The Xu Doai Tourism Festival, with the theme "Xu Doai Culinary," will be scheduled to take place in June or August in Ao Vua (King's Pond) Tourism Area in Tan Linh Commune of Ba Vi District, Hanoi.

Ao Vua Waterfall, Ao Vua Tourism Area in Tan Linh Commune of Ba Vi District, Hanoi. Photo: Ao Vua Tourism Area

The Xu Doai or Xoai region including the seven districts and cities of Ba Vi, Son Tay, Phuc Tho, Dan Phuong, Hoai Duc, Thach That, and Quoc Oai, is located west of Hanoi. The region is considered the cradle of early Vietnamese culture.

The Xu Doai Tourism Festival is a venue to showcase regional specialties from the One Commune One Product (OCOP) program and other tourism-related products, according to Deputy Director of the Hanoi Tourism Department Nguyen Hong Minh. "Gastronomy is the strength of Hanoi tourism, especially the unique cuisine of Xu Doai," he said.

"This first-ever tourism festival on Xu Doai cuisine will help promote Hanoi's cuisine and the image of Xu Doai as a rich cultural land to visitors at home and abroad," he added.

A renowned dish from Phung Town of Dan Phuong District in Hanoi. Photo: Vietsense Travel

Nem Phung, a specialty of Phung Town, which is a pork skin salad with grilled rice powder and lime slices, as well as Phu Nhi rice cakes and Linh Chieu morning glory are typical dishes that visitors shouldn't miss in Xu Doai.

The event will feature booths selling handicrafts, stalls showcasing local products, and a culinary demonstration area showcasing the skills of local chefs. There will be some kiosks from regional tourist destinations and travel agents.

Visitors to the festival will have the opportunity to participate in folk games, entertainment events, and other fascinating travel experiences, in addition to trying the famous dishes of Xu Doai.