Known as one of the oldest ancient villages still preserved in Vietnam, this place is an ideal destination for travelers seeking experiences of the peaceful rural life. To provide a comprehensive and clearer overview of this ancient village, Myhanoitours will introduce it to you through this article right away!
Where is the Duong Lam Ancient Village located?
Duong Lam Ancient Village is located in Son Tay town, Hanoi, on the left bank of the Red River, adjacent to National Highway 32 at the intersection with Ho Chi Minh Road. The village is situated 50km west of Hanoi, bordering Cam Thuong commune in Ba Vi district to the west and northwest. Duong Lam Ancient Village is also the first ancient village in Vietnam to be officially recognized as a national historical and cultural relic by the state on May 19, 2006.
How to get to Duong Lam Ancient Village?
Being part of an ancient village in Son Tay town, transportation is certainly not difficult for visitors who wish to explore this area. Being relatively close to Hanoi, you have various convenient transportation options to ensure you don’t miss your trip.
- Bus: If you are unsure about the location of the ancient village and the best way to get there, taking a bus is a safe and cost-effective option. There are many bus routes suitable for reaching Duong Lam Ancient Village from downtown Hanoi. For example, you can take bus number 70 from Kim Ma or bus number 77 from Son Tay. Another option is bus number 71 from My Dinh to Son Tay.
- Motorbike taxi (Xe ôm) or Taxi: This is also a popular choice when visiting Duong Lam Ancient Village if you are unfamiliar with the routes. The drivers are usually friendly and will guide you through the best routes to explore all the attractions in the area.
- Self-drive motorcycle: For those passionate about adventure and freedom, renting a motorcycle is an excellent choice. Riding a motorcycle allows you to save time and ensures you won’t miss any of the picturesque landscapes and attractions in this rural area.
There are two convenient routes to get to Duong Lam Ancient Village that you should know. The first route is to take the Thang Long Avenue and then turn at the Hoa Lac intersection. Continue along Route 21 Son Loc, and at the intersection, there will be signs directing you to Duong Lam Ancient Village.
The second route starts from Hanoi towards the Nhon area, then to Son Tay and follows Route 32. When you reach the intersection with Route 21, you will see a turn leading to Duong Lam Ancient Village on the left.
When is the Best Time to visit Duong Lam Ancient Village?
Harvest season
Visiting Duong Lam Ancient Village during the ripe rice season is sure to captivate you with the charming and distinctly rustic beauty of this region in the Red River Delta. You will undoubtedly experience moments reminiscent of childhood, riding on water buffalo in the fields and marveling at the ripe golden rice fields swaying in the breeze. In the months of May and June each year, as the rice fields turn a vibrant golden hue, locals gather to admire and capture the serene and breathtaking beauty of nature. It’s a perfect opportunity for peaceful and beautiful nature-themed check-ins.
Festival season
Duong Lam Ancient Village is also incredibly attractive to tourists during the Tet holiday and the arrival of spring. With tireless feet, visitors can immerse themselves in the festive atmosphere typical of the Northern countryside. They can participate in traditional folk games such as cockfighting, Chinese chess, smashing clay pots, or blindfolded duck-catching, along with some customs that are representative of the festivals in the central plains and the hills of the Northern region.
What makes Duong Lam Ancient Village so Attractive to Tourists?
Typical Ancient Northern Vietnamese Architectural Style
When you come to Duong Lam Ancient Village, you will witness all the distinctive features of the Northern countryside present vividly here. Each image, whether it be an old banyan tree, a well, a communal yard, a temple, or the winding village roads, represents an unmistakable beauty unique to this charming Northern land. The houses and walls will evoke memories of the rustic rural life where you spent your childhood. Visiting here is like stepping back into the cherished memories of your early years.
Over 1,000 ancient houses
One fascinating aspect you might not be aware of in Duong Lam Ancient Village is that there are nearly 1,000 ancient houses scattered across the villages of Dong Sang, Mong Phu, and Cam Thinh. When exploring here, you will be pleasantly surprised by the longevity of these ancient houses, as they were built from the mid-17th century to the early 19th century. All these houses were constructed using highly natural and traditional materials such as laterite, bamboo, palm leaves, fired clay bricks, and tiles.
The houses in Duong Lam Ancient Village are predominantly built following the principles of the five elements, with essential elements like gates, yards, gardens, main houses, auxiliary houses, and kitchens. The houses are uniformly oriented towards the South and Southeast, a favored direction for construction to ensure coolness in summer and warmth in winter.
Must-visit attractions in Duong Lam Ancient Village
Visit Mong Phu Village Gate
This is undoubtedly the most visited spot when exploring Duong Lam Ancient Village due to its extremely ancient architecture, truly representing the quintessential style of the Northern countryside. The architectural style primarily features vaulted roofs with ancient laterite stone adorned with moss. Originally, the village had five gates, including a main gate and four gates representing the cardinal directions. However, due to the ravages of war and the erosion of time, only one gate, Mong Phu Gate, remains, built in 1833. At the top of the gate, there is an inscription in ancient Chinese characters that reads, “thế hữu hưng ngơi đại” (世有興居大), which translates to “Prosperity for generations to come.”
Mong Phu Village Communal House
Certainly, a village with a complete architectural style would not be complete without a communal house, and Duong Lam Ancient Village is no exception. This is a representative structure built in 1684, covering an area of over 1,800 square meters. The communal house is constructed on the highest piece of land in the village, facing the Southwest. It is considered the largest gateway to the village, as all the lanes in the village converge at this point.
Thang Giang Van Minh Church
Commissioned by King Tu Duc to commemorate and honor the significant contributions of Hoa Giang Van Minh, Thanh Hoa Church in Duong Lam Ancient Village is a cherished historical site. The church features typical ancient architecture in the form of the letter “二” (ni), symbolizing duality. It has become a popular attraction in Duong Lam Ancient Village, particularly for young people seeking to explore the historical roots of the region.
Ong Hung Ancient House
The ancient house of Mr. Hung is considered the pride of the family in Duong Lam Ancient Village. It holds the distinction of being the oldest house in Mong Phu Village, officially built in 1649. This house has retained its ancient architecture in its entirety, showcasing the moss-covered ancient style for nearly 400 years. It has been the home to 12 generations of the family. Visitors are welcome to explore this historical site and are sure to be warmly received by the hosts who will provide detailed introductions about the house.
Mrs. Duong Lan Ancient House
The house was constructed over 300 years ago during the Later Le Dynasty and is still in use and well-preserved today. Originally belonging to the ancestors of the husband and wife, the house belonged to the family of Admiral Do Doan Chinh, who held an important position in the royal court. Therefore, the house boasts an impressive and majestic architecture, with a framework and ceiling structure that are typical of prosperous families during the Later Le Dynasty.
Other places you can explore when visiting Duong Lam Ancient Village
- Ancient Well of Duong Lam
- Phung Hung Temple (Bo Cai Dai Vuong)
- Ngoc Quyen Temple and Tomb
- Mia Pagoda (Sung Nghiem Tu)
- Old Citadel of Son Tay
- Va Temple
- Mang Son Temple
What to eat in Duong Lam Ancient Village?
When visiting Duong Lam Ancient Village, you won’t indulge in extravagant and exotic dishes like other tourist destinations. Instead, you’ll experience extremely rustic and characteristic dishes of the ancient countryside. The simplicity and modesty of these dishes breathe life into the Vietnamese soul, with flavors that are rich and captivating.
The earthy and unpretentious nature of the cuisine brings a unique charm to the Vietnamese palate, creating a delightful fusion of robust flavors. The aromatic, crunchy, and creamy blend of peanuts with the sweetness of jaggery is sure to evoke nostalgic memories of childhood.
Or perhaps, the rich and savory grilled dishes paired with a few plates of hot banh duc (steamed rice cakes) will surely make your heart flutter and forget the way home. Prepare a hungry stomach and a soul that appreciates culinary delights to savor the local specialties here.
- Sugarcane chicken
- Fermented soybean sauce
- Banh te (rice cake)
- Lam sweet soup, and dồi candy
- Peanut candy, sesame candy
Some notes when visiting Duong Lam Ancient Village
To have a complete and hassle-free trip to the ancient village of Duong Lam, consider these small tips:
- Choose walking or cycling: When exploring the ancient village, think of its tranquility and antiquity. It wouldn’t be suitable to use a motorbike or car, as it disrupts the inherent peace. If you have a motorbike, consider parking it far away and either walk or cycle into the village.
- Wear comfortable and appropriate clothing: When visiting historical sites and temples, opt for comfortable and bright-colored outfits. Avoid overly revealing or inappropriate clothing, especially in sacred places like temples or ancient shrines.
- Book meals in advance: For an authentic village-style meal in Duong Lam, make sure to book your dining arrangements in advance. You can contact some homestays, as they typically start preparing meals when guests make reservations.
This article has provided you with insights into the timeless beauty of the ancient village in Hanoi. Visit Duong Lam to discover unique experiences that can only be found in this ancient village. Continue your journey with Myhanoitours to explore more attractions in Hanoi.
