Seven point twenty-five square kilometers. That’s the natural area of Phuong Yen So. Can you imagine? Larger than all of Hoan Kiem district.
Phuong Yen So is a ward in Hoang Mai District Hanoi Vietnam. It’s a significant part of Hanoi’s history and culture. Formed in 2004 it’s a blend of two ancient villages Yen Duy and So Thuong.
These villages have deep roots stretching back centuries. Legend speaks of a beautiful woman appearing on a boat on the Hong River. King Ly Nhan Tong saw her. He was captivated by her voice. He believed she was a goddess. This led to the name Yen Duy meaning peaceful encounter.
So Thuong village has its own remarkable story. In 1483 King Le Thanh Tong established it as a military outpost. Soldiers cultivated rice and extracted minerals. They also fought in wars. Yen Duy was one of 43 such settlements. In 1495 people migrated from So Thuong. They reclaimed land in Ninh So. By 1742 it had become its own village called So Ha.
Yen So’s strategic location is key. It’s on the southern edge of the city. Important waterways like the Hong Kim Ngu and Set rivers flow through it. Yen So is crucial for flood control. Many drainage systems are here.
Yen So is also known for agriculture. It’s a major food producer for Hanoi and the North. In 1960 Ho Chi Minh donated 96 ducks to boost the area’s farming. Today urbanization is changing things. The area is becoming a major agricultural hub. It provides food for Hanoi.
Yen So has the largest park in Hanoi. It covers 150 hectares in the west. The roads surrounding it are major arteries. They connect Yen So to Yen Duy So Thuong Hong Phuc and the major ring roads.
Yen Duy also holds an annual boat race. It commemorates the story of King Ly Nhan Tong. Eight teams compete over three days. The race is a beautiful sight. It demonstrates enduring traditions. Yen So truly has a rich and complex history. A place of legend agriculture and strategic importance. A place to explore.