap in the Northern countryside. In the past, it was easy to see people carrying those vehicles on the road, they even sold them in neighbouring provinces. Today, the profession is only concentrated in 2 villages of Noi Lang and Tat Vien. Đó is not only an agricultural tool, but also becomes an interior decoration tool, and can be exported to other Northern provinces, even exported to foreign countries.
The raw material for Đó is bamboo. Previously, the materials were always available in the village, but then people import bamboo materials from neighbouring places. The main steps to make Đó are not too complicated. Adults or children can learn it in a few sessions. But you will recognize that weaving requires a lot of skills and meticulousness. An skilled craftsman on average can finish the piece at least within an hour, not counting the effort to chop dry bamboo.
After finishing, bamboo slats will have a bright colour. After that, people smoke them in the kitchen attic, until it turns to the characteristic brown colour as cockroach wings. The procedure helps avoid termites and increase the durability.
One of the craftsman still make a lot of Đó is Mr. Luong Son Bac. Nearly 80-year old, he still weaves very quickly and masterfully. Under the roof of Vietnamese three-compartment houses, the old are weaving in peace, making it more attractive to tourists and photographers.
4. Places to visit near Thu Sy villages
Xich Dang Temple of Literature: located about 8.5km from Tat Vien craft village, Thu Sy commune, Xich Dang Temple of Literature is the second oldest after Quoc Tu Giam Temple of Literature in Hanoi. The architecture is quite ancient and impressive. It is the place to worship Confusius and reflect the learning tradition of Vietnamese people.
Chuong Pagoda: situated 1km far from Xich Dang Temple of Literature, Chuong pagoda (Bell pagoda) is famous for 52 Arhat statues with a sacred bronze bell. The name of the pagoda used to be named after the mythical story about the bell.
5. Notes when travelling to craft villages
To have a convenient and memorable excursion to Thu Sy bamboo weaving village, visitors may take some worthy notes:
- See the weather forecast carefully before departure. On rainy days, people do not bring the craft products outside to dry.
- Interact with the locals to know more about the village life, don’t hesitate to ask them for directions because google maps may not update all the corners of the village.
- Bring some medicine for allergies just in case
- Order lunch one day in advance or prepare the snacks as there are just a few restaurants surrounding.
Above is basic information about Thu Sy bamboo fish trap weaving village. I hope you will have interesting and meaningful experiences in this traditional craft Vietnamese village. Don't forget to take lots of photos to capture beautiful moments with your beloved ones.
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