Hanoi's extensive 600 hectares of lotus cultivation spans districts such as Tay Ho, My Duc, Me Linh, and Thach That. These lotus ponds have become increasingly popular with locals and tourists, particularly in the summer.

Hanoi's lotus has inspired a range of handcrafted, culinary, and artistic products that have earned acclaim both domestically and internationally. Notable items include lotus silk scarves, Quang An lotus tea, Me Linh lotus tea, and various lotus-based delicacies such as lotus sausage, sticky rice with lotus seeds, longan lotus sweet soup, candied lotus seeds, and lotus milk.

According to officials from the Hanoi Department of Tourism, many regions have successfully developed flower-centric tourism products. Examples include Hai Phong with the Red Flamboyant Flower Festival and Ha Giang with the Buckwheat Flower Festival. Tay Ho District has the potential to become a unique tourist destination associated with lotus products.

Tay Ho District is hosting the inaugural Hanoi Lotus Festival, showcasing unique products linked to the culture of northern mountainous provinces. The district has partnered with the Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Institute of Fruit and Vegetable Research at the Vietnam Academy of Agricultural Sciences to implement the "Building a Model of Lotus Production Associated with Ecotourism Development in Tay Ho, Hanoi" project. This initiative aims to revive, develop, and expand the Bach Diep lotus variety, establishing the Tay Ho lotus brand.

Tay Ho District is home to over 70 historical and cultural sites, including notable landmarks around West Lake such as Tran Quoc Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, and Tay Ho Temple. The area has also become a hub for flower-related tourism experiences, including Nhat Tan Tourism Area, West Lake Flower Valley, and the West Lake Cultural and Creative Space, which offers various nighttime activities. Additionally, the district features recreational, culinary, and shopping venues, as well as luxury accommodations such as West Lake Water Park and Lotte Shopping Center.

To further enhance tourism centered around Hanoi's lotus, Tay Ho District plans to focus on cultural and culinary activities related to the lotus. This includes showcasing the art of lotus tea preparation by local artisans and encouraging restaurants to create innovative lotus-based dishes.

The Hanoi Lotus Festival 2024, scheduled from July 12-16 at the West Lake Cultural and Creative Space, promises a diverse array of activities and products related to the lotus, providing a unique and enticing experience for residents and tourists.

"The Hanoi Lotus Festival will offer visitors scenic views, photo opportunities, and a chance to taste various lotus-based products. This event underscores the cultural and spiritual significance of the lotus in Vietnamese life, particularly in Hanoi, and highlights the economic potential of lotus-related product development and economic growth," said Bui Thi Lan Phuong, Vice Chairman of the Tay Ho District People's Committee.

PV