Attractions

Hanoi’s Timeless Village Gates: A Journey Through History

12 October, 2025

THE HANOI TIMES — Amidst the bustling rhythm of modern Hanoi, the village gates along Thuy Khue Street stand as silent sentinels, preserving tales of a bygone era and safeguarding their unique identity.

Thuy Khue Street, nestled along the serene West Lake, boasts iconic village gates from Dong Xa, Yen Thai, Ho Khau, and Thuy Khue. Each gate is a living testament to Hanoi’s storied past, echoing the legacy of its ancient craft villages renowned for Do paper, tanning, and wood carving.

Hoang Thi Yen, a longtime resident beside the Ho Khau gate, shares stories passed down from her father. “This gate has stood here for centuries,” she reflects. “Repainted in 1995, it once bore a moss-covered facade. At 60, I still marvel at its enduring presence. Villagers have painstakingly preserved its essence—from the tiled roof to the weathered steps.”

Yen Thai, one of Thuy Khue’s oldest villages, proudly preserves its 300-meter red brick road—a living chronicle of history. Locals affirm that despite repairs, the road’s original character remains intact, a shared commitment between government and community.

Nguyen Van Tuan, a 75-year-old resident, cherishes the Yen Thai gate. “Its ancient charm, moss-covered tiles, and unreplaced roof evoke a bygone era. Yen Thai was once celebrated for its Do paper craftsmanship, renowned across the region.”

He notes the gate’s transformative power: “Stepping through, one leaves the city’s chaos behind. Inside, life slows—peaceful under banyan trees and communal roofs, a stark contrast to Hanoi’s bustling streets.”

Elders recall that all gates once had doors, opened at dawn and closed at dusk. Though doors are gone, their carvings remain, silent witnesses to time’s passage.

Beyond Thuy Khue, Hanoi’s streets conceal other ancient gates—quiet symbols of resilience amidst modernity, reminding us of the city’s deep-rooted heritage.

On Nguyen Hong Street, a gate hides behind an old apartment, its weathered form echoing Thanh Cong Village’s tranquil past. Gates like Nghia Do’s on Buoi Street have been restored, preserving their essence amidst urban growth.

Further afield, Cu Da and Duong Lam villages stand as “living museums,” where Northern Vietnamese architecture thrives. Cu Da’s gate, with its mossy roof and graceful curves, and Duong Lam’s laterite Mong Phu gate, one of Hanoi’s oldest, embody timeless craftsmanship.

These gates blend aesthetics and function, crafted from laterite, ancient bricks, and ironwood, adorned with intricate carvings. Surrounding elements—banyan trees, wells, communal houses—create a rustic ambiance.

They also serve as social and spiritual hubs, hosting festivals, meetings, and ancestral reverence. Inscribed couplets and boards reflect Vietnamese philosophies, ethics, and traditions.

Yet, modernization threatens their survival. Infrastructure expansion and new construction often overshadow or destroy them. Vietnam Architecture Magazine reports that many gates, over a century old, lack proper preservation, leading to haphazard renovations that erode their authenticity.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Thanh Mai emphasizes the need for balanced renovation. While some villages restore gates to enhance their appearance, the process risks losing original values.

Funding and expertise shortages hinder restoration. Preserving gates requires understanding traditional materials and techniques, resources not all communities possess.

A comprehensive strategy is vital: community awareness, legal frameworks, funding, and expert involvement. Inventorying gates, using traditional materials, and engaging locals in conservation are key steps.

Mobilizing social resources and integrating conservation with tourism can sustain these gates, turning them into cultural attractions that support local livelihoods.