Have you ever heard of the edible gifts from Hanoi? If not, you're in for a treat. Let us introduce you to To He Village with a traditional toy cherished by Vietnamese children for generations.

Today, To He is more than just a gift; it’s a nostalgic memory for many in Vietnam. Ready to learn more? Let's scroll down!

Special Features of To He – Sweet Gifts from Hanoi

Creating a beautiful To He requires a blend of skill, creativity, dedication, and hard work. Artisans prepare materials in advance and bring them to the selling locations. They boil the powder and mix the colors on-site to ensure the product's quality, flexibility, and freshness.
In the presence of buyers, a complete To He is crafted in just a few minutes. It's fascinating to watch the artisans at work, creating vibrant, colorful pieces that captivate children. The intricate, eye-catching shapes crafted by these skilled hands are full of delightful surprises.

To He is one of the most unique gifts from Hanoi!

In the past, To He creations were simple, often depicting flowers, fruits, animals, or popular characters like Ton Ngo Khong and Tru Bat Gioi. These shapes catered to the modest market demands.

Using basic materials such as rice powder and vegetable dyes, artisans transformed simple concepts into unique and charming gifts. The diverse and lovely products continue to delight customers of all ages.

Traditional “Unique” Crafting in Hanoi

For years, the childhood gift of To He seemed to be fading away, overshadowed by the rise of modern games in big cities. However, few people in Hanoi know an important fact: a traditional craft village still preserves this folk art.
Hidden in the south of Hanoi, Xuan La village in Phuong Duc commune, Phu Xuyen district, is where this craft endures. Despite the significant changes in the country, the villagers have not abandoned their work. Their special connection to To He keeps them constantly creating and infusing life into each product, ensuring the craft remains vibrant.
Most of Xuan La village knows how to make To He, from young children to the elderly. They are like hardworking bees, traveling across the country to introduce and share their craft with everyone.

Beyond national borders, these intriguing products have also featured in cultural exchange programs, showcasing the beauty of Vietnamese culture to international audiences.

TO He Village Tour

1. General Information:

Embark on a fascinating To He village tour in Hanoi and discover the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam. Located just a short drive from the bustling city center, To He village is renowned for its traditional craft of making toy figurines from rice powder. This age-old craft, known as “To He,” offers a glimpse into Vietnam's artistic traditions.
During your visit, you'll meet local artisans who skillfully create colorful figurines depicting animals, flowers, and even historical figures. You can participate in hands-on workshops where you'll learn to craft your own To He, guided by the expert hands of village artisans.
The tour also includes a stroll through the charming village streets, where you can admire the beautiful architecture and interact with friendly locals. This immersive experience not only highlights the unique art form but also provides insights into the daily lives of the villagers.

2. Programme

• Welcome Guests with Tea, Candy, and Traditional Hometown Cakes
• Introduction
– Artisans will share the origin of To He.
– Learn about the evolution of To He from past to present.
– Discover the detailed process of making To He.
– Engage in discussions with veteran artisans about various topics, including preserving and developing handmade To He as a vital part of Vietnamese folk culture.
• Practical Experience
Participants can create their own To He products with guidance from folk artists. Guests can purchase souvenir items from the display area.

Perfect for families, art enthusiasts, and cultural explorers, the To He village tour in Hanoi promises an unforgettable journey into Vietnam's traditional arts and crafts. Book your tour today and take home a piece of Vietnamese culture.

Every day, To He products continue to be crafted by the clever and creative hands of Xuan La village artisans. This toy has evolved beyond a children's plaything to become a cherished cultural symbol of Vietnam, particularly in Hanoi. After enjoying To He, why not satisfy your hunger with traditional grilled fish?

You can savor it on a Hanoi food tour or even learn to cook it yourself in a Hanoi cooking class.