Hung Yen province, 60 km southeast of Hanoi, embraces a rich culture and age-old history with many relics and heritages. It’s also famous for specialties - longan, lotus seeds, honey, and rice noodle. In the 16th and 17thcentury, the province contained was a busy port.

Hung Yen has more than 1,200 historical and cultural relics, 164 of which are classified as national heritages. 

Pham Van Hiêu, Deputy Director of the Provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said "Hung Yen has great advantages for tourism. It ranks third in Vietnam in number of national relics. 

The ancient port of Pho Hien is recognized as a special national relic site. The relic dedicated to Great Physician Hai Thuong Lan Ong, the Da Hoa-Da Trach site associated with Red River tourism development and the temple worshipping General Pham Ngu Lao are popular destinations.”

During the 16th and 17th centuries, the river port of Pho Hien was an important trading center. It ranked among Vietnam’s three most important towns along with Hanoi and Hoi An. 

Dinh Thi Lien, a Pho Hien resident said "The people of Pho Hien are very proud of their heritage. 

Everyone here wants to preserve Hung Yen's cultural identity and its relics including the Bell Pagoda, the Xich Dang Temple of Literature, Tran temple, and the temple of Mother Goddesses."

The province is working hard to promote local tourism development. Nguyen Thi Thu Huong is with the Huong Yen Tourism Promotion Center: “Tapping its potential, Hung Yen province is offering tours of the Red River, Pho Hien ancient town, Bell pagoda, the Temple of Literature, Me So Church, and a number of traditional craft villages. Hung Yen is also promoting eco-tours and weekend tours.”

Many craft villages in Hung Yen province have their trademarks well-established: Ban soy bean sauce, Long Thuong bronze casting, Cao Thon incense, and Truong Xa liquor. 

Director Pham Van Hieu again said "We focus on promoting tours of local cuisine and craft villages like Ban soybean sauce and dried longans village. 

Dong Tao chicken in Khoai Chau district is famous nationwide. Eel noodle is another local specialty.”

Its numerous attractions make Hung Yên well worth visiting.

VOV5