The first hotel to evoke memories of Hang Trong folk paintings.

Memories of the flow of culture through Hang Trong folk paintings.

Inspired by the Hang Trong painting style, Smarana Hanoi Heritage is currently the first and only hotel in Hanoi built around the theme of Hang Trong folk paintings. It was designed under the direct guidance of the last surviving artisan of this style – Mr. Le Dinh Nghien, author of the book "Vietnamese Colors from Hang Trong Paintings".

Upon entering the lobby, guests will be greeted by an artistic highlight: a large 2-meter-tall calligraphy piece inscribed with the character "Phúc" (meaning happiness/blessing) interwoven with stories of the Twenty-Four Filial Piety Stories, placed right at the hotel's main entrance. This is considered the largest surviving Hang Trong-style painting, meticulously created by artist Le Dinh Nghien.

The entire hotel grounds are decorated like an exhibition, centered around a collection of over 50 hand-painted pictures by the artist Le Dinh Nghien.

Hang Trong folk paintings once flourished in ancient Thang Long, especially during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. They are considered a quintessential art form, showcasing the exquisite aesthetic taste and exceptional painting skills of the artisans of the capital city.

Today, many Hang Trong paintings from the last century are exhibited and auctioned in Europe. Through the ups and downs of history and the changing tides of culture, the glory of Hang Trong painting gradually faded with time, seemingly sinking into oblivion. Only in recent years have art lovers had greater access to this art form thanks to the restoration and preservation efforts of dedicated individuals.

Enjoy art inside the first hotel to showcase Hang Trong folk paintings.

After nearly three years of developing and constructing, the Smarana Hanoi Heritage Hotel was born with four room categories designed with inspiration from the Four Seasons painting series: Pine, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo, and Plum Blossom from Hang Trong folk paintings, representing and corresponding to winter, autumn, summer, and spring. The room interiors also feature printed motifs and hand-painted lines inspired by Hang Trong paintings.

The hotel is designed in a boutique style and decorated like a large-scale art exhibition, featuring designer Trinh Thu Trang and the "wizard" behind many outstanding hotel projects in Vietnam - architect Dao Thi Thanh Huong.

What's even more special is that the reception staff's uniforms are exclusively designed by Y Van Hien. The clever design evokes the charm of the talented women of ancient Thang Long in the "Beautiful Women" painting series through the modern, unconventional image of the five-panel, collared ao dai.

The "Beautiful Women" series, a collection of four paintings, is displayed in the reception hall. These four contemporary Hang Trong paintings depict four Vietnamese girls in traditional attire, with their hair styled in buns and wearing ao dai (traditional Vietnamese dress), in four different poses: playing the flute, holding a coin rattle, holding a fan, and playing the moon lute. A unique feature is that all four girls expose their feet – a discreet and sensual part of a woman's body according to traditional beliefs.

Ms. Tran Thi Kieu Loan, the hotel's general manager, affirmed: "Smarana Hanoi Heritage aims to create absolute customer satisfaction while providing visitors with a cultural space and a journey to discover the heritage of the thousand-year-old capital city, with Hang Trong paintings at its center. Smarana hopes to create a series of memorable experiences for every visitor."

The legacy of this once-renowned art form extends beyond decorative paintings; its lines, patterns, colors, and distinctive features are also creatively and subtly reflected in the architectural spaces and the culinary and wellness experiences at Smarana Hanoi Heritage.

The hotel's space, including the La Carpe restaurant and the Lunaire outdoor bar, offers a diverse dining experience, creating a unique and fulfilling journey of relaxation, cultural exploration, and culinary delight.

In addition, a highlight at Smarana Hanoi Heritage that diners shouldn't miss is the signature drinks, such as the "Five Tigers" coffee collection, made with purely Vietnamese ingredients and inspired by the philosophy of the five elements, as reflected in the colors of the Five Tigers painting from Hang Trong.

With its artistic ambiance encompassing the Hang Trong folk paintings, Smarana Hanoi Heritage will be the ideal destination for a complete cultural exploration and relaxation journey for all visitors. The opening of this boutique hotel is the first "brushstroke" on the "Hanoi heritage" canvas in the process of preserving and promoting Hang Trong paintings in the thousand-year-old capital city.

Phuong Thao is an editor at Travellive magazine. She is passionate about traveling and enjoys capturing moments with her camera in every place she visits. Travel, art, and lifestyle are Phuong Thao's favorite writing topics.

Phuong Thao