Where is Dong Ngac Ancient Village
Located in Dong Ngac Commune, Tu Liem District, Bac Tu Liem, Hanoi, the village is only about 12 km from the city center. In ancient Vietnamese, it was known as Ve Village or Ke Ve Village. Dong Ngac is now one of the oldest villages in Hanoi.
Compared to well-known ancient villages like Duong Lam or traditional craft villages such as Bat Trang Pottery Village and Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Dong Ngac remains relatively unknown to international visitors. However, in Vietnam’s history, this village holds a distinguished place.
History
Dong Ngac Ancient Village was established in the 14th century by several families who settled in the area. It has now existed for over 800 years.
The ancient Vietnamese architecture and materials at Dong Ngac Ancient Village
Over time, the village gained fame due to its many scholars who excelled in imperial examinations. Over the past 500 years, Dong Ngac has produced 22 doctoral laureates, as well as over 400 bachelor’s degree holders and scholars.
According to ancient beliefs, any village with more than ten doctoral laureates was considered an intellectual hub. Hence, Dong Ngac earned the title "Village of Scholars."
The Ve Village ranked third in Vietnam’s feudal history for producing the most scholars, after Mo Trach Village in Hai Duong (36 doctoral laureates) and Kim Doi Village in Bac Ninh (25 doctoral laureates).
How to Get There
Since the village is not far from Hanoi’s city center, there are several convenient ways to visit:
Visitors to Dong Ngac Ancient Village
|
Travel Time |
Cost |
Note |
|
|---|---|---|---|
|
City Bus |
50 - 1 hour |
0,3 USD/ticket |
Take Bus 31 directly to the village. Follow Google Maps for routes. |
|
Motorbike Taxi/ Car Taxi |
20 - 30 mins |
3,3 USD/motorbike ride 6,1 USD/ 4-seater car ride |
Book through apps like Xanh SM or Grab, or ask your hotel to arrange. |
|
Rental Motorbike |
20 mins |
4 USD/day motorbike rental fee 0,8 - 1 USD/ litre petrol |
You can rent bikes or motorbikes in Hanoi for a more flexible visit. |
Things to Do
Today, Dong Ngac Ancient Village preserves around 100 old houses, with the oldest being nearly 400 years old. Besides the traditional curved roofs and ancient architecture, the village’s gates, resembling towering pens, are symbols of its scholarly spirit. Here is what to explore during your visit:
What to see in Dong Ngac Ancient Village
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Ve Communal House: The communal house was once the heart of village life and is dedicated to three deities representing Heaven, Earth, and Man, as well as scholar Pham Quang Dung, who contributed to restoring the village, and Pham Thi Ly, who donated land for the house.
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Tu Khanh Pagoda (Ve Pagoda): The only Buddhist pagoda in Hanoi to receive the title Family of Resistance during the French colonial resistance.
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Dong Ngac Temple of Literature: A temple dedicated to Confucius, honoring local scholars and intellectuals.
Phan Family Temple in Dong Ngac Ancient Village
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Phan Family Temple: This temple belongs to one of the village's scholarly families, known for its members' academic and patriotic achievements.
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Do Family Temple: A rare temple featuring architecture similar to that of a communal house.
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Stroll through the village: To take in the serene lifestyle and timeless charm of ancient Hanoi.
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Local specialties: Taste the village’s famous giò chả (traditional Vietnamese sausages) and nem (spring rolls)
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Local handicraft: Explore the village's traditional goods - handcrafted hats and bamboo-weaving products.
Local life is continuing in Dong Ngac Ancient Village
Travel Tips
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Each year, on the 9th and 10th of the second lunar month, Dong Ngac hosts its village festival at Ve Communal House. This celebration pays tribute to the deities and key figures that shaped its rich history. It is the perfect occasion to immerse yourself in the village’s vibrant culture.
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For the best experience, it is recommended to visit with a local guide who can share insightful stories about the village’s architectural treasures and the fascinating history of its scholars. While the village is open to the public free of charge, the knowledge shared by a guide will greatly enrich your visit.
To continue this conversation, visit our article about old villages in Hanoi.
Dong Ngac Ancient Village today is a blend of old and new, carrying traces of Vietnam’s feudal past, the French colonial period, and modern life with a peaceful rhythm of life and rich in tradition. If you are looking for more suggestions for your meaningful and enjoyable trip to Vietnam, feel free to check our website or message us directly.
