A Day in Ancient Duong Lam – Touching the Soul of Rural Vietnam

Step into Vietnam’s past with a cultural journey to Duong Lam Ancient Village, a rare northern village where laterite walls, old banyan trees, and red-tiled roofs preserve the timeless charm of rural life. Walk through the iconic Mong Phu village gate, visit the communal house, Lady Mia temple, and the sacred Mia Pagoda, home to one of Vietnam’s richest collections of ancient Buddha statues.

Along narrow village lanes, visit traditional homes dating back centuries. Taste local specialties like sticky rice wine and chè lam sweet cake, and take part in a special hands-on activity: learn how to make chè lam or traditional soy sauce with local artisans – a flavorful memory to take home.

After lunch, continue to the remarkable Son Tay Ancient Citadel, Vietnam’s only laterite fortress built in 1822 under Emperor Minh Mang. Your final stop is the peaceful Khai Nguyen Pagoda, rebuilt on an 11th-century foundation, offering quiet reflection in a setting steeped in Buddhist history. A quiet day, a cultural touch, and a deeper connection to Vietnam’s soul.