Duong Lam is a commune of Son Tay town, Hanoi. It locates 40km to the west of Hanoi city center, Duong Lam is the oldest village of Vietnam. It is an appealing destination for a Vietnam cultural tour with the typical features of an old northern village, which has remained the same after centuries.
Duong Lam is also the hometown of two Vietnamese Kings: Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (896-944). Both figures led resistance wars against the Chinese invasion and became the Kings of ancient Vietnam Dynasties.
It’s hard to believe that there still exists such an ancient village just around 40 km from the busy city. Many of the houses in the village are up to 400 hundred years old, from which you can see the typical architectural features of a rural house in the northern countryside like the lateritic brick wall and the big wooden pillars. Other highlights of a typical northern hamlet are also well preserved like the communal house, the village gate with huge banyan tree, and the rice paddies.
Duong Lam also bears a significant spiritual and religious value. It is home to the ancient Mia Pagoda and the temples that worship the Emperors. Vietnamese people from different regions often flock to these places to tribute their heroes and pray for a happy, healthy, and prosperous year.
Duong Lam Ancient Village is a perfect destination for a getaway from the bustling city life. Visitors will feel like you are driving back to centuries ago when feeling the tranquility and nostalgia in this village. Paying a visit to the old houses and imagine the life of the locals via the stories of the elderly, or wander in the rice paddies to breathe the fresh air, you will be able to release all the stress and fatigue of the city life.
Do not forget to enjoy the village’s specialties: “Kẹo dồi”, “kẹo lạc” (types of peanut candies) and “chè Lam” (a chewy candy made from glutinous rice) are three must-try. Despite being made from simple ingredients, they are heavenly tasty and would be great snacks to eat along the way.
