The Ancient Villages of Hanoi: 5 Serene Spots with a Story to Tell

12 September, 2024

Cuu Village

Cuu Village, located in Van Tu commune, Phu Xuyen district, is about 40km from the city center. It is one of the most ancient villages in Hanoi, with a history of over 500 years, nestled peacefully by the Nhuệ River. Despite the passage of time, Cuu Village has preserved its antique charm and values.

The peaceful atmosphere, unique blend of Asian and European architecture, and winding alleys of Cuu Village are sure to leave an impression. Many families in the village are renowned for their tailoring and fabric trading businesses.

The houses in Cuu Village are mostly designed in an ancient architectural style, featuring weathered brick walls, moss-covered roofs, and old wooden doors, all contributing to the village’s antique charm. As Cuu Village is quite small, you can also take a stroll along the nearby Nhuệ River embankment.

Duong Lam Ancient Village

Duong Lam Ancient Village, located in Son Tay town and about 50km from the city center, is known as the “Peaceful Ancient Town” of the capital. It boasts a quaint beauty with characteristic features of northern Vietnamese villages, such as ancient banyan trees, wells, communal houses, red-tiled roofs, long brick roads, and time-worn bee-hive walls.

Walking through Duong Lam Ancient Village, you’ll breathe in fresh air and enjoy the tranquil atmosphere while discovering the traditional lifestyle and culture of the locals. This village is perfect for those seeking to immerse themselves in a quaint and ancient space.

There are several sites to visit, including the Mong Phu Village Gate, Mong Phu Communal House, Duong Lam Ancient Well, Thám Hoa Giang Văn Minh Church, Phùng Hưng Temple, Ngô Quyền Temple and Mausoleum, Mía Pagoda, and more. Don’t forget to indulge in the local specialties, such as Mía chicken, soy products, steamed rice cakes, peanut candy, and sesame candy.

Cu Da Ancient Village

Cu Da Ancient Village, located in Cu Khe commune, Thanh Oai district, is just 20km from the city center. It is well-known for its ancient architecture, blending traditional Northern Vietnamese village styles with early 20th-century French influences.

Despite the passage of time, Cu Da Ancient Village has retained its original charm. Here, you’ll find typical Vietnamese village houses constructed with wood and curved tile roofs, adorned with intricate carvings on doors, beams, and columns.

Beyond its unique cultural space, Cu Da Ancient Village is also renowned for its traditional trades of making rice vermicelli and soy sauce. The vermicelli, with its golden color and uniform strands, is famous for its delicious taste, chewy texture, and fragrant aroma. The soy sauce, on the other hand, captivates palates with its distinctive flavor.

Dong Ngac Ancient Village

Dong Ngac Ancient Village, with over 400 years of history, is located in Dong Ngac ward, Bac Tu Liem district, just 10km from the city center. It boasts unique architectural structures, making it a fascinating destination in Hanoi’s tourism landscape.

The village’s structures, covered in moss and showcasing a blend of Asian and European architectural styles, create a serene and timeless atmosphere. Dong Ngac Ancient Village is also famous for its traditional trades, including Giò Chèm (a type of pork sausage), nem Vẽ (fried spring rolls), bamboo pole making, and pottery.

Dong Ngac is also known as the “Village of Academic Excellence” or the “Village of Doctors.” Throughout history, the village has produced 22 doctors, highly educated and talented individuals. In the past feudal dynasties, when a person passed the doctoral exam and returned to their hometown, a grand wooden house, known as a “nhà đại khoa,” would be built for them. This, along with the fact that many villagers held high official positions, explains the abundance of ancient houses and gates in Dong Ngac, including village gates, lane gates, and house gates, all constructed in the previous century.

Uoc Le Ancient Village

Uoc Le, also known as Lang Chay, is located in Tan Uoc commune, Thanh Oai district, about 30km from the city center. It is famous for its delicious pork sausage and pork rolls, which are not only tasty specialties but also carry cultural significance and interesting tales.

Beyond its renowned traditional sausage-making trade, Uoc Le Ancient Village also boasts ancient architectural wonders, covered in moss and weathered by time. Despite its age, the village captivates visitors with its poetic and peaceful beauty.

A visit to Uoc Le offers a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in the tranquil village scenery. It’s also an opportunity to learn more about the traditional sausage-making craft that has made the village famous.

With their quaint and rustic charm, these ancient villages in Hanoi are ideal destinations for those seeking peaceful experiences. If you’re short on time or prefer not to travel too far, consider exploring the five suggested locations above!

Frequently asked questions

There are several ancient villages in Hanoi that offer a peaceful retreat and a chance to explore Vietnam’s rich history and culture. These include Duong Lam Ancient Village, a well-preserved example of Northern Vietnamese rural architecture; Ha Lo Village, known for its traditional crafts and peaceful atmosphere; and Phu Vinh Craft Village, which showcases the art of making traditional conical hats and silk painting.

Duong Lam Ancient Village is unique in that it is the only remaining ancient village in Vietnam that preserves the ancient layout of a Northern Vietnamese village. The village is home to over 900 houses, many of which are centuries old and built in the traditional style with laterite and mud walls, and tile or thatched roofs. Duong Lam also boasts a rich cultural heritage, with a number of temples, communal houses, and ancient wells.

Ha Lo Village, also known as ‘Village of Crafts’, is renowned for its traditional craft industries. Visitors can explore the peaceful lanes and observe artisans at work, creating beautiful ceramics, intricate embroidery, and delicate silk products. The village also offers a glimpse into rural life, with lush fields, tranquil ponds, and friendly locals going about their daily routines.

Phu Vinh Craft Village is unique in that it specializes in two traditional crafts: conical hat-making and silk painting. Visitors can witness the entire process of crafting conical hats, from the drying of palm leaves to the final shaping and trimming. The village is also known for its silk painting, a traditional art form that involves painting intricate designs on silk using natural dyes. Visitors can purchase these handcrafted souvenirs and learn about the history and techniques behind them.

Yes, Hanoi is home to several other ancient villages that are worth exploring. These include Bat Trang Ceramic Village, a renowned center for ceramic and pottery production; Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, which showcases the traditional architecture and culture of Vietnam’s ethnic minority groups; and Mo Luong Village, an ancient village known for its picturesque landscapes and traditional farming methods.