Hanoi transforms craft villages into tourist sites

Hanoi plans to develop six traditional craft villages into tourist destinations to attract domestic and international tourists from now until 2015.
They include Phu Vinh rattan and bamboo weaving in Chuong My District, Son Dong fine art sculpture in Hoai Duc District, Bat Trang-Kim Lan pottery in Gia Lam, Van Phuc silk in Ha Dong District, Ngo Ha mother-of-pearl inlay in Phu Xuyen District and Du Du sculpture in Thanh Oai District.
The city will focus on preserving old houses, restoring historical and cultural sites, building areas for product displays and upgrading the transport system, waste and water treatment facilities.
Home-stay services will be offered to give visitors the opportunity to learn about local people’s daily life.
Phu Vinh Village will be chosen to pilot the scheme.
By 2015, Hanoi will develop 14 other village-cum-tourist destinations.
The city expects to welcome 300,000-500,000 international visitors and 2-3 million domestic tourists to the craft villages.