Duong Lam Ancient Village – Things to Know Before Visiting

I. Introduce

Duong Lam Ancient Village was the first ancient village to be recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Relic. It is a fascinating destination to include in your Hanoi tour, offering visitors the opportunity to discover traditional Vietnamese architecture and experience the authentic lifestyle and culture of local communities in Hanoi’s countryside.

II. Location and how to get there

1. Location

Address: Son Tay ward, Hanoi

Duong Lam ancient village is located in Son Tay ward, only about 44km from the center of Hanoi capital. This ancient village in Hanoi is located south of the Red River, right next to the junction between the Ho Chi Minh Trail and Highway 32.

2. How to get there

Located not too far from the capital, traveling to the ancient village of Duong Lam is very convenient and easy; you can choose from the following options:

• Private Car – Recommended: Book through a reputable travel agency for a comfortable, safe, and transparent journey.
• Taxi/Grab: A convenient alternative with upfront pricing. Always confirm the exact drop-off point before departure.
• Motorbike & Bus: Less recommended for first-time visitors, as routes and village entrances can be difficult to navigate.

III. Opening Hours and Fees

Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily, including holidays

Entrance fee: 20,000 VND/person

Bicycle rental: 30,000–50,000 VND/hour or 80,000–100,000 VND/day

Tram ticket: Around 50,000 VND/person

IV. Tourism Activities at Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hanoi

1. The ancient village gate of Duong Lam – Mong Phu

The Duong Lam village gate,also known as the Mong Phu village gate,marks the starting point of the journey to explore this ancient village. Built in 1833, the gate reflects the architectural style of the Later Le Dynasty.

2. The nearly 400-year-old Duong Lam Village Communal House

Built in 1684, the ancient communal house of Duong Lam Village features distinctive Vietnamese-Muong architectural elements, such as stilt-house designs and raised wooden floors. The complex comprises the ceremonial gate, the courtyard, the Left and Right Wings (*Ta Mac* and *Huu Mac*), and the Great Hall (*Dai Dinh*) at the center.

3. Visit the ancient wells of Duong Lam.

The water here is very clear, and the wells serve as a source of water for the residents’ daily needs. After hundreds of years, the ancient wells in Duong Lam Village remain intact and remarkably sturdy.

4. Giang Van Minh Memorial Shrine

Built during the reign of King Tu Duc, this site is dedicated to honoring and commemorating *Tham hoa* (First Laureate) Giang Van Minh, who traveled to China to uphold the nation’s honor.

5. “Touch” Every Detail at Mrs. Dien’s Ancient House

Among them, the Ba Dien ancient house—dating back over 200 years—is a must-visit destination for anyone wishing to explore the traditional culture of the Northern region. With moss-covered walls, broken roof tiles, and faded hues, the house exudes a beauty that harmoniously blends the old and the new.

6. Visit Mr. Hung’s ancient house.

This place dates back nearly 400 years and has been home to twelve generations. Upon arrival, you are greeted by an ancient gate constructed from earth, stone, and rice husks, bound together with mud. Outside, clusters of flowers, gardens, and wine jars create a truly peaceful atmosphere.

7.  Visit Mr. The’s ancient house.

The next destination in the journey to visit the ancient village is Mr. The’s ancient house. The house was built in the traditional architectural style, all 7 compartments are completely connected by tenons without using a single iron nail.

A special point is that as soon as you enter the yard, you will smell the subtle aroma of jars of soy sauce arranged close together. Don’t forget to buy this famous delicious sauce as a gift!

 8. Admiring the Architecture of Mia Pagoda in Duong Lam Ancient Village

Mia Pagoda has a long history and was renovated in 1632 by Ngo Thi Ngoc, a consort of Lord Trinh. Later, the locals bestowed upon her the title “Ba Chua Mia” (Lady of Mia) and carved a statue of her to be worshipped within the pagoda. Many visitors come here to pray for good fortune and admire the pagoda’s impressive architecture.

9. Experiencing the Imprint of Time at Mong Phu Communal House

This village communal house is notable for being one of the oldest in the Son Tay region, boasting a history spanning 380 years. It bears the hallmarks of Viet-Muong architecture, featuring a wooden floor raised above the ground. The complex is divided into several sections: the ceremonial gate (Nghi Mon), the courtyard, the Left and Right Wings (Ta Mac and Huu Mac), and the central Great Hall (Dai Dinh).

10. Offering incense to the hero Phung Hung at Phung Hung Communal House.

To honor and pay tribute to this hero, numerous temples dedicated to Phung Hung have been built across the country, the most prominent of which is located in the ancient village of Duong Lam. The Phung Hung Temple in Duong Lam Ancient Village is not only a structure of historical significance but also a sacred site for commemorating him and offering incense in his memory.

11. Enjoy the Peaceful Atmosphere at the Temple and Mausoleum of Ngo Quyen

Situated on Cam Hill, this temple and mausoleum complex offers a tranquil, peaceful atmosphere. Despite its modest size, the site is meticulously maintained and shaded by the lush greenery of precious trees and flowers. Regardless of the season, visitors can enjoy an airy, harmonious environment and a profound sense of sanctity upon entering.

12. Lang Café: A Place with a Distinctly Rustic, Countryside Feel

After exploring the ancient village of Duong Lam, Lang Café makes for an ideal stop. Although it is merely a small roadside shop furnished with rustic, weathered wooden tables and chairs, the atmosphere is incredibly peaceful, quiet, and nostalgic—and the drinks are very affordable.

13. Doai Creative: Connecting heritage with the new generation

Doai Creative is an artistic creative space located in Duong Lam ancient village (Son Tay, Hanoi), founded in April 2023 by designer Khuat Van Thang. This place combines the spirit of traditional Doai culture and modern design thinking to connect heritage with the young generation.

V. Dining Tips for Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hanoi

Coming to Duong Lam, you will not only visit ancient architectural works and explore unique traditional culture, but you will also enjoy countless unique delicacies, imbued with the flavor of Northern Vietnamese villages.

• Cane chicken: a type of chicken with small legs and yellow feathers. When boiled, the meat is white and the skin is yellow and crispy.
• Roasted meat: The highlight of this delicious dish is the young guava leaves that are chopped and marinated with the meat.
• Braised sweet soup: made from steamed green beans, then add sugar, use large chopsticks to stir well until the beans are crushed and smooth.
• Rice soy sauce: is a popular, rustic dish made from rice, soybeans, salt, water from the village well.
• Sesame candy, sausages, peanuts: candies made from rustic ingredients such as: peanuts, sesame, sugar, malt… Sitting and sipping a couple of candies with a cup of light green tea is truly delicious.
• Banh te: The cake is wrapped in long, slender dong leaves, with the filling spread evenly along the leaf. When eaten, the cake has a very unique taste, flexible and fragrant.

VI. What to Buy as Souvenirs When Visiting Duong Lam Ancient Village?

If you are looking for meaningful gifts for your loved ones, consider the following options:

• Fermented soybean paste: The ancient village of Duong Lam is renowned for producing this traditional condiment. With its unique and unforgettable flavor, it makes an ideal gift to bring home for family and friends.
• Peanut-filled candy rolls: These crunchy white candy rolls, featuring a savory-sweet peanut filling, are a familiar treat in Northern Vietnam. Compact and appealing, they are perfect for sharing with friends and family.
• Ramie leaf cake: Made from glutinous rice flour, pork, mung beans, and sesame seeds, these ingredients are wrapped in ramie leaves and steamed to create a signature Duong Lam specialty.
• Paintings of Duong Lam Ancient Village: Artwork depicting Duong Lam often captures the beauty of the Vietnamese countryside, showcasing traditional architecture and stunning landscapes. A painting of the village makes a wonderful gift for decorating your home or that of a loved one.

Over the centuries, the ancient village of Duong Lam has steadfastly preserved the nation’s traditional way of life. Ancient tales and profound cultural values ​​continue to be cherished and passed down through generations. More than just a popular tourist destination, Duong Lam stands as a vivid embodiment of the connection between past and present—a place where visitors can experience the living vitality of cultural heritage right here in the capital.

Contact Aravinda Travel today to experience a day in Duong Lam Ancient Village; it is an opportunity not only to admire its timeless beauty and historic landmarks but also to immerse yourself in traditional culture and cuisine.

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