Duong Lam Ancient Village: A Peaceful Timeless Escape Near Hanoi

Just an hour from Hanoi, Duong Lam Ancient Village offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s past with its centuries-old houses and moss-covered laterite walls. As one of the best-preserved ancient villages, it showcases traditional architecture and tranquil countryside charm. Visitors can wander through winding alleyways and immerse themselves in local culture. Discover what makes Duong Lam a must-visit destination!

1. Where is Duong Lam Ancient Village Located?

Nestled in the heart of Son Tay Town, just 50km west of Hanoi, Duong Lam Ancient Village is a living museum of Vietnam’s bygone era. This enchanting village, dating back over 1,200 years, boasts a mesmerizing blend of centuries-old laterite houses, sacred temples, and a serene countryside ambiance. 

Recognized as Vietnam’s first National Heritage village in 2005, Duong Lam captivates visitors with its over 900 well-preserved laterite homes, whispering stories of the past. As the birthplace of national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung, this historic gem offers a journey through time, culture, and Vietnamese heritage.

Visiting Duong Lam is like stepping back in time, offering a glimpse into the traditional rural life of Northern Vietnam (Source: Internet)

2. How to Get to Duong Lam Ancient Village?

Traveling to Duong Lam Ancient Village offers various options to suit different budgets and preferences. From comfortable private cars to budget-friendly buses, each choice has its pros, cons, and travel times. Explore the best ways to reach this charming heritage village just outside Hanoi: 

2.1. By Private Car/Taxi

For a seamless and comfortable journey, opt for a private car or taxi, the fastest way to reach Duong Lam Ancient Village in just 1 to 1.5 hours. Round-trip fares range from 600,000 to 1,200,000 VND (USD 25 - USD 50), making it an ideal choice for families and groups seeking a stress-free experience. 

To ensure a smooth trip, book in advance with reputable providers for reliable service.

A private car or taxi is the most convenient transportation to Duong Lam Ancient Village (Source: Internet)

For travelers seeking flexibility and adventure, renting a motorbike allows you to explore the countryside at your own pace. Rental prices are quite affordable, at around 100,000 - 150,000 VND (USD 4 - USD 6) per day. You can choose between two main routes:

• Thang Long Avenue - Hoa Lac Intersection - Route 21 - Son Loc - Duong Lam.

• Highway 32 - Son Tay - Route 21 - Duong Lam.

However, be sure to check your motorbike’s condition, wear a helmet, and fill up on fuel before the trip.

Motorbikes are perfect for adventurers who enjoy scenic countryside routes (Source: Internet)

For budget-conscious travelers, taking a public bus is the cheapest and safest option. The fare costs around 20,000 - 30,000 VND (USD 1 - USD 1.5). You can take:

• Bus 70A (Kim Ma – Son Tay)

• Bus 71 (My Dinh – Son Tay)

• Bus 77 (Ha Dong – Son Tay)

These buses will drop you off at Son Tay Bus Station, where you can take a short motorbike taxi (20,000 - 50,000 VND) (USD 1 - USD 2) to the village. 

If you prefer a more structured visit, consider hiring a local guide upon arrival to gain deeper insights into Duong Lam’s history and culture.

3. What to Explore in Duong Lam Ancient Village?

Duong Lam Ancient Village is a living museum showcasing centuries-old architecture, historical landmarks, and rich cultural traditions. From ancient houses and communal halls to temples and serene pagodas, each corner of the village tells a unique story.

3.1. Over 900 Ancient Houses 

Duong Lam is home to over 900 ancient houses, many dating back more than 300 - 400 years. Built primarily from laterite bricks, these houses feature wooden pillars, clay-tiled roofs, and airy courtyards, reflecting the architectural style of Vietnam’s northern countryside. Some notable houses to visit include:

• Mr. Hung’s House - Over 400 years old, this well-preserved home is an excellent example of traditional wooden architecture.

• Mr. Huyen’s House - Offers insight into the daily life and culture of Vietnamese rural families.

• Mr. Lam’s House - A must-see for its authentic wooden interiors and charming antique furniture

• Mr. The’s House - Over 300 years old, this historic home has been home to 13 generations and remains a timeless symbol of the village’s heritage.

3.2. Mong Phu Communal House

At the heart of Duong Lam lies Mong Phu Communal House, an important spiritual and cultural landmark built in the 17th century. The structure features a grand wooden roof, intricate carvings, and an open courtyard, where locals once gathered for meetings, religious ceremonies, and village festivals. Today, it remains a symbol of community pride and a place for worshiping the village’s tutelary god.

Mong Phu Communal House was built on the central and highest ground of the village, covering an area of approximately 1,800 square meters (Source: Internet)

Mong Phu Communal House is used for festivals, village meetings, and religious ceremonies (Source: Internet)

3.3. Temples of Ngo Quyen & Phung Hung

Duong Lam is the birthplace of two legendary Vietnamese figures - Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung, both of whom played pivotal roles in the country’s resistance against foreign rule. Their temples are sacred sites dedicated to their legacies:

• Ngo Quyen Temple - Built to honor King Ngo Quyen, who led Vietnam’s independence battle against the Southern Han in 938 AD.

• Phung Hung Temple - Commemorates Phung Hung, a national hero who led a rebellion against Chinese domination in the 8th century.

Both temples are peaceful retreats with ancient altars, stone tablets, and historical artifacts, offering a glimpse into Vietnam’s past.

The Ngo Quyen Temple and Mausoleum complex was built on Cam Hill (Source: Internet)

The majestic beauty of Phung Hung Temple, the largest of its kind in Vietnam (Source: Internet)

3.4. Mia Pagoda

Mia Pagoda, built in the 15th century, is one of the most significant Buddhist sites in northern Vietnam. Nestled amidst lush rice fields, this serene sanctuary is known for its impressive collection of over 280 Buddha statues crafted from wood, bronze, and terracotta. Each statue is meticulously carved, depicting various expressions and postures of the Buddha, offering a glimpse into the artistic and religious heritage of the time.

The pagoda's architecture follows the traditional Vietnamese Buddhist style, with a triple-roofed entrance, curved eaves, and intricately decorated altars. The atmosphere inside is tranquil and deeply spiritual, making it a perfect place for meditation and reflection.

Mia Pagoda is one of the oldest and most revered pagodas in northern Vietnam (Source: Internet)

The pagoda is nestled among rice fields with over 280 ancient Buddha statues (Source: Internet)

3.5. Cobblestone Streets

Duong Lam Ancient Village is best explored on foot, with its narrow, winding cobblestone streets leading visitors through a maze of well-preserved historical architecture. The paths are lined with laterite brick walls, a signature feature of the village, made from reddish-brown sedimentary rock found in the region. Over centuries, these walls have absorbed the natural elements, giving them an aged, rustic charm that embodies the spirit of old Vietnam.

One of the most charming aspects of Duong Lam is its network of narrow, winding cobblestone streets, lined with centuries-old laterite brick walls (Source: Internet)

Walking through these streets, you’ll notice wooden gates, traditional tiled roofs, and courtyards filled with lush greenery, all of which preserve the essence of northern Vietnamese rural life. Locals still use these spaces for daily activities, from drying rice to making traditional fermented soy sauce.

Duong Lam Ancient Village unveils a picturesque scene with brick-paved roads, laterite walls, ancient wells, and banyan trees (Source: Internet)

3.6. Ancient Village Gate with 300-year-old bamboo grove

Standing for over three centuries, the Mong Phu Village Gate is a symbol of Duong Lam’s resilience and history. Constructed from laterite stone and wood, the gate was designed not only as an entrance but also as a protective barrier against invaders in ancient times. Unlike other village gates in Vietnam, Mong Phu’s structure remains remarkably intact, offering a rare look into the defensive architecture of traditional rural communities.

Just beyond the gate lies a picturesque bamboo grove, a tranquil spot where locals often rest under the shade of towering bamboo stalks. This grove has been a part of village life for generations, symbolizing peace, protection, and prosperity in Vietnamese culture.

The Mong Phu village gate is a famous symbol of Duong Lam (Sources: Internet)

The village gate walls are made of laterite stones excavated from the ground (Sources: Internet)

3.7. Cultural Experiences

Beyond its historic sites, Duong Lam Ancient Village offers visitors a chance to engage in traditional Vietnamese village life through a variety of cultural activities:

• Calligraphy workshops: Learn the elegant art of Vietnamese calligraphy, often practiced during special occasions like Tet (Lunar New Year).

• Rice paper making: Discover the delicate process of making rice paper, an essential ingredient in Vietnamese cuisine. 

• Traditional rice straw puppets Making: where artisans skillfully weave and shape dried rice straw into intricate, expressive figurines, preserving folklore and cultural heritage through delicate handcrafting techniques.

• Soy sauce brewing: Taste and learn about the traditional fermented soy sauce of Duong Lam, a specialty of the village.

• Pottery making: Try your hand at shaping clay into traditional Vietnamese pottery, a craft that dates back centuries.

Many villagers warmly welcome visitors into their homes, offering green tea and stories about their family’s history. This hospitality reflects the deep cultural pride and close-knit community spirit of Duong Lam.

Duong Lam is perfect for photographing traditional Vietnamese architecture (Sources: Internet)

Tourists can join handicraft workshops to learn calligraphy, rice paper making, and pottery (Sources: Internet)

Learn about the traditional fermented soy sauce of Duong Lam, a specialty of the village (Sources: Internet)

4. What Local Specialties to Eat in Duong Lam?

Duong Lam Ancient Village is not only a treasure trove of historical architecture but also a haven for traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Here are some local specialties you shouldn't miss:

Mia Chicken (Ga Mia)

This local chicken breed is renowned for its tender, flavorful meat. Traditionally reserved for royalty, Mía Chicken is now a must-try delicacy. It's typically boiled or roasted to highlight its natural taste. A serving costs around 150,000 - 250,000 VND (USD 6 - USD 10). You can savor this dish at Son Tay Mia Chicken Restaurant, a restaurant famed for its authentic preparation.

Lam Rice (Com Lam)

A rustic dish where sticky rice is soaked, seasoned, and cooked inside bamboo tubes over an open flame. This method imparts a subtle bamboo aroma to the rice. Each serving is priced at approximately 20,000 - 50,000 VND (USD 0.8 - USD 2). Mong Phu Countryside Restaurant offers a delightful version of this traditional treat.

Lam Rice is sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes (Source: Internet)

Rice Wine (Ruou Nep) 

A traditional homemade wine made from glutinous rice, fermented to produce a mildly sweet and aromatic beverage. It's often enjoyed during festivals and family gatherings. A bottle typically costs between 50,000 and 100,000 VND (USD 2 - USD 4). Local households in Duong Lam Village often sell this wine; visiting a family can provide an authentic tasting experience.

Lam Sticky Rice Cake (Che Lam)

This chewy rice cake blends the warmth of ginger, the nuttiness of peanuts, and the subtle sweetness of honey, making it a favorite winter snack, best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea. You can find this treat at roadside stalls or at Ba Dung’s Ancient House, where it’s served alongside authentic green tea. Prices range from 20,000 - 40,000 VND (USD 0.8 - USD 1.6) per piece.

Che Lam is a sticky rice cake with ginger, peanuts, and sesame (Source: Internet)

Braised Fish in Fermented Soybean Paste (Ca kho tuong)

A rustic specialty of Duong Lam, this dish features freshwater fish slow-cooked in fermented soybean paste, creating a rich, savory, and slightly sweet taste. Served with hot rice, it’s a comforting meal that highlights local flavors. Mong Phu Countryside Restaurant is known for its traditional preparation, with a serving priced at 100,000 - 150,000 VND (USD 4 - USD 6).

Fish braised in fermented soybean paste, resulting in a rich and savory flavor profile (Source: Internet)

Bamboo-Roasted Crunchy Pork (Thit quay don)

According to legend, after King Ngo Quyen’s victory on the Bach Dang River, he celebrated with his soldiers by feasting on this roasted pork. The villagers of Duong Lam have preserved this traditional cooking method, passing it down through generations. The dish is distinguished by its crispy golden skin, infused with the aroma of guava leaves, and its tender, flavorful meat seasoned with honey and five-spice powder. 

As its meticulous preparation, it’s a rare specialty, mainly found at local family-run eateries in Duong Lam. Prices range from 370,000 - 400,000 VND (USD 15 - USD 16) per kg (2,2lbs).

Thit quay don in the legend of King Ngo Quyen victory feast (Source: Internet)

Grass Jelly Dessert (Che thach gang)

A refreshing dessert perfect for Vietnam’s hot summer days, grass jelly is made from a native plant that gives it a deep green, translucent appearance. The jelly is light, cooling, and slightly herbal, often served with sweet syrup and tapioca pearls for added texture. Widely available at tea shops throughout the village, it’s a popular cooling treat priced at 15,000 - 30,000 VND (USD 0.6 - USD 1.2) per serving.

Che thach gang is a refreshing summer dessert (Source: Internet)

Tip: Some local families offer meal services - a great way to enjoy home-style Vietnamese cooking.

A home-cooked meal prepared for tourists (Source: Internet)

5. FAQs About Duong Lam Ancient Village

5.1. When is the Best Time to Visit Duong Lam Village?

The ideal time to explore Duong Lam Ancient Village is from October to April when the cool, dry weather makes strolling through its ancient alleyways a delight. For a tranquil experience, visit in the early morning (7:00 AM - 9:00 AM) or late afternoon (3:00 PM - 5:00 PM), when the light casts a golden glow over the village. Avoid midday (12:00 PM - 2:00 PM), as the intense sun can make exploring less comfortable.

However, for a glimpse of the blooming lotus lake at the village gate, visit in May—if you don’t mind the heat (Source: Internet)

5.2. Is There an Entrance Fee?

Yes, visitors need to pay an entrance fee of 20,000 VND (~ USD 1) per person, which contributes to the village’s preservation. However, once inside, you can freely visit historical sites, including ancient houses, temples, and pagodas, without additional charges.

5.3. Is There Any Coffee Shop In the Village?

Yes. If you want to relax and enjoy a cup of coffee while soaking in the village’s nostalgic atmosphere, Doai Creative and Coffee, Lang Coffee, or Chiko Duong Lam Cafe is a must-visit. These coffee shops blend modern and traditional aesthetics, offering a cozy space with views of old laterite brick walls and rustic wooden furniture. It serves a variety of drinks, from Vietnamese drip coffee to herbal teas, which are perfect for a refreshing break during your visit.

There are many famous coffee shops for tourists in Duong Lam like Doai Creative (Source: Internet)

Doai Creative creates an environment to express art creativity (Source: Internet)

Buy some souvenirs to bring home (Source: Internet)

5.3. Are There Activities Recreating Old Lifestyles?

Yes! Duong Lam Ancient Village offers immersive experiences where visitors can step back in time and engage in traditional activities:

• Join traditional craft workshops (pottery, calligraphy, or rice paper making).

• Dress in Vietnamese traditional áo dài for a photo shoot in ancient houses.

• Experience a countryside cooking class with local families.

Tip: Some houses offer hands-on experiences, so ask before visiting.

Visitors can rent a Vietnamese áo dài and take beautiful pictures in the ancient surroundings (Source: Internet)

5.4. Can I Stay Overnight in Duong Lam Village?

Yes! There are homestay options in ancient houses, offering a unique cultural experience. Here are a few options:

• Homestay at Mr. Hung’s House - Stay in a 400-year-old house with traditional decor, experiencing life as the villagers do.

• Duong Lam Homestay – This homestay is run by local families, offering home-cooked meals and cultural activities.

Tip: Staying overnight lets you experience the village at its quietest and most authentic side of Duong Lam Ancient Village.

Duong Lam Ancient Village offers a rare escape into Vietnam’s past, where ancient houses, sacred temples, and traditional cuisine create an authentic cultural experience. Just a short trip from Hanoi, this well-preserved village invites visitors to stroll its cobblestone streets, savor local specialties, and immerse themselves in centuries-old traditions. Whether for a day trip or an overnight stay, Duong Lam promises a peaceful retreat and a glimpse into the country’s timeless heritage.

To make your journey to Duong Lam Ancient Village smooth and enjoyable, plan and book your flight to Hanoi early. Vietnam Airlines is delighted to accompany you on this cultural adventure. Currently, Vietnam Airlines operates multiple daily flights to Hanoi from major cities such as Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang, Nha Trang, and Can Tho, with affordable fares. Enjoy spacious seating, generous baggage allowances, and warm Vietnamese hospitality onboard. See more at: Flight tickets to Hanoi and start your journey with ease!