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When in Hanoi, don't miss the chance to explore the ancient village of Duong Lam – a small, serene enclave amidst the vast capital, where you can immerse yourself in the timeless beauty and traditional culture.
Exploring the Charming Duong Lam Village – A Hidden Gem Near Hanoi
Duong Lam Village is located 44km west of the central Hanoi, in Son Tay town. Recognized as a National Historical and Cultural Heritage site by the Vietnamese government in 2006, Duong Lam is the first ancient village to receive this honor.
Preserving the artistry and architecture of an ancient village in the Red River Delta, Duong Lam maintains its original charm. Visiting Duong Lam Village, you'll encounter the distinctive features of an ancient settlement – ancient banyan trees, water wells, communal yards, pagodas, winding village roads, narrow alleys, and ancient wooden houses.
Often dubbed as the 'forgotten ancient village,' Duong Lam Village is now a renowned destination. It captivates locals and tourists alike, drawing them to explore its historical allure.
Here, visitors can explore Mông Phụ village gate, Mông Phụ communal house, Thám hoa Giang Văn Minh church, Phùng Hưng temple, Ngô Quyền temple and tomb, the ancient well of Duong Lam, Mía pagoda, and various ancient houses.
Mông Phụ Ancient Village
This is the only remaining ancient gate here, constructed a long time ago during the Late Lê Dynasty. Though weathered over the years, the architecture still preserves its traditional charm. Mông Phụ gate, accompanied by ancient banyan trees, water wharf, lotus pond, paints a distinctive picture of the ancient Northern Vietnamese village.
Mông Phụ Communal House
Built nearly 380 years ago on the central land of the village, Mông Phụ communal house features a design deeply rooted in Vietnamese-Muòng architecture, resembling the architecture of stilt houses with wooden floors above the ground. The communal house consists of two main halls and a rear palace. The main hall is supported by 48 wooden columns, each intricately carved with various floral and mythical bird motifs.
Thám hoa Giang Văn Minh Church
Constructed during the reign of King Tự Đức to worship and commemorate the achievements of Thám hoa Giang Văn Minh. Today, the church has transformed into a captivating tourist spot for those interested in delving into history and culture, serving as an educational site instilling patriotism in the younger generation.
Phùng Hưng Temple
Phùng Hưng was a leader in the uprising against the harsh rule of the Đường Dynasty in Northern Vietnam. To honor this exceptional king, Phùng Hưng temples were established in various locations. However, the most sacred and grand is the Phùng Hưng Temple in Duong Lam Ancient Village.
Ngô Quyền Temple and Tomb
The tomb of Ngô Quyền rests amidst expansive rice fields, surrounded by tranquil serenity and historical landmarks bearing the majestic and intriguing imprints of history.
Ancient Well of Duong Lam
Exploring around Duong Lam, visitors will encounter numerous ancient wells. If possible, draw water from these ancient wells and feel the incredibly pure and refreshing flow in this place.
In the past, village wells were the source of daily water for residents. These ancient wells are strategically placed in elevated, cool areas, near communal houses, temples, or the center of the hamlet.
Mía Pagoda
Mía Pagoda (Sùng Nghiêm Pagoda) is built on high ground in Dong Sang hamlet. It houses hundreds of precious Buddha statues.
Ancient Houses
Duong Lam Ancient Village boasts a total of 956 ancient houses constructed since 1649. These houses, built with traditional materials such as jackfruit wood, bamboo, clay bricks, tiles, onyx stones, compressed earth, or sawdust, all feature either 5 or 7 spans.
Source: Mytour
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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour
MytourSeptember 19, 2022
