Talking about the beautiful and famous silk weaving village in Vietnam, we cannot help but mention the name of Van Phuc silk village, Ha Dong with delicate embroidery lines and patterns.
Van Phuc Silk Village Ha Dong is one of the most famous silk weaving villages in Vietnam. This is a traditional silk weaving village that has been recognized as the record “The oldest silk weaving village still operating to this day” by the Vietnam Record Book Center awarded. Moreover, Ha Dong silk village is also an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists.
Ha Dong silk village is also an attractive destination for both domestic and foreign tourists
Where is Van Phuc Ha Dong silk village?
Van Phuc silk weaving village is also known as Ha Dong silk weaving village in Van Phuc ward – Ha Dong – Hanoi. Having existed for more than 1000 years, Van Phuc silk village is one of the most beautiful silk weaving villages in Vietnam.
Gate of Van Phuc village. Photo: Traveloka
From the center of Hanoi, to visit Van Phuc silk village, you pass Nguyen Trai street to Ha Dong post office and then turn right; Or you can follow the route Le Van Luong – To Huu. Although the current urbanization process is happening very quickly, Van Phuc Ha Dong silk village still retains its ancient beauty.
Women and sisters gathered together to wear traditional ao dai to take pictures check-in at Van Phuc silk village. Photo: VTV
When was Van Phuc Ha Dong silk village born?
Van Phuc silk village was formerly known as Van Bao. Due to the Nguyen Dynasty, the village was renamed Van Phuc. In 1931, for the first time, Van Phuc Ha Dong silk was promoted to the international market at the Marseille Fair and was rated by the French as one of the most beautiful and delicate silk lines of Indochina. By 1958, Van Phuc silk was exported to Eastern European countries and until now, Ha Dong silk is popular in many countries around the world.
Stalls at Ha Dong silk village attract visitors to visit. Photo: Phuong Linh
Over time, Van Phuc silk retains its traditional beauty. And now, Van Phuc silk is at the forefront of Vietnam’s textile industry. Van Phuc silk is always considered beautiful and durable. Because the pattern on silk is diverse, symmetrical decoration, elegant and simple lines bring the definitive and liberal view to the viewer.
When was Van Phuc Ha Dong silk village born? Photo: Phuong Linh
Silk production process of Van Phuc silk craft village
B1: Growing mulberry to raise silkworms
This is the first and extremely important step for us to start creating the perfect beautiful Van Phuc silk sheets . The quality of silk will depend entirely on silkworm raising. Therefore, silkworm raising is extremely hard, must be monitored regularly. When silkworms grow up, farmers have to avoid silkworms to release silk and create cocoons. When silkworms create cocoons, the artisan chooses cocoons to prepare for the next thing is to take the silk.
Silkworm cocoon: Photo: Vietnamese Silk
B2: Take the silk
After silkworms release silk, close cocoons. At this time, the artists continue to choose the old cocoons with good quality to pull the cocoon, also known as the silk yarn from the cocoon out of the silkworm. Previously, this process would be handcrafted but now it is made from machinery.
The artisan takes silk. Photo: Silk of Vietnam
When the cocoon is finished, the long strands will be polished straight by the artist and then entered the reeling stage. This is the manual process to avoid tangled silk when put on reel.
B3: Prepare to weave silk
After the silk is put on the reel, the yarn ends will be pulled out to the small cores to carry the weaving and splicing so that the system of fibers is fed into the loom. And at this time, the craftsman must be on duty 24/24 to detect the error or to continue the thread when needed.
Silk fabric after finishing weaving. Photo: Silk of Vietnam
The rough silk sheets after being woven will show the patterns on it. According to the Van Phuc silk village artist , this pattern is available on the machine according to the model, or according to the customer’s request. And when weaved, it will always be, not embroidered patterns like counterfeits. After about 2 to 3 days of weaving, the silk tube is about 45-50m long and will be dismantled and dyed.
B4: Fabric dye
Before dyeing, Van Phuc silk must be taken to cook and bleach to remove impurities. To make the silk more beautiful, the dyeing step is extremely important, especially the mixing of dyes in the right ratio.
Dyeing cloth. Photo: Silk of Vietnam
Finished silk will be washed. Then it will be performed by artisans. Previously, if the weather conditions were favorable and there was plenty of space, the finished dyeing silk was exposed to the sun. Silk drying will be finished in accordance with the dyeing time, the silk plants will then be displayed or delivered to silk dealers.
Silk fabric after finishing dyeing. Photo: Silk of Vietnam
Van Phuc silk village today
Today, Van Phuc silk village has become extremely diverse with many different models and types: flying clouds, dragon phoenix, flower buds, top vines, four cinnamon … has been shown under the skillful hands and delicate and creative mind of the silk artist Van Phuc. As a result, the new silk products are so plentiful, unique and aesthetically high. With outstanding features, so, Ha Dong silk is always chosen as a gift for relatives and friends when visitors come here.
Ha Dong Silk is always chosen as a gift for relatives and friends. Photo: Phuong Linh
Currently, Van Phuc Ha Dong silk has nearly 800 households doing silk weaving, accounting for nearly 60% of the total number of households living here. Every year, Van Phuc Ha Dong silk village produces about 2.5 to 3 million square meters of fabric, equivalent to 63% of the total turnover of the craft village.
What is special about Van Phuc silk village in Ha Dong?
Especially when visitors come to explore Van Phuc Ha Dong silk village , surely all of us are fascinated by the colorful Van Phuc umbrella. It is the eye-catching and unique decoration from colorful umbrellas that has brought an impressive scene, allowing visitors to freely check in beautiful pictures when coming here.
Van Phuc umbrella street is brightly colored Photo: VTV
Young people check in. Photo: VTV
The street of Van Phuc umbrella at night is beautiful and sparkling. Photo: VTV
Besides the colorful umbrella road, Van Phuc silk village also has a very “hot” check-in place, which is a frescoed wall. The large frescoed wall was recreated by the teachers of the Van Phuc kindergarten at the Van Phuc silk village in the central area where many young people must take pictures as a souvenir.
Check-in point attracts young people at Van Phuc silk village, Hanoi. Photo: VTV
The preschool children also recorded cute pictures by the frescoes. Photo: VTV
Closing the journey to discover the traditional craft village of Van Phuc, visitors will surely have great experiences of making Van Phuc silk with artisans here. If you love and want to learn about the cultural beauty of Hanoi about silk weaving, Van Phuc silk village is an interesting destination for visitors.
Vietnam Travel