Hung Yen

Hung Yen is a province in northern Vietnam, about 60 km from Hanoi. It is known for its rich history, culture, and nature. Hung Yen has many attractions that reflect its ancient and modern features, such as temples, pagodas, museums, markets, and craft villages. Hung Yen is also famous for its specialty fruits such as longan and persimmon, and its delicious dishes such as rang bua cake and banh te. Here are some tips and suggestions to help you plan your trip to Hung Yen based on the ideas you provided.

Hung Yen's popular attractions

Hung Yen has many attractions that showcase its history, culture, and beauty. Some of the most popular ones are:

Pho Hien

This is an ancient commercial port that was once a bustling trading center in the 17th and 18th centuries. It is now a historical and cultural complex with more than 60 relics, such as temples, pagodas, shrines, tombs, and stelae. You can visit some of the famous sites such as Chu Dong Tu Temple, Mau Temple, Xich Dang Literature Temple, or Pho Hien Church.

Nom Village

This is a traditional village that preserves the old architecture and lifestyle of the rural area. You can see the ancient houses, wells, gates, bridges, and ponds that date back to hundreds of years ago. You can also experience the local culture and customs, such as making rice paper, weaving bamboo baskets, or playing folk games.

Da Hoa Temple

This is a temple dedicated to Da Trach - a legendary hero who fought against the Ming invaders in the 15th century. The temple is located on a hill surrounded by green fields and lotus ponds. The temple has a unique architecture with three gates, five courtyards, and nine altars. You can admire the statues, paintings, and carvings that depict the life and deeds of Da Trach.

Travel activities

Hung Yen offers many activities for travelers who want to experience its culture, nature, or adventure. Some of the activities you can try are:

Go on a bike tour

This is a great way to explore Hung Yen's countryside and villages. You can rent a bike from some of the hotels or tour operators in Hung Yen city or Pho Hien town. You can cycle along the roads or paths that pass through rice fields, orchards, canals, and bridges. You can stop at some of the attractions or craft villages along the way to learn more about their history and culture.

Watch a water puppet show

This is a traditional art form that originated in northern Vietnam more than 1000 years ago. It involves wooden puppets that are controlled by hidden puppeteers in a pool of water. The puppets perform scenes from Vietnamese folklore, legends, and rural life accompanied by live music and singing. You can watch a water puppet show at Thanh Ha Water Puppet Theatre or Pho Hien Water Puppet Theatre near Pho Hien town.

Take a cooking class

This is a fun way to learn about Hung Yen's cuisine and culture. You can join a cooking class that will teach you how to prepare some of the most delicious dishes in Hung Yen such as rang bua cake (a rice cake with coconut filling), banh te (a steamed rice cake with meat or bean filling), banh gai (a sticky rice cake with black sesame filling), or banh cuon (a rolled rice pancake with pork and mushroom filling). You can also visit a local market to buy fresh ingredients and learn about their uses and meanings.

Visit a fruit garden

Hung Yen is famous for its fruits, especially longan and persimmon. You can visit a fruit garden to see how they grow and harvest these fruits. You can also taste some of the fresh and juicy fruits or buy some as souvenirs or gifts. You can find some of the fruit gardens in Hung Yen city or Pho Hien town, such as Long Longan Garden, Thanh Ha Persimmon Garden, or Hoa Binh Fruit Garden.

Best places to stay in Hung Yen

Hung Yen has a range of accommodation options for different budgets and preferences. Some of the best places to stay in Hung Yen are:

Pho Hien town

This is the most popular area for travelers as it is close to many attractions, restaurants, cafes, and shops. You can find many hotels, guesthouses, and homestays in this area that cater to different needs and tastes. Some of the recommended places are Pho Hien Hotel, Pho Hien Riverside Hotel, Pho Hien Homestay, or Pho Hien Garden House.

Hung Yen city

This is the administrative and economic center of Hung Yen province and a modern and lively area. You can find some of the best hotels and resorts in Hung Yen in this area such as Hung Yen Plaza Hotel, Hung Yen Eco Resort, Hung Yen Pearl Hotel, or Hung Yen Royal Hotel.

Hung Yen best local foods

Hung Yen is a paradise for food lovers as it offers a variety of dishes that are delicious, diverse, and affordable. Some of the best local foods to try in Hung Yen are:

Rang bua cake

This is a specialty cake of Hung Yen that consists of a rice flour wrapper with a coconut filling. The cake is steamed and then fried until golden and crispy. The cake has a sweet and fragrant taste and is usually eaten with sugar or honey.

Banh te

This is a steamed rice cake with a meat or bean filling. The cake is wrapped in banana leaves and has a soft and chewy texture. The cake can be eaten with fish sauce or soy sauce and is usually served with pickled vegetables or herbs.

Banh gai

This is a sticky rice cake with a black sesame filling. The cake is wrapped in gai leaves (a type of plant) that give it a dark color and a distinctive flavor. The cake is steamed and then cut into slices. The cake has a sweet and nutty taste and is usually eaten with sugar or honey.

Banh cuon

This is a rolled rice pancake with a pork and mushroom filling. The pancake is made from rice flour batter that is spread thinly on a steaming cloth. The pancake is then filled with minced pork, wood ear mushrooms, shallots, and seasonings. The pancake is rolled up and cut into pieces. The pancake is eaten with fish sauce, fried shallots, cilantro, and cha lua (Vietnamese ham).

Best time to visit Hung Yen

Hung Yen has four seasons: spring (February to April), summer (May to August), autumn (September to November), and winter (December to January). The best time to visit Hung Yen depends on your preferences and activities.

Spring (February to April)

This is a good time to visit Hung Yen as the weather is mild and pleasant with moderate temperatures and humidity. The flowers are blooming and the fruits are ripening. This is also the time when Hung Yen celebrates many festivals such as Chu Dong Tu Festival, Long Longan Festival, or Rang Bua Cake Festival.

Summer (May to August)

This is a hot and humid time to visit Hung Yen as the temperatures can reach up to 40°C and the rainfall is high. The city can be uncomfortable and prone to flooding during this season. However, this is also a good time to enjoy some of the summer fruits such as longan, persimmon, or mango, or to escape to some of the cooler destinations nearby such as Ha Long Bay, Ninh Binh, or Sapa.

Autumn (September to November)

This is the best time to visit Hung Yen as the weather is cool and dry with clear skies and gentle breezes. The city is also at its most beautiful with golden leaves, red flowers, and romantic sunsets. This is a great time to explore the city on foot or by bike, take photos, or join some of the cultural events such as Mid-Autumn Festival or Hung Yen Trade Fair.

Winter (December to January)

This is a cold and foggy time to visit Hung Yen as the temperatures can drop to below 10°C and the humidity is high. The city can be gloomy and gray during this season. However, this is also a good time to experience some of the winter activities such as hot pot, tea drinking, or coffee by the fireplace, or to celebrate some of the holidays such as Christmas, New Year, or Tet (Lunar New Year).

FAQs

Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers about traveling to Hung Yen that may help you prepare for your trip.

Hung Yen offers a refreshing escape from the bustling city life, allowing travelers to discover the tranquility of the countryside, explore traditional craft villages, and savor the flavors of the renowned longan fruit. With its rich cultural heritage and warm hospitality, Hung Yen provides a unique glimpse into the authentic Vietnamese way of life.

As with any travel, it's advisable to check the latest travel information and guidelines before visiting Hung Yen, ensuring a safe and enjoyable journey.