Hung Lo promotes heritage values in tandem with economic development

Hung Lo commune in Viet Tri city has recently emerged as an appealing destination for both domestic and international tourists. The area’s rustic charm and long-preserved traditional cultural values have been cherished by generations of locals. Drawing on these cultural treasures, Hung Lo is increasingly asserting its potential for community-based tourism, contributing to sustainable rural economic development.

Locals in Hung Lo prepare facilities for the Hung Kings' Commemoration Day and the annual village festival.

The ancient village of Hung Lo still preserves many valuable cultural heritages with enduring vitality and broad resonance. With a history spanning hundreds of years, the village features a system of age-old architectural relics associated with the era of the Hung Kings—most notably the Dinh Xom–Hung Lo Communal House, which is part of the Hung King Temple historical relic complex. Built during the reign of King Le Hy Tong, the communal house is an architectural gem of great artistic and cultural value, and remarkably, it has remained nearly intact to this day.

Inside the communal house, many ancient and precious worship objects have been carefully preserved: from ceremonial tripods and bronze cranes to incense tables, porcelain vases, and traditional palanquins—some dating back centuries. Beyond being a spiritual and cultural landmark, the site is a highlight in local heritage tourism, offering visitors a chance to experience spiritual rituals and cultural traditions firsthand.

Every year, Hung Lo Communal House comes alive with traditional festivities held on the Hung Kings’ Commemoration Day (10th day of the third lunar month) and the village’s sanctification feast (12th day of the ninth lunar month). The festival includes a wide range of ceremonies and activities such as incense offerings, ritual processions, performances of ancient village Xoan singing, cultural exchanges, a chung cake wrapping contest, a chicken offering contest, craft village product showcases, volleyball matches, chess competitions, tug of war, and cockfighting—all imbued with the rich cultural identity of the Ancestral Land.

In 2022, both the Hung Lo Communal House Festival and the Hung Lo Community Cultural Tourism Site were officially recognized by the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism as elements of Vietnam’s National Intangible Cultural Heritage. This designation affirms the importance of the site and fosters community pride in the local heritage.

Nguyen Van Tong, Head of Hung Lo Communal House, shared: “Since ancient times, the communal house has served as the heart of local spiritual life, where important rituals are held to express gratitude to our ancestors. It’s also a place that connects people, helping to preserve and promote the cultural values handed down through generations. These traditions form the bedrock of our community and play a key role in driving economic growth.”

Beyond preserving sacred rituals, Hung Lo also places special emphasis on safeguarding the art of Xoan singing—a UNESCO-recognized Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. In recent years, the commune has actively supported artisans in practicing and teaching Xoan singing to younger generations while also integrating it into community tourism. Visitors to Hung Lo can enjoy Xoan performances not only at the communal house but also in ancient village homes—offering an authentic cultural immersion in the spirit of northern Vietnam’s countryside.

To develop tourism alongside heritage preservation, Hung Lo has implemented a range of initiatives: raising awareness among residents about the role of heritage in economic development and encouraging their active involvement in tourism services. Many local households have successfully diversified their livelihoods by combining agriculture and handicrafts with tourism, generating stable income streams.

In 2023, “Hung Lo Community Tourism” was recognized as Phu Tho’s first 3-star OCOP product in the field of community-based tourism services. This marks a significant milestone in the professionalization of local tourism offerings.

To reach broader audiences, Hung Lo has stepped up its promotional efforts through digital platforms and social media and is collaborating with travel businesses to design suitable cultural tours. In addition to heritage and tourism value, Hung Lo is also famous for its traditional craft villages.

Villagers carefully carry out each step of producing Hung Lo rice noodles—a specialty widely favored by consumers.

Of particular note, the traditional banh chung and banh giay villages, along with the rice noodle-making trade, have all achieved OCOP certification. These products not only possess economic value but also enhance the tourism experience. Many tourists visiting Hung Lo are eager to explore the craft villages, witness the noodle-making or cake-wrapping process firsthand, savor local specialties, and purchase authentic souvenirs.

La Tien Boong, Vice Chairman of Hung Lo Commune People’s Committee, reported:“Since the beginning of this year, the Hung Lo Community Cultural Tourism Site has welcomed nearly 100 visitor groups—79 domestic groups with 4,763 tourists and 17 international groups totaling 294 visitors. These activities have helped raise public awareness about environmental protection, keeping village roads clean and beautiful, and, most importantly, preserving our cultural identity and traditional occupations.”

These efforts lay the foundation for sustainable community-based tourism in Hung Lo, effectively leveraging cultural heritage as a pillar of economic transformation. Today, the commune’s poverty rate is just 0.45%, and the average income stands at VND 54–57 million per person per year.

In the midst of today’s fast-paced modern life, Hung Lo remains a peaceful and quiet village—a place where cultural values continue to be cherished and passed down from generation to generation. While the economy grows, families and hamlets in Hung Lo still prioritize the education and transmission of tradition, nurturing the roots of the homeland. Perhaps it is this simplicity and authenticity that leaves such a lasting impression on every visitor who sets foot in this time-honored village.

Thu Giang