Thanh Chuong Viet Palace: The Heart of Hanoi's Cultural Legacy

Surrounded by tranquil lotus ponds and towering banyan trees, Thanh Chuong Viet Palace is a rich tapestry of Vietnam's cultural heritage.

Perched on Soc Son Mountain, just outside Hanoi, the palace narrates Vietnam's cultural evolution through its traditional architecture, exquisite artwork, and folk heritage exhibits.

As part of an ongoing preservation effort, numerous relics around the palace grounds have been brought in from Vietnam’s remote provinces, including stilt houses and a centuries-old stone bridge from the country’s diverse ethnic groups.

“This place has it all—space, ambiance, ecology, architecture, and art,” says artist and founder Thanh Chuong in an interview with Dinogo Travel.

“Although we are a small, impoverished nation focused on wet rice farming, we always strive for truth, goodness, and beauty.”

A labor of love

Today a popular museum, the 2.5-acre open-air complex began as a deeply personal passion project.

“My father was deeply passionate about Vietnam’s folk heritage. He was well-versed in our customs, festivals, and cultural practices,” shares Thanh Chuong. “From a young age, I was profoundly influenced by him.”

The palace was initially conceived as a private retreat – a space where Thanh Chuong and his family could appreciate and celebrate Vietnamese art.

Frustrated with Vietnam’s preservation policies, the artist decided to share his vision with a wider audience.

“We are a nation shaped by wars, some of which date back thousands of years. This means there have been periods when our cultural heritage was nearly lost,” explains Thanh Chuong.

“(However), it is not the wars, natural disasters, or misdeeds of the past that have harmed Vietnamese culture the most—it’s the recent preservation efforts by external forces and the government,” says Thanh Chuong.

“Why? Because they are going about it all wrong. They demolish century-old relics and replace them with something new. I just can’t understand it.”

A stroll through the grounds

Since opening to the public in 2009, the peaceful enclave of banyan trees, elegant stone bridges, pavilions, and temples has become a beloved spot for both locals and visitors in Hanoi.

As you explore the gardens and structures, each section seems like a tribute to a different ethnic group or cultural tradition.

For instance, the complex showcases various styles of stilt houses, including those that represent the traditional dwellings of the Muong people, an ethnic group from a region southwest of Hanoi.

“Our ancestors were farmers who lived peaceful lives behind the protective bamboo groves of the village. Their culture was deeply rooted in farming,” explains Thanh Chuong.

“At its core, our culture is simple, grounded, welcoming, and pure. To me, this has always been the most powerful sentiment—the deepest root of every Vietnamese,” says Thanh Chuong.

Art that resonates

Within the galleries, you'll discover a diverse collection of paintings, ceramics, statues, antiques, and even works by Thanh Chuong himself.

One painting, in particular, stands out. It draws inspiration from Vietnamese folklore, which tells of an immortal fairy mother and a dragon father who gave birth to the Vietnamese people.

“This painting depicts mother figures from Vietnam who endured years of war, suffering, and natural disasters, yet still wished for their descendants to know the great legend of ‘Con Rong Chau Tien’ [Children of Dragon, Grandchildren of Gods],” explains Thanh Chuong about one of his works.

“It represents the very essence and foundation of our nation. [This painting] captures my dedication and passion for safeguarding our ancestors’ cultural heritage for future generations.”

Catch a performance

Over time, the complex has become a sought-after venue for water puppet shows and folk music performances.

“Water puppetry is one of Vietnam’s oldest art forms, reflecting key aspects of our culture… This is why we’ve dedicated a space at Viet Palace specifically for water puppetry,” explains Thanh Chuong.

“This theater was inspired by the water pavilion at Thay Pagoda, home to the revered monk Tu Dao Hanh, the creator of water puppetry,” shares Thanh Chuong.

The folk performances typically feature a blend of singing, dancing, and music, all crafted to narrate the stories of Vietnam’s rich history.

“Modern life has become increasingly complex, and many people today long to return to simpler, more natural ways of living,” reflects Thanh Chuong.

“I created this space to preserve the old ways of life and the enduring spirit of Vietnamese culture,” says Thanh Chuong.