24/07/2026
Phúc Am – The Capital of the Underworld.
In Hanoi, there is a place known by a rather intriguing name — the "Village of the Afterlife." That place is Phúc Am.
Located about 30 kilometers south of Hanoi, Phúc Am Village (Thường Tín District, Hanoi) is often referred to as the "Capital of the Afterlife." The village is renowned for producing ceremonial paper offerings and ritual objects that are deeply connected to Vietnamese spiritual traditions and folk beliefs. Its exquisitely handcrafted creations are used in the practice of the Worship of the Mother Goddesses of the Three Realms, which was inscribed by UNESCO on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2016.
But what makes Phúc Am truly special is not only its giant paper horses or its vibrant handcrafted creations.
It is the opportunity to step into the living world of a traditional craft village where heritage continues to thrive.
When you visit Phúc Am, you'll meet artisans who have dedicated their lives to this craft for generations, hear the stories behind every creation, and witness how simple bamboo and sheets of paper are transformed into remarkable works of art.
And don't rush to leave.
Stay a little longer and experience what many international travelers have already enjoyed—creating your very own traditional Vietnamese paper horse under the guidance of local artisans. From shaping the bamboo frame and gluing the paper to adding the finishing touches, every step reveals the patience, craftsmanship, and cultural values that have been preserved for generations.
Because sometimes, the best way to understand a culture isn't simply by observing it.
It's by creating a small part of it with your own hands.
