The Traditional Village of Duong Lam and Hanoi
The Traditional Village of
Duong Lam and Hanoi
A journey to Duong Lam is a trip tracing back the origin of Vietnam’s culture and traditions.
The chance to explore architecture, visit temples dedicated to the two kings born there,
and chat with its residents, the protectors of this national treasure.
WHY THIS TOUR?
There is so little resemblance with Hanoi that it almost looks like taking a step back in time. Drenched in history, ample examples still vividly move visitors back to the Vietnam of a bygone era and where centuries-old architecture in the form of brick/mud houses are the cornerstone of an unhurried lifestyle.
Duong Lam Village cast an irresistible spell on anyone wandering through narrow alleys, armed with a camera, to get an up-and-close look of an ancient house and temple walls, gates and old water wells. In combination with two other institutions of Vietnamese culture in Hanoi itself, this full-day sums up the authentic side in one word – authenticity.
TRAIL ITINERARY
08:00 - 17:00
In the morning, leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for the quietness of the countryside. After a 1.5-hour drive (55 km) northwest of Hanoi, you will arrive in the village where you are welcomed by the host family that lives in a four-hundred-year-ancient house located in the heart of the Red River Delta. Duong Lam village is one of the few heritage-protected villages in the country, and one of the first villages in the country to be recognized as a national relic with construction, dating back to the 17th century.
Warm welcomes and big smiles from all wind directions reach you as a short walk brings us to the village communal house the village pagoda – fine examples of Northern Vietnam architecture. Nothing beats a locally sourced, traditionally made lunch at one of the residences, the home of a family that calls Duong Lam their home for generations
We leave the rustic countryside of Vietnam behind us as we move back to the Vietnamese capital, where we stop at the Temple of Literature. This is a peaceful series of walled courtyards and graceful alleys, and one of the best surviving examples of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Founded in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty and dedicated to Confucius, this was also the site of Vietnam’s first university.
We end our day with something uniquely Vietnamese – a traditional Water Puppet Show performance. This tradition dates back to the 11th century and has its origin in the villages of Northern Vietnam. The show’s theme is rural and has a reference to Vietnamese tales where performers stand waist-deep in water and tell their story via this preserved form of art.
After this performance, it is time to head back to your hotel and depending on traffic and the location of your overnight address; you should arrive around 5 pm, well ahead to explore the city after sunset.
