Buzz
The scent of ripening rice in the straight fields, the fragrance of straw lingering in the cold breeze of each seasonal transition beside the tranquil houses, embodies the essence of the olden days in the Northern land, evoking a region of memories sometimes forgotten but never faded.
1. Dong Ngac Village, Hanoi (Khe Ve Village)
Present-day address: Dong Ngac Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
Since ancient times, the village has stood out with a tradition of scholarly excellence and high achievements, along with the traditional crafts of making fermented pork rolls, carrying bamboo frames, or molding clay pots. Located 10km from the center of Hanoi, despite adopting the hustle and bustle of a city, the ancient imprints are still well-preserved.
Enduring the vicissitudes of history and time, Dong Ngac Village persists with moss-covered old houses and roads fragrant with the scent of straw. The village proudly preserves cultural heritage, valuable historical relics, and ancient houses harmoniously combining Eastern and Western architectural styles.
2. Tho Ha Village, Bac Giang
Address: Van Ha Commune, Viet Yen District, Bac Giang Province.
Hidden behind the hustle and bustle, the noise of the urban streets, Tho Ha Village is a familiar haven for those nostalgic souls who cherish tranquility. The village is well-known for its traditional craft of making rice paper for nem cakes, rice vermicelli, and, most notably, pottery. The architectural landscape bears the distinct mark of the Red River Delta, with structures crafted using fired bricks and rustic ceramics.
Among the ancient banyan trees, along the waterfront, the communal house has endured the test of time, nearly pristine to this day. The narrow, cozy alleys, though petite, brim with the warm spirit of a community bound by neighborly ties, lively echoes of the past.
3. Cu Da Village, Hanoi
Address: Cu Khe Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi.
Nestled along the serene Nhuệ River, the ancient village of Cu Da was once a bustling trading hub, vibrant and lively. Thus, alongside its ancient historical traces, the village still preserves distinctive features that endure to this day.
In the structure of Vietnamese villages, the village gate plays a crucial role not only in terms of security but also holds significant spiritual meaning. Adjacent to the village gate, Cu Da Village features neighborhood gates, securely closed during the night.
Cu Da is renowned for its traditional crafts of making vermicelli and soy sauce, a craft that has been passed down through generations in select families within the village.
4. Nom Village, Hung Yen
Address: Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province.
A pristine rural canvas unfolds, starting from the ancient village gate adorned with moss to the centuries-old banyan tree by the meandering water. Shadows of people and tilted bicycles create a picturesque scene on the ground, amidst lush greenery and serene tranquility. Verdant bamboo hedges line the red brick roads, and honeycombed stone walls bear the hues of time.
Nom Pagoda, the stone bridge rhythmically spanning the Nguyet Duc River, Nom Market, are prominent landmarks, capturing the timeless beauty that has withstood the test of time. Since ancient times, Nom Village has been known for its traditional scrap trade, selling discarded items to bronze casting foundries, contributing to the prosperity of the community. Today, Nom Village stands as an intriguing tourist destination for both domestic and international visitors.
5. Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hanoi
Address: Son Tay District, Hanoi.
Distinguished as the oldest village in the North, Duong Lam Ancient Village stands out with the green hues of vegetation, earth, and the serene brown of tiled roofs against the deep red of ancient walls.
Amidst the misty autumn ambiance, in a warm space reminiscent of timeless fairy tales, Duong Lam Ancient Village has become a popular tourist destination in recent times. Visitors can also explore the Ancient Citadel of Son Tay or the Ve Pagoda, just approximately 3km from the ancient village.
The melancholic beauty is akin to the intrinsic colors of ancient houses and rooftops, yet it is not dull or gloomy but carries an oddly enchanting atmosphere.
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