A day trip guide to Duong Lam ancient village

Just 50km west of Hanoi, Duong Lam ancient village is often called the “living museum” of Northern Vietnam. With its centuries-old laterite houses, communal temples and peaceful countryside setting, the village offers a rare glimpse into traditional rural life that has remained largely untouched by time.

In this day trip guide, we’ll show you how to get there, what to see and do, where to eat and tips to make the most of your visit to Duong Lam ancient village.

Let Hanoi Voyages help you experience the charm of Vietnam’s past in the most authentic way. Discover the best of Duong Lam ancient village with Hanoi Voyages.

Duong Lam ancient village: What you need to know

📍 Location: Duong Lam Commune, Son Tay Town, Hanoi, about 44–50 km west of central Hanoi.

⏰ Opening hours: Open daily, best visited before 4:00 PM.

💸 Entrance fee: less than $1 per person, free tickets for children under 14 years old

This ancient Vietnamese village is over 1,200 years old and was the first to be recognized as a national heritage site. Duong Lam is home to around 900 well-preserved houses built from laterite bricks and wood, dating back 300–400 years. Visitors can explore ancient communal houses, village gates, traditional wells, temples dedicated to national heroes like Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen and the beautiful Mia Pagoda.

* Best time to visit Duong Lam ancient village: 

The best time to visit Duong Lam ancient village is during the spring festival season (February–April)  or the harvest season (May–June). 

• In spring, the village comes alive with traditional celebrations and vibrant cultural activities.

• During harvest time, you can enjoy the golden rice fields and experience authentic rural life at its most scenic and peaceful.

How to travel from Hanoi to Duong Lam ancient village

Traveling from Hanoi to Duong Lam ancient village is easy and offers several options depending on your travel style and budget:

By public bus

Duration: The total travel time is around 1.5 to 2 hours

From My Dinh Bus Station, take bus 71, 89, or 157 to Son Tay (around 20,000 VND). Once in Son Tay, you can take a local taxi or motorbike taxi to the village. 

Some reputable travel apps in Vietnam: Grab, Be, MyGo and others

By motorbike

Duration: Expect the ride to take about 1 to 1.5 hours

Renting a motorbike in Hanoi ($3.8 – $6/day) gives you more freedom to explore the countryside. 

You can follow Thang Long Boulevard or Highway 32 towards Son Tay, then continue to Duong Lam with scenic rural views along the way.

By private car or taxi 

Duration: Takes around 1 to 1.5 hours, depending on traffic

The fastest and most comfortable option. A one-way ride typically costs $25–50. Ideal for groups or those short on time.

By guided day tour

Many travel agencies in Hanoi offer full-day tours to Duong Lam, often including transportation, a local guide and extra cultural stops along the way. This is a great hassle-free option if you want deeper insight into the area. 

You can also read: Transportation in Vietnam: Best options for getting around

A day trip to Duong Lam ancient village: 7 must-see attractions

Duong Lam is an ancient Vietnamese village filled with historical landmarks and timeless charm. In this Duong Lam travel guide, we’ll walk you through 7 must-see attractions that capture the soul of the village, from ancient houses to sacred temples and iconic village gates.

Mong Phu Village Gate

A highlight in any Duong Lam travel guide is the Mong Phu Village Gate - the main entrance to Duong Lam Ancient Village. Built in 1833 with sandstone and an elegant arch, it reflects classic Le Dynasty architecture and marks the gateway into this culturally rich village.

Next to the gate stands a 300-year-old fig tree, offering shade and serenity to visitors. This peaceful corner sets the tone for your journey into one of the most treasured ancient villages in Vietnam

Communal house of the old village of Duong Lam

In the heart of this ancient Vietnamese village, the Mong Phu Communal House is a cultural treasure dating back nearly 400 years. Covering 1,800 square meters, it blends Vietnamese and Muong architectural styles, with a stilt-house-inspired wooden floor.

Inside, you’ll find intricate carvings by artisan Muc Hung, who designed and guided its construction. This unique structure stands as a proud symbol of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.

Ancient well of Duong Lam

Wells are an essential part of Vietnamese village life and in Duong Lam, several ancient wells are still used by locals today. With their clear water and solid construction, these centuries-old wells reflect the resilience and ingenuity of the village’s people.

They add to the authentic charm of this historic place, where tradition lives on. If you're visiting with children, be sure to supervise them closely around the wells for safety.

Mrs. Dien's old house

Mrs. Dien’s 200-year-old house is a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture, marked by its weathered walls, mossy surfaces and timeless decorative details.

At the entrance, you’ll be welcomed by her 95-year-old granddaughter, who warmly shares stories about the house’s history and cultural significance. While you're there, don’t miss the chance to enjoy local treats like vôi tea and chè lam, beloved specialties of the village.

Mr. Hung's old house

Mr. Hung’s house, the oldest in Mong Phu village, dates back to 1649 and has been home to 12 generations. It stands as a remarkable testament to nearly 400 years of local history.

The entrance features a traditional gate made of earth and stone, using local materials. Inside, the five-room house includes a space for ancestor worship and a guest-receiving area. Surrounded by a peaceful garden filled with trees and flowers, the home offers a serene glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural past.

The Mausoleum and Temple of Ngo Quyen

Located on Cam Hill, the Ngo Quyen Mausoleum and temple are must-visit sites during your trip to Duong Lam. Though modest in size, the complex is beautifully preserved, surrounded by lush gardens and rare plants that create a peaceful, sacred atmosphere.

This is a place of deep respect, where both locals and visitors come to honor King Ngo Quyen - an important figure in Vietnam’s history and national pride.

Lang Cafe

After a day of exploring the ancient village of Duong Lam, Lang Coffee Shop is the perfect spot to unwind. This charming little café, with its simple wooden furniture and nostalgic ambiance, offers a peaceful break from your walk. The coffee is flavorful, the prices are very affordable - nothing over $1 - and the cozy setting has made it a favorite stop for many visitors to Duong Lam.

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Must-try activities in Duong Lam ancient village

A trip to Duong Lam isn't complete without immersing yourself in the daily life and traditions of this ancient Vietnamese village. Beyond admiring centuries-old architecture, visitors can:

• Explore ancient houses: Step into centuries-old laterite homes and learn about their unique structure, preserved through generations.

• Taste local dishes with host families: Enjoy authentic home-cooked meals, such as roasted pork with fermented rice or soft green rice cake, prepared and served by the villagers themselves. You can refer to some iconic dishes below.

• Learn traditional crafts: Get hands-on with age-old practices like making soy sauce – a signature product of Duong Lam – and gain insights into the villagers’ self-sustained way of life.

• Cycle through the peaceful village: Ride a bicycle along tree-lined roads, past rice fields, wells, and old temples, fully soaking in the rural charm of this ancient Vietnamese village.

These activities not only offer fun and relaxation but also allow you to connect with the soul of Vietnam’s countryside.

What to eat in Duong Lam ancient village: Local dishes

If you're in Hanoi, take a short escape from Hanoi to Duong Lam and immerse yourself in the peaceful rhythms of rural life. Let the charm of laterite walls, temple bells and local hospitality bring you a different side of Vietnam. Start your cultural adventure to Duong Lam ancient village - with Hanoi Voyages, where every trip is crafted with heart.