“Walking Tour Artisan” where past meets presents
Organized by Hanoi Trải nghiệm mới (a cultural initiative under Vietnam Sightseeing JSC), the Walking Tour Artisan is a curated series of walking tours designed to explore Hanoi’s Old Quarter through the lens of traditional craft villages.
Sources: Hà Nội Trải nghiệm mới
This program offers participants a chance to engage with the rich heritage of local cuisine, crafts, and cultural practices that have been shaped and preserved over generations. Each stop highlights the connections between artisanship and daily life, allowing visitors to experience a side of Hanoi where time-honored skills continue to thrive amid the city’s historic streets.
In a recent tour named “Hương Sắc Kẻ Chợ”, participants began their journey at Kim Ngan Communal House, a centuries-old architectural site nestled in the heart of Hàng Bạc Street. The communal house honors the founding ancestors of Hanoi’s traditional craft guilds.
The tour continued to the ancient house at 87 Mã Mây street, offering a glimpse into the daily life of Old Quarter residents in the late 19th century. Then, visitors are headed to Thanh Hà market, a lively local space where a family has preserved the craft of traditional incense making through generations.
One of the most memorable highlights was a hands-on “tò he” (toy figurine) workshop with artisan Đặng Văn Hậu, a lifelong practitioner of this traditional folk art. His colorful creation “Con giống bột” attracted notable attention from Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra during her official visit to Vietnam in May 2025.
Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra visiting the “tò he” booth of artisan Đặng Văn Hậu. Source: Internet
Participants engaging in “tò he” figurine making with the artisan during the “Hương Sắc Kẻ Chợ” walking tour. Source: Internet
The “Hương Sắc Kẻ Chợ” tour concluded with a “Xẩm” folk music performance on a double-decker bus. The program combined a contemporary setting with traditional music, offering a thoughtful bond between Hanoi’s cultural heritage and modern-day experiences.
“Xẩm On The Bus” performance during the walking tour. Source: Hanoi Trải nghiệm Mới
In another itinerary titled “Thếp bạc lên sơn” (silver gilding on lacquer), participants followed the paths of Hanoi’s renowned craft streets: Hàng Trống, Hàng Gai, Hàng Bạc, and Lãn Ông to learn about the roots and evolution of traditional handcraft communities.
The highlight of the tour was a hands-on workshop at Area 75 Contemporary Art Center, where participants tried their hand at silver gilding on lacquer paintings. Each delicate brushstroke delivers the patience, precision, and artistry that Vietnamese craftsmen have refined over generations.
The image of the workshop captured at Area 75. Nguồn: BTC
Beyond promoting cultural tourism, “Walking Tour Artisan” contributes to preserving and honoring the enduring value of traditional crafts – quiet yet meaningful practices sustained by individuals in every corner of the city. The program also offers international visitors a deeper understanding of Hanoi’s cultural identity – a city that continues to evolve while remaining committed to its heritage.
The next special tour will take place on July 27, 2025. For more information and ticket registration, please visit the official “Hà Nội Trải Nghiệm Mới” fanpage or the website vn-sightseeing.com.
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