Top 6 Traditional Villages In Hanoi Must Visit

Several villages near Hanoi provide an enthralling look into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and traditional way of life. From the ancient houses and rich history of Duong Lam to the skilled artisans crafting ceramics in Bat Trang, each village offers a unique cultural experience.

Cu Da village is well-known for its soy sauce production, providing insights into the historical technique of soy sauce manufacture in Vietnam. Van Phuc Silk village exhibits the skill of silk weaving, demonstrating the precise process involved in producing this exquisite fabric.

These villages are known for their specialized crafts, historical significance, and preservation of age-old traditions, providing visitors with an immersive experience steeped in local culture.

Let’s find out the top villages in Hanoi that you must visit at least once with Hanoi Voyages!

Top must-visit traditional villages in Hanoi 

Hanoi is not only famous for its bustling streets but also for its traditional villages that keep local culture alive. From Bat Trang Ceramic Village, Van Phuc Silk Village, and Duong Lam Ancient Village to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, these must-visit spots offer authentic experiences of Vietnamese heritage.

Duong Lam ancient village

📍 Address: Son Tay Town, about 44 km from Hanoi

When it comes to traditional villages in Hanoi, Duong Lam Ancient Village stands out as a true living museum. Nestled in the peaceful countryside just outside the capital, this village is renowned for its well-preserved ancient houses, unique architecture, and deep cultural heritage, offering visitors a fascinating journey back in time.

What sets Duong Lam apart from other Hanoi traditional villages includes:

• Historical value: Duong Lam is considered Vietnam’s first ancient village recognized as a national relic, with a history spanning over a thousand years.

• Ancient houses: The village is home to hundreds of traditional “nha ruong” houses built with laterite bricks and wooden pillars, some dating back 300–400 years.

• Architectural highlights: Visitors can admire the Mong Phu Village Gate, the oldest structure of the village, and the Mong Phu Communal House, built nearly four centuries ago in a distinctive ethnic style.

• Cultural heritage: The village preserves long-standing customs, traditional festivals, and the timeless rhythms of rural life.

Entrance fee: Around 20,000 VND (~$1) per person. Guided tours with local hosts are also available for those who want deeper insights into the history and daily life of the villagers.

Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM (best explored in the morning to avoid the heat).

A visit to Duong Lam Ancient Village offers not only a cultural discovery but also a tranquil escape from the bustling streets of Hanoi, making it a must-see destination when exploring traditional villages in Hanoi.

You can read more: A day trip guide to Duong Lam ancient village

Bat Trang pottery village

📍 Address: Left Bank of the Red River, Gia Lam District, Hanoi

When it comes to Hanoi’s craft villages, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is undoubtedly among the most iconic. Situated just 13 km from the city center, this centuries-old village has a history of more than 500 years and is recognized as one of the largest ceramic hubs in Vietnam.

What sets Bat Trang apart from other Hanoi traditional villages includes:

• Rich cultural heritage: Over five centuries of tradition in ceramic production.

• Diverse product range: From worship items to modern household wares, decorative pieces, and exhibition works.

• Export quality: Bat Trang ceramics are not only popular in Vietnam but also exported to markets in Europe and Asia.

• Hands-on experience: Visitors can watch master artisans at work and even try molding clay to create their own ceramic products with expert guidance.

There is no entrance fee to visit Bat Trang pottery village. You only have to pay if you want to go shopping or participate in a pottery workshop. A ceramics class will only cost you about $2 - $4. To bring your handmade item home, you will need to pay an additional $1 - $3 per item.

Opening hour of Bat Trang village: 

• Monday to Friday: 08:00 AM – 5:30 PM

• Saturday & Sunday: 08:00 AM – 6:00 PM

A trip to Bat Trang Village offers the perfect blend of cultural exploration and artistic discovery, making it a must-see destination for anyone passionate about heritage and creativity.

For more information: Visiting Bat Trang pottery village: What you need to know

Cu Da village

📍 Address: Thanh Oai District, about 20 km from Hanoi

Among the many traditional villages In Hanoi, Cu Da Village is especially renowned for its artisanal soy sauce, historical architecture, and cultural heritage. Just a short drive from the city center, this charming village preserves traditions that have been passed down for centuries, offering visitors an authentic taste of rural life.

What makes Cu Da Village unique includes:

• Historical architecture: The village is home to well-preserved ancient houses, some over a hundred years old, built in the traditional Vietnamese style with wooden pillars, tiled roofs, and delicate carvings.

• Soy sauce tradition: Cu Da is famous for its soy sauce production, a craft maintained for generations. Visitors can witness the entire process—from fermenting soybeans and wheat to aging the sauce in large wooden barrels.

• Cultural heritage: Beyond its craft, the village preserves traditional customs and an atmosphere of old Vietnam, making it a living reminder of the country’s rural past.

Entrance fee: Free to enter. Visitors may pay small fees if joining workshops, guided tours, or buying soy sauce as a souvenir.

Step into authentic Hanoi - From bustling artisan workshops to serene rural landscapes, join our tour to explore traditional villages and soak in the vibrant heritage and charm of Vietnam’s capital.

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Van Phuc silk village

📍 Address: Ha Dong District, around 10 km south of Hanoi center

As one of the most famous traditional villages in Hanoi, Van Phuc Silk Village is located just 10km from the city center. Known as the cradle of Vietnam’s traditional silk weaving, the village has preserved this art for centuries, with nearly 800 households still making a living from the craft today.

Van Phuc attracts visitors with a unique blend of history, craftsmanship and vibrant tourism experiences. Highlights of your visit include:

• Long-standing legacy: With silk weaving traditions dating back a millennium, Van Phuc gained international fame when its silk was showcased at the Marseille Fair in 1931 and the Paris Fair in 1932.

• Village charm: Wander through ancient houses, banyan trees, communal yards, and lively village markets that paint a vivid picture of traditional Vietnamese rural life.

• Unique attractions: Discover picturesque spots like the Umbrella Road, Mural Street, and Van Phuc Pagoda, which add a modern and artistic touch to the historic village.

• Silk shopping: Take home authentic Van Phuc silk products, admired for their softness, durability, and refined patterns—ideal as souvenirs or gifts.

Entrance fee of Van Phuc silk village: Free; optional costs apply if you join a guided activity or purchase silk items.

Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM – 10:00 PM.

You can read more: Visit Van Phuc silk village: A day trip from Hanoi

Quang Phu Cau incense village

📍 Address: Quang Phu Cau Commune, Ung Hoa District, Hanoi

For a truly colorful and authentic experience among traditional villages in Hanoi, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is a must-visit destination. Located about 35 km from central Hanoi, this village has preserved over a century of tradition in crafting incense sticks using natural herbs and time-honored local recipes.

Highlights of visiting Quang Phu Cau include:

• Local craftsmanship: Observe daily life as villagers create incense in courtyards, open spaces, and communal areas, keeping the centuries-old tradition alive.

• Vibrant scenery: Admire the iconic red incense sticks drying under the sunlight, forming a stunning sea of color that’s popular with photographers.

• Hands-on insight: Learn about the incense-making process, from drying and dyeing to rolling and bundling, guided by skilled artisans.

• Cultural souvenirs: Purchase handmade incense products, perfect mementos that reflect Vietnam’s rich heritage.

Entrance fee: Free; optional costs apply if you join a guided activity or purchase silk items.

Read more details: Explore Quang Phu Cau incense village in Hanoi

Chuong village (Chuong conical hat village)

📍 Address: Lang Chuong Street, Phuong Trung, Thanh Oai, Hanoi

Among Hanoi traditional villages, Chuong Hat Village is renowned for preserving the timeless craft of the Vietnamese conical hat (nón lá). With a history of over 1,000 years, this village has kept the artistry and cultural significance of the nón lá alive for generations.

When visiting Chuong Village, you can:

• Witness traditional craftsmanship: See the full hat-making process, from selecting leaves to shaping and stitching, all performed by skilled local artisans.

• Appreciate cultural heritage: Learn the meaning and artistry behind each conical hat, blending practical use with aesthetic value.

• Hands-on experience: Try your hand at making or decorating a hat to create a unique souvenir or gift.

• Soak in the village atmosphere: Enjoy the serene setting where centuries-old traditions are still part of daily life.

The biggest festival of Chuong village takes place on the 10th day of the 3rd lunar month and usually lasts three days from March 9 to 11. According to the village's tradition, every 5 years there will be a large procession from the beginning to end of the village.

A visit to Chuong Hat Village offers a meaningful cultural experience, making it a must-see stop for anyone exploring traditional villages in Hanoi.

Travel tips when visiting villages in Hanoi

When visiting villages around Hanoi to explore traditional crafts and cultural heritage, consider these travel tips for a rewarding experience

Exploring Hanoi’s traditional villages is a journey through centuries of culture, craftsmanship, and rural life. From shaping clay in Bat Trang, weaving silk in Van Phuc, strolling through Duong Lam’s ancient streets, to experiencing the fragrant incense of Quang Phu Cau, the iconic nón lá of Chuong, and the artisanal soy sauce of Cu Da, each village offers a unique story and hands-on cultural experience. Beyond these villages, Hanoi’s scenic beauty, vibrant streets, and local traditions await to be discovered.

Join our tour to immerse yourself in the authentic heritage and charms of Hanoi, creating memories that will last a lifetime.