Buzz
The scent of ripening rice fields, the aroma of straw wafting in the cool breeze of each seasonal transition next to peaceful houses, embodying the ancient charm of a northern land, evoking a realm of memories sometimes forgotten but never faded.
1. Dong Ngac Village, Hanoi (The Village of Artists)
Present-day location: Dong Ngac Ward, Bac Tu Liem District, Hanoi.
Since ancient times, the village has been prominent for its scholarly traditions and high academic achievements, as well as its traditional craft of making nem (fermented pork rolls), carrying poles, or molding clay pots. Located 10km from the center of Hanoi, although it has taken on the appearance of a bustling city, the ancient imprints are still preserved.
Through the ups and downs of history and time, Dong Ngac village still retains its ancient charm with moss-covered ancient houses and streets filled with the scent of hay. The village still preserves many cultural heritages, valuable historical relics, and harmoniously combines 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 of the city, Tho Ha Village is a familiar destination for nostalgic souls who cherish tranquility. The village is renowned for its traditional craft of making rice paper for nem (fermented pork rolls), rice noodles, and particularly pottery, with an architectural ensemble bearing the distinctive characteristics of the Red River Delta. From houses to village gates and wells, everything is made of fired bricks and raw ceramics.
The village is adorned with ancient banyan trees, water wharfs, and communal houses that have stood the test of time, maintaining their original charm until today. The narrow alleys, brimming with the warmth of communal bonds, vividly evoke the past.
3. Cu Da Village, Hanoi
Address: Cu Khe Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi
Nestled beside the serene Nhue River, the ancient village of Cu Da was once a bustling trading hub, bustling with life and activity. Alongside its ancient traces, the village still preserves distinctive features that have endured through time.
In the structure of Vietnamese villages, the village gate plays a crucial role not only in terms of security but also embodies significant spiritual meanings. Besides the village gate, Cu Da ancient village also features neighborhood gates, which are tightly closed at night. Cu Da is renowned for its long-standing craft of making vermicelli and fermented bean paste, which are still passed down through generations in some families within the village.
4. Nom Village, Hung Yen
Address: Van Lam District, Hung Yen Province
A picturesque rural scene unfolds before the eyes, from the ancient moss-covered village gate, to the old banyan tree by the lazy flowing river, the shadows of people, and leaning bicycles on the ground, to the smooth green space, peaceful and serene. The green bamboo hedges along the red brick roads, the stone walls stained with the hues of time.
Nom Pagoda, the stone bridge spanning the Nguyet Duc River, Nom Market,... are prominent destinations, marking the ancient beauty that has endured through the changes of time. Since ancient times, the village has had a traditional trade of selling scrap metal to bronze casting furnaces, hence the increasingly prosperous livelihood. Today, Nom Village is one of the fascinating tourist spots for both domestic and international visitors.
5. Duong Lam Ancient Village, Hanoi
Address: Son Tay District, Hanoi
Dubbed as the oldest ancient village in the North, the space of Duong Lam ancient village stands out with the green hues of trees and grass, earth and sky, against the subdued brown of tiled roofs next to the deep red of ancient walls.
Amidst the misty autumn atmosphere, in the warm space reminiscent of ancient fairy tales, Duong Lam ancient village has become a popular tourist destination in recent times. Here, you can also combine visiting Son Tay ancient citadel or Va Temple, which are only about 3km away from the ancient village.
The melancholic beauty inherent in the ancient communal houses, the old tiled roofs; yet not gloomy, not desolate, but strangely charming.
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