Every Tet holiday, Tuy Loan Rice Paper-Making Village in Da Nang comes alive with the aroma of freshly made rice paper, produced non-stop in preparation for the festive season. More than just a local specialty, this delicacy is a symbol of pride for the community. For those interested in traditional culture, a visit to this 500-year-old craft village is a meaningful stop on your journey through Da Nang.
1. Overview of Tuy Loan Rice Paper-Making Village in Da Nang
1.1. Location of Tuy Loan Rice Paper-Making Village
- Address: Hoa Phong Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang City
- Distance: About 15 km southwest of Downtown Da Nang
Tuy Loan Rice Paper-Making Village is more than just a rice paper production site – it’s a place steeped in fascinating historical tales. The name “Tuy Loan” originates from an old legend about a large bird that got drunk on wine and flew to this land in search of shelter. Since then, the locals have named the area Tuy Loan, as a way to remember and honor this unique story passed down from their ancestors.
Tuy Loan Rice Paper – A Quintessential Delight from Local Rice, Ancient Well Water, and Skilled Hands (Photo: Collected)
This traditional craft village has existed for over 500 years, dating back to the early days of settlement by people in the Inner Realm (Đàng Trong). During the feudal era, Tuy Loan rice paper was not only a staple in local households but also served as a delicacy presented to the royal court. Today, despite historical upheavals, the village continues to preserve its time-honored traditions and has become a charming destination for visitors exploring Da Nang.
1.2 The Cultural Significance of Tuy Loan Rice Paper in Da Nang Cuisine
In the Quang Nam – Da Nang region, rice paper is a mainstay in every family meal and an essential ingredient in many iconic dishes such as mi Quang, Nam O fish salad, and pork rolls with rice paper. Particularly during festivals, Tet holidays, and ancestral worship days, rice paper holds a sacred place on offering trays, symbolizing respect and gratitude from descendants to their forebears.
Locals believe that the crisp texture of the rice paper embodies the essence of heaven and earth, reflecting the abundance of nature and the tireless spirit of labor. For that reason, no matter how far they may travel, natives of Tuy Loan proudly introduce their village’s rice paper to friends and communities around the world.
2. How to Get to Tuy Loan Rice Paper-Making Village
Tuy Loan Rice Paper-Making Village is located in Hoa Phong Commune, Hoa Vang District, Da Nang, about 15 km southwest of the city center. Thanks to its convenient location, travelers can easily reach the village via various means of transport such as motorbike, car, or taxi.
Tuy Loan rice paper-making village – A culinary heritage of Central Vietnam (Photo: Collected)
From Dragon Bridge or Da Nang city center, follow 2 Thang 9 Street, then turn onto Cach Mang Thang 8 / National Highway 14B. Continue driving past the Hoa Cam overpass and take the Da Nang – Quang Ngai expressway. Once you reach the Quang Xuong area, turn into Hoa Phong commune. From there, just ask the locals and you’ll be able to find Tuy Loan rice paper-making village in Da Nang.
3. Exciting activities at Tuy Loan rice paper village
More than just a place preserving a 500-year-old traditional craft, Tuy Loan rice paper-making village in Da Nang offers visitors a unique experience: witnessing the rice paper-making process firsthand and exploring a historic village space steeped in cultural value.
3.1. Watch the rice paper-making process up close
What makes Tuy Loan rice paper special is not only its flavor but also its completely manual production method, requiring meticulous care and long-standing experience. To create a delicious batch, locals must go through four important steps:
- Ingredient selection: The rice is soaked the night before to achieve the desired softness. It is then ground into batter and mixed with water and spices like garlic, chili, ginger, and fish sauce to form the signature flavor.
- Preparing the firewood: Locals don’t use gas or electric stoves. Instead, they use high-quality firewood to maintain a steady, glowing fire that ensures the rice paper is evenly cooked without burning.
- Spreading and drying the paper: The rice paper is spread in two layers to achieve the ideal thickness, then dried over glowing coals or under natural sunlight.
- Peeling and packaging: This final step demands skill to avoid tearing or warping the paper. Once peeled, the rice papers are neatly stacked and ready for distribution.
Though it may look simple, crafting a standard-quality batch requires precision and careful attention at every stage.
3.2. Visit the 500-year-old Tuy Loan ancient village
In addition to learning about the rice paper-making process, visitors also have the chance to explore the charm of an ancient village with over five centuries of history.
- Tich Thien Duong ancient house: A remarkable architectural structure over 200 years old, this three-compartment house features yin-yang tiled roofs and jackfruit wood pillars. Intricate carvings within the house were crafted by artisans from the famous Kim Bong carpentry village, reflecting the elegance of traditional craftsmanship.
- Tuy Loan communal house: Built in 1889 to honor the village founders, Tuy Loan communal house has been recognized as a national historical relic. Spanning more than 8,000m², the communal house exudes solemnity and heritage, surrounded by ancient banyan trees, stone pillars, and a screen wall inscribed with Han characters.
- Tuy Loan market: Once a bustling trade hub, the market was known for specialties such as Cam Ne mats, fish from Hoi An, and forest products from the Central Highlands. Though no longer as busy, it remains a culturally significant stop for visitors.
4. What to buy as gifts when visiting Tuy Loan rice paper-making village in Da Nang
A visit to Tuy Loan rice paper-making village wouldn’t be complete without bringing home some rice paper as a gift for family and friends. This specialty stands out from industrial varieties thanks to its traditional handmade process and a 500-year-old family recipe passed down through generations.
Tuy Loan rice paper – A crystallization of tradition and the artisans’ finesse (Photo: Collected)
4.1. Types of Tuy Loan rice paper
Tuy Loan rice paper comes in two main types for visitors to choose from:
- Unroasted rice paper: This is the original, uncooked version, which can be grilled for a crispy texture or served with local specialties such as fish salad or boiled pork. When grilled, the paper puffs up slightly, becomes deliciously crispy, and retains the characteristic aroma of sesame and rice.
- Pre-roasted rice paper: Grilled over charcoal right in the village, this type offers the perfect crisp without being burnt or overly dry. It can be enjoyed immediately without further preparation, making it an ideal and convenient gift for travelers.
4.2. Tuy Loan rice paper prices
Tuy Loan rice paper is priced higher than many regular varieties, but its superior quality justifies the cost:
- Unroasted rice paper: 170,000 VND / 10 pieces
- Pre-roasted rice paper: 220,000 VND / 10 pieces
A journey to Tuy Loan rice paper-making village in Da Nang is more than just a culinary experience.
It is a chance to savor a time-honored delicacy while stepping into the rhythm of history—where a traditional craft has endured for over 500 years. If you’re looking to bring home a taste of central Vietnam, let these crispy pieces of Tuy Loan rice paper be your flavorful bridge to the region’s rich culinary culture.
