Duong Lam Ancient Village: How to Get to & What to See

Where is Duong Lam Village

Duong Lam Ancient Village is situated in Duong Lam commune, Son Tay town, 42 - 50 kilometers from the center of Hanoi. Here is how you can reach this historical realm:

Ways to get to Duong Lam Ancient Village

What is Duong Lam Village Famous for

Duong Lam Ancient Village is a living museum of Vietnamese history, preserving cultural and architectural relics that represent the Red River Delta civilization of Northern Vietnam:

• The village boasts over 1,200 years of history.

• It retains the traditional rural Vietnamese ambiance with iconic village gates, age-old trees, ancient houses and temples, and native crafts that have been passed down through generations.

• Duong Lam is recognized as the first ancient village in Vietnam to be classified as a national heritage site in 2006.

• Signature rural lifestyle and local cuisine such as Mia Chicken, Lam sweets, and soybean paste.

• The village is the birthplace of two revered kings in Vietnam history: Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen.

The village safeguards its historic structures along with the old way of life

History and Background

Established in the 11th century, Duong Lam Ancient Village comprises nine hamlets, with the oldest being Cam Thinh, Cam Lam, Doai Giap, Dong Sang, and Mong Phu. The other hamlets were founded in the mid-19th century. 

Not only being the cradle of two kings, the village is also home to other famous figures in the history of Vietnam such as scholar Giang Van Minh, Lady Mia (the consort of Lord Trinh Trang), and scholar Kieu Mau Han.

When to Visit

Duong Lam Ancient Village is close to Hanoi, so you can visit this charming spot any time of the year. However, there are certain seasons that make the experience even more special, like the rice season in May and June. 

The best time to see Duong Lam Village

You might also want to plan your visit around the traditional festivals in the first lunar month (usually February) to soak in the ancient cultural vibes of Vietnam. Here are some of the annual festivals celebrated in Duong Lam:

Things do Do

To this day, Duong Lam Ancient Village preserves 956 traditional houses with many ancient relics. When you visit, don’t miss:

Things to do in Duong Lam ancient village

• Mong Phu Village Gate: Built in 1833 with arched architecture and laterite walls, next to a 300-year-old banyan tree.

• Mong Phu Communal House: A 380-year-old structure preserving numerous valuable artifacts.

• Ancient Wells: Made of laterite stone, these wells filtered water for villagers' daily use.

• Ancient Houses: Visit the traditional houses of Ms. Dien, Ms. Lan, Mr. Hung, and Mr. Huyen, where the original architecture and old-world items are preserved.

• Mr. The's Fermented Soybean House: The courtyard is filled with large earthen jars used to ferment the village’s specialty sauce.

• Mong Phu Catholic Church: You will find ancient relics, such as a ceremonial carriage for the Virgin Mary and a bell that echoes the past, crafted or acquired from France.

• Mia Pagoda: The pagoda houses one of the largest collections of ancient Buddha statues in Vietnam.

• Phung Hung Temple: Dedicated to the leader of the 791 AD rebellion against the Tang Dynasty.

Phung Hung Temple

• Giang Van Minh Shrine: A memorial to the scholar who was born in the village and contributed greatly to the country.

• Ngo Quyen Mausoleum: The final resting place of King Ngo Quyen, who famously defeated the Nam Han navy in 938 AD using wooden stakes in the Bach Dang River.

• Local Specialties: Savor traditional treats like sticky rice cake, herbal tea, peanut candy, glutinous rice cake, and fermented soybean paste. The cost of these local sweets and specialties is from 0.4 USD to 2 USD.

• Random roadside stall: These humble, little roadside tea stalls were once a common sight in the Vietnamese countryside, often run by the elderly. They carried with them the essence of simpler times. Here you can savor boiled eggs, sip on tea, and enjoy traditional treats

• The Village Café: You can visit to take a rest where the serene garden setting invites you to unwind.

Travel Tips

Duong Lam Ancient Village may be small, but it’s brimming with things to explore. Keep these notes and tips in mind for a smooth visit:

The Norwegian Ambassador's family visited Duong Lam Ancient Village in January 2024

• Some basic fees for your reference:

• You can explore Duong Lam on foot, by bicycle, or by motorbike. Having a vehicle makes it easier, as the total walking distance around the village can be several kilometers. Renting a bicycle is a serene way to enjoy the village's peaceful ambiance.

• If you rent a bicycle, keep an eye on it to avoid theft.

• Always ask for permission before entering the ancient houses.

• You can use Google Maps or purchase a local map to navigate while at the village

• If you want to have a night there, you can stay at a homestay or guesthouse near the village

• Some contacts for meals or accommodation bookings at Duong Lam Ancient Village: 0364 105 180 (Ms. Lan), 0243 326 0128 (Mr.Hung), 0369791648 (Vung Tam Ancient House)

To gain more insights, navigate to our post about where to visit in Vietnam for first comers!

 

Some say that Duong Lam Ancient Village ranks just behind Hoi An and Hanoi's Old Quarters in terms of scale and artistic value. Indeed, this quaint and timeworn village is a living treasure, a priceless embodiment of the rural Vietnamese landscape, worship practices, and old-world way of life that are slowly fading from modern consciousness. If you are intrigued and want to visit this charming village, feel free to contact us for a smooth and seamless journey.