The ancient villages of Hanoi, with their centuries-old history, have always been a draw for curious travelers. Escape the hustle and bustle of the city and venture into these timeless villages, where you’ll find ancient temples, lush banyan trees, and crystal-clear wells. Discover a sense of tranquility and peace as we explore five of Hanoi’s most renowned ancient villages.
Cuu Village
Cuu Village, located in Van Tu commune, Phu Xuyen district, about 40km from the center of Hanoi, is one of the oldest villages in the region with a history spanning over 500 years. Nestled peacefully along the gentle Nhuệ River, Cuu Village stands resilient against the passage of time, preserving its traditional values and nostalgic charm.
Cuu Village leaves a lasting impression with its serene atmosphere, unique classical architecture blending Asian and European elements, and quaint alleys meandering throughout. The village is also renowned for its long-established families in the fields of tailoring and fabric trading, adding to its distinctive character.
Cuu Village captivates visitors with its serene atmosphere and distinctive architecture
Most houses in Cuu Village bear the hallmark of traditional architecture, featuring brick walls with peeling paint, adorned with ivy and aged wooden doors, creating a captivating nostalgic aesthetic. With its compact size, you can easily combine a stroll along the nearby Nhuệ River embankment, soaking in the peaceful ambiance and discovering the village’s quaint beauty.
Duong Lam Ancient Village
Duong Lam Ancient Village, located about 50km from the center of Hanoi in Son Tay town, is known as a “Peaceful Ancient Town” in the capital. It boasts a timeless beauty with iconic images of Northern Vietnam’s countryside, including lush banyan trees, pristine wells, traditional communal houses, red-tiled roofs with moss, long brick roads, and ancient bee-hive walls.
As you wander through Duong Lam Ancient Village, you’ll be enveloped in a tranquil and serene atmosphere while discovering the local customs and traditional culture. Duong Lam is an ideal destination for travelers seeking to experience ancient spaces and relish in the nostalgic charm of bygone eras.
Immerse yourself in the peaceful atmosphere as you stroll through Duong Lam Ancient Village
When you visit, explore captivating sites such as the Mong Phu Village Gate, Mong Phu Communal House, Duong Lam Ancient Well, Thám Hoa Giang Văn Minh House, Phung Hung Temple, Ngo Quyen Temple and Mausoleum, and Mia Pagoda, among others. Indulge in delicious specialties like Mia chicken, tofu, bánh tẻ (a type of steamed rice cake), chè lam (a sticky rice and sesame sweet treat), and various types of candy. These experiences will surely leave a lasting impression.
Cu Da Ancient Village
Cu Da Ancient Village, located in Cu Khe commune, Thanh Oai district, just 20km from the center of Hanoi, stands out for its unique ancient architecture. It is a perfect blend of traditional Northern Vietnamese village-style homes and early 20th-century French architectural influences, creating a rich and captivating cultural tapestry.
Despite the passage of time, Cu Da Ancient Village has retained its pristine beauty from centuries ago. Here, you’ll find quintessential Vietnamese village houses constructed from wood and curved-tip tiles, adorned with intricately carved doors, beams, and pillars.
Cu Da Ancient Village has stood the test of time, preserving its pristine beauty
Beyond its unique cultural space, Cu Da Ancient Village is also renowned for its proud traditional crafts of making rice vermicelli and tofu. The vermicelli, with its golden hue and uniform strands, is famous for its delicious taste and chewy texture. Meanwhile, Cu Da tofu captivates with its distinctive and alluring flavor.
Dong Ngac Ancient Village
Dong Ngac Ancient Village, over 400 years old, is located in Dong Ngac ward, Bac Tu Liem district, just 10km from the center of Hanoi. It stands out not only for its unique architecture but also as an enticing destination for those seeking to explore Hanoi’s culture and history.
The structures here are covered in ivy, showcasing the distinctive blend of Asian and European architectural styles, creating a serene space that seems to float outside of time. Dong Ngac Ancient Village is also known for its unique traditional crafts, such as making Chèm sausage, Vẽ spring rolls, crafting bamboo poles, and potting clay pots.
Dong Ngac Ancient Village showcases the blend of Asian and European architectural styles
The village is also renowned as a “Village of Filial Piety” or “Village of Doctors and Mandarins.” Throughout its history, Dong Ngac has produced numerous talented individuals, including 22 doctors. According to the regulations of the feudal dynasties, when a doctor returned to their hometown, a large wooden house, known as a “nhà đại khoa,” would be built for them. As a result, along with the presence of high-ranking officials from the village, Dong Ngac boasts numerous ancient houses and gates, including village gates, alley gates, and house gates, constructed centuries ago.
Uoc Le Ancient Village
Uoc Le, also known as Chay Village, is located in Tan Uoc commune, Thanh Oai district, about 30km from the city center. It is famous for its delicious sausage and pork rolls, which have become an indispensable culinary symbol of the village. These specialties not only reflect the unique culture of the region but are also associated with fascinating folk stories.
In addition to its renowned traditional sausage-making craft in Hanoi, Uoc Le Ancient Village also preserves ancient architectural works covered in ivy. Amidst the passing of time, the peaceful and poetic beauty of this ancient village continues to captivate and enchant visitors.
Uoc Le Ancient Village: Preserving the ancient architectural works and the traditional sausage-making craft
When you visit Uoc Le Ancient Village, you’ll not only immerse yourself in the peaceful countryside scenery, helping to wash away the hustle and bustle of city life, but you’ll also have a profound opportunity to discover the unique sausage-making tradition of this ancient village.
With their serene and unassuming beauty, Hanoi’s ancient villages offer a tranquil escape for travelers seeking peace and serenity. If you’re short on time or prefer to stay close by, consider exploring the five suggested destinations above to uncover your own piece of ancient Hanoi.
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