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Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace (Viet Phu Thanh Chuong) is a hidden gem for your Hanoi tour package. Located on the outskirts of the capital, far from the hustle and bustle of city life, it preserves the art of age-old Vietnamese culture and offers a calming atmosphere where visitors can truly unwind. Read on to discover what Hanoi has to offer beyond its classic highlights.
Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace is a cultural and architectural complex built in 2001 by Thanh Chuong, a renowned Vietnamese artist. He built it as a cultural project to showcase Vietnam’s rich heritage, blending his own creations with antiques and traditional Vietnamese art pieces.
Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace is a private cultural project that captures the spirit of Vietnam through traditional architecture, artifacts, and art
Unlike formal state-run museums, Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace layout reflects the personal touch of its creator. This makes it feel more like an inviting home than a conventional cultural site. The atmosphere here is often described by visitors as magical, tranquil, and peaceful, making it one of the best day tours from Hanoi.
Situated near Keo Ca Lake in Soc Son Commune on the outskirts of Hanoi, the palace is very accessible, about a 1-hour drive (35 km) from the city. It is also just 15 minutes from Noi Bai Airport, making it easy to combine with your departure or arrival.
A Grab or taxi ride from Hanoi costs around 20 USD, and the trip from the palace to Noi Bai Airport is about 8 USD. Alternatively, a private round-trip driver costs between 30 and 70 USD, depending on waiting time.
The creation of a Viet Palace was driven by a desire to preserve Vietnam’s cultural values
Entry to Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace is about 5-6 USD per person and sometimes includes a small booklet about the site and the artist. According to the latest update, the site is open daily from 9:00 to 17:00, except on Mondays.
The site has beautiful gardens with ponds, bridges, courtyards, and shaded pathways, all of which reflect a distinct Vietnamese vibe.
As you wander through the gardens and buildings, each area feels like a tribute to a different ethnic group or cultural tradition. For example, you will find various styles of stilt houses, including those representing the traditional homes of the Muong people, an ethnic group from the region southwest of Hanoi.
A visit here gives off a completely different vibe from a museum
Inside the site’s galleries, you will find collections of antique works of art along with Thanh Chuong’s own. This immersive experience might as well deserve a place in your Hanoi tour package, allowing you to feel as though you are traveling back in time and seeing Vietnam’s history and culture through the lens of art.
Everything is presented in an authentic way, as if the artifacts were still in their natural setting rather than displayed in a formal museum
Water puppetry is a traditional Vietnamese performance art that dates back to the 11th century. It originated in the villages of the Red River Delta in northern Vietnam. It is said that when rice fields flooded, the villagers would entertain one another with this unique form of storytelling.
Over time, the water puppet shows now take place in a waist-deep pool, with puppeteers hidden behind a screen as they control the puppets. This makes the figures appear to glide and dance across the water.
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At Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace, you can watch a water puppet show at Long Dinh Theater. Adding this stop to your itinerary would make your trip one of the best day tours from Hanoi.
With its iconic architecture and scenic grounds, Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace is a fantastic setting for concept shoots and themed photography.
Photography services here are categorized by purpose, such as casual non-commercial photos, professional but non-commercial shoots with cameras, wedding photography, or commercial promotional shoots. If you intend to do a full photoshoot with a camera, it is best to arrange it through a local studio to secure the best rates.
The site is filled with iconic locations perfect for photography
Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace is best suited for those who enjoy exploring culture, art, and architecture during their travels. However, if you expect polished service and detailed museum-style explanations, this may not be the right place for you.
Another thing to take note of is that the grounds here can have many mosquitoes, especially in the warmer months, so bringing insect repellent is strongly recommended.
The hot and humid climate, together with the surrounding trees, might make the area full of mosquitoes
For transport, it is rather easy to take a Grab to the site, but returning can be more difficult since the surrounding area is not yet too residential. The most convenient option for you would be to hire a driver for a round trip, especially if you are including the palace as part of a Hanoi day tour.
In terms of scheduling, you can always choose to stop here on your way to or from Noi Bai Airport, since its location is very convenient. You’d just have to be sure to allow at least 2 to 3 hours to fully explore the site.
Thanh Chuong’s Viet Palace is a wonderful destination for a calming, art-inspired cultural experience away from the bustling crowds of central Hanoi. If this sounds appealing to you, don’t hesitate to add this stop to your Hanoi day tour. And don’t forget, our team at Asia King Travel will be more than happy to help you plan and organize your visit.
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