Our 2-day itinerary to Duong Lam and Mai Chau was planned right after our return from Cao Bang. We were looking for a peaceful spot near Hanoi for a light visit and some much-needed rest, and the Duong Lam village and Mai Chau came highly recommended. Especially the Duong Lam village impressed us with its unique architecture, featuring stone-walled houses, brick paths, and centuries-old trees.
What stood out the most was the serene atmosphere enveloping the entire village, offering us genuine relaxation throughout our 2 days in Duong Lam and Mai Chau. If you’re seeking a short escape to an authentic, culturally rich destination close to Hanoi, the Duong Lam ancient village and Mai Chau are must-visit places!
Summary of the 2 days 1 night travel itinerary of Duong Lam and Mai Chau:
The Duong Lam ancient village is not far from Hanoi Old Quarter, but we left early to avoid traffic. We departed Hanoi at 8 AM and arrived in Duong Lam a little after 9 AM.
To visit the village, you need to purchase an entrance ticket. However, the fee is very affordable, around 20,000 VND, which is less than 1 USD per person. Since we were traveling with a tour agency, this cost was already included in the tour package.
Entrance fees for the Duong Lam ancient village:
Our first stop in Duong Lam Village was the Mong Phu Gate and Communal House. These structures, over 460 years old, showcase remarkable architecture. The gate, made of stone, is engraved with some characters, while Mong Phu Communal House has three entrances. Our guide explained that the main entrance was once reserved for kings, while the other two were for mandarins. The courtyard is paved with red bricks and surrounded by ancient trees and a stone well.
Next, we freely explored the ancient houses in Duong Lam, all steeped in the tranquil ambiance of rural villages. Our guide recommended several houses, including those of Mrs. Duong Thi Lan, Mr. Nguyen Van Hung, and Mr. Ha Nguyen Huyen. These homes, over 400 years old, stand out with their red-tiled roofs and stone walls, typical of the Vietnamese countryside.
It was also a lovely opportunity to chat with the locals. An important rule to note: before entering a house or taking photos, it’s recommended to greet the owners, as our guide kindly reminded us.
After lunch, the afternoon was dedicated to spiritual visits in the village, including Mia Pagoda, Ngo Quyen Temple, and Ngo Quyen’s Tomb. To reach Ngo Quyen Temple, you need to climb a hill, but the ascent is manageable.
At the end of our visit to Duong Lam Village, our driver took us to Mai Chau for the night. We made a stop at Thung Khe Pass in Hoa Binh Province, where we were lucky to witness a stunning sunset.
That evening, we stayed in a stilt house in Lac Village, Mai Chau. Dinner was delightful, featuring traditional dishes like grilled pork and hill chicken.
On the second day of our 2-day trip to Duong Lam and Mai Chau, we explored the Mai Chau Valley, a peaceful place with a fresh and pleasant atmosphere. However, due to the rather warm weather, we couldn’t walk much. We also met locals from the Thai ethnic group, one of Vietnam’s many ethnic minorities.
The local ethnic markets here are similar to those I visited in the north of the country. They offer a wide variety of local products made by the Thai people, such as brocade items, jewelry, and other souvenirs.
Next, we visited Chieu Cave, where we climbed stone steps to enjoy a panoramic view of Mai Chau from above.
After lunch in Mai Chau town, we set off for Hanoi, concluding our 2-day itinerary to Duong Lam and Mai Chau.
Here are some tips we gathered from our 2-day trip to Duong Lam Village and Mai Chau:
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