After the recognition of Hoi An ancient town, Hanoi old quarter, Duong Lam village in Son Tay Town is the first ancient village recognized as a national relic by the Ministry of Culture and Information. Located in Sơn Tây Town, 40 km to the west of Hanoi, Duong Lam village is a very popular tourist destination at the weekends.

Two of Vietnam’s kings, Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (896-944) were born in Duong Lam, giving the village its prestige. Both men led resistance wars against northern invasion and after winning national independence, were crowned kings. After their deaths, the local people-built temples in their honor. The ancient village has a history of about 1,200 years with many houses dating back up to 400 years.

5 IDEAS FOR DAY TRIP FROM HANOI

It takes just over an hour to get to Duong Lam village. On the road leading up to the village, tourists can feel the peaceful atmosphere. The rice fields these days are in their prime while lotus ponds will soon be in bloom signaling the coming of the summer. Passing through the village gate to Mong Phu village, visitors should not miss taking photo of the gate, which is in the typical architectural style of an old Vietnamese village.