VGP - The capital city of Ha Noi’s first lotus festival was kick-started at the Cultural and Creative Space in Tay Ho district from July 12-16, with its opening ceremony attracting more than 5,000 participants and witnessing two Viet Nam’s records awarded.
Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen
Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Nguyen Manh Quyen stated that the meticulously planned event promised to offer residents and visitors exciting experiences and unique artistic programs that highlight the cultural exchange among different regions of Viet Nam.
At the opening ceremony, the Organizing Committee awarded prizes for the photo contest "Ao Dai Beauty and Lotus". They also awarded two records: "The largest number of people wearing traditional ao dai with lotus motifs in Viet Nam" (1,000) and the record of the Green Journey Cycling Festival titled "Tay Ho Lotus Colour", with the largest participation of people cycling around West Lake (7,000).
Two Viet Nam’s new records
Two national record certificates
The opening day saw the Viet Nam Records Organization (VietKings) presenting two national record certificates for the largest number of participants (7,000) in a cycling journey around the West Lake and the largest number of people (1,000) wearing traditional ao dai with lotus patterns.
It also featured more than 100 booths from 33 provinces and cities that showcased over 1,000 products under their One Commune One Product programs.
As part of the festival, there are also a workshop on the conservation and development of Vietnamese lotus, the inauguration of a center for OCOP product introduction and sale in Tay Ho, a lotus installation art space, an exhibition of lotus photos in the Vietnamese life, a promotion program for the district's tourism, and a music night featuring works by Vietnamese popular composer Trinh Cong Son, among many other activities.
The largest number of people wearing traditional ao dai with lotus motifs in Viet Nam" (1,000)
Exploring advantages
Ha Noi'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.
Ha Noi'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.
The Ha Noi Department of Tourism reported 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 Ha Noi Lotus Festival. The district has partnered with the Ha Noi 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, Ha Noi" 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 Ha Noi'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./.
