Visit Duong Lam Ancient Village

• Explore the Red River Delta wet rice farming village of Duong Lam
• Venture inside the historic mud and laterite homes of the locals
• Enjoy a tasty home-cooked lunch of authentic Vietnamese cuisine
• Visit the 15th-century Mia Pagoda to admire the Buddha statues
• Cycle the village roads of north Vietnam
• Wander down the tiny alleys of Duong Lam to experience local life up close

A journey to Duong Lam village is a trip to trace back the origin of Vietnam’s culture and traditions. This is also a great chance to explore the architecture of ancient structures while you wander along its narrow alleyways, visit temples dedicated to the two kings born there, and most interesting of all, chat with the inhabitants and owners of this national treasure.

In the morning, leave the hustle and bustle of Hanoi for the majestic quietness of the countryside. After a 1.5-hour drive northwest of Hanoi you arrive in the village and will be welcomed by the host family located in the heart of the Red River Delta. Duong Lam village is one of the few heritages protected villages in Vietnam. After this warm welcome, you will walk to the village communal house, the village pagoda – fine examples of Northern Vietnamese architecture. Then discover the temples of King Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung, stroll around in the Duong Lam ancient village and visit the Mia pagoda. The story behind this pagoda tells us about a Vietnamese Queen in 17th century and home to 287 Buddhist statues, more than any other pagoda in the country. After that we journey an hour on a bicycle through the village and its never-ending rice fields. From the small alleys of the old town to the green of the rice paddies surrounding the village, we will have a chance to appreciate the beauty of the simple life of the Vietnamese farmers.