Duong Lam Ancient Village – The Ideal Destination for Your New Year Holiday

Duong Lam Ancient Village is situated approximately 50 km northwest of downtown Hanoi. This village is an ideal choice for those seeking a serene countryside ambiance. Travelers will discover many typical features of a northern village, including banyan trees, water wells, communal yards, temples, winding brick roads, laterite walls, and old wooden houses.

Situated in the heart of the Red River Delta, Duong Lam used to be the hub of agriculture and industry in Northern Vietnam. The area was established around 1,200 years ago and consisted of nine hamlets scattered across Duong Lam Commune.

On January 20, a large number of tourists visited Duong Lam Ancient Village to participate in the “Vietnamese Village Tet 2024” program. Photo: VietnamNet

In 2005, Duong Lam became the first ancient village in Vietnam to be declared a National Cultural and Historical Relic, which marked the beginning of a preservation and restoration program. The conservation of five brick houses in Duong Lam earned the village an award of merit from the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Cultural Heritage Conservation in 2014.

Duong Lam Ancient Village, a tranquil destination located in Northern Vietnam, is the perfect choice for tourists to enjoy exciting activities during the Lunar New Year holiday. It preserves the art and architecture of an ancient village in the Red River Delta. The village is known as a “living community,” with multiple generations having lived here.

International tourists attending the event. Photo: Vietnamnet

On January 20, a large number of tourists flocked to Duong Lam Ancient Village to participate in the event “Vietnamese Village Tet 2024,” which lasted for 2 days. This is the third year the program has been held, with the participation of embassies, international organizations, foreign business representative offices, international students, and travel businesses.

The traditional Tet atmosphere of Northern Vietnamese villages is vividly recreated in Duong Lam. Right at the entrance of Mong Phu village, visitors can enjoy a water puppet art performance by artists from Dao Thuc water puppet village (Dong Anh, Hanoi). Many historical stories are re-enacted, such as King Ly Thai To moving the capital to Thang Long, Phung Hung fighting a tiger, and other interesting stories.

At Mong Phu communal house, a series of exciting activities take place, including lion and dragon dancing, making Banh Chung (sticky rice cake), watching a monk write calligraphy, and creating traditional To He toys.

The beautifully painted conical hats at the event. Photo: Vietnamnet

Visitors can experience the traditional Tet market atmosphere, with booths showcasing Duong Lam specialties and handicraft products from famous craft villages, such as Chuong village’s conical hats and Dong Ho paintings.

Artist Le Van Tuy, who hails from Thanh Oai, Hanoi, showcased Non La products at the “Vietnamese Village Tet” event in Duong Lam village for the first time. He was pleasantly surprised by the large number of domestic and international tourists attracted to the event.

Tourists enjoyed traditional folk games like catching loaches in jars, cockfighting, smashing pots blindfolded, and other activities. Groups of students from the city center also visited the ancient village and learned to make Dong Ho paintings and conical hats from artisans.

The delicious traditional foods presented at the event. Photo: Vietnamnet

In an interview with VietNamNet, Tran Anh Tuan – Secretary of Son Tay Town Party Committee – revealed that the number of visitors to the “Vietnamese Village Tet” event increased fivefold compared to 2022.

“This year, the festival brings together approximately 40 artisans from various craft villages, offering visitors the most diverse and enticing experiences,” he said.

At Mong Phu Communal House, the Management Board of Duong Lam Ancient Village Relics presents traditional art forms such as Xam, Tuong, and Cheo to entertain tourists on weekends.

Festival season in Duong Lam Village takes place annually in January according to the lunar calendar. Photo: Vietnamnet

The festival season in Duong Lam Village is held annually in January according to the lunar calendar. The ceremony takes place at the communal house, featuring processions, offerings to pigs, and raising of chickens. These cultural symbols create a joyful and lively festive atmosphere.