Most foreign tourists come to
Vietnam to experience the bustling vibes of big cities like
Hanoi,
Ho Chi Minh City or
Danang.
Nonetheless, a few might be in search of a tranquil experience in picturesque traditional villages of
Vietnam.
If you’re among the latter, this article is surely a must-read for you.
These are selectively
the 10 most charming Vietnamese villages, each of which reflects the unique charms of different regions of the country.
All the information about locations and transportations will also be found below.
- Duong Lam Ancient Village (Hanoi)
- Bat Trang Village (Hanoi)
- Pom Coong Village (Mai Chau)
- Vung Vieng Fishing Village (Ha Long Bay)
- Cat Cat Village (Sapa)
- Cam Thanh Eco Village (Hoi An)
- Sinh Village (Hue)
- Cu Lao Gieng Village (An Giang)
- Chau Giang Village (An Giang)
- Sa Dec Flower Village (Dong Thap)
1. Duong Lam Ancient Village (Hanoi)
Location: Duong Lam commune, Son Tay Town (45 kilometers to the west of Hanoi)
Transportation: public bus, car, motorcycle
Duong Lam Village, one of the oldest villages in Vietnam, is renowned by its beautiful, traditional architecture with old alleyways, fishbone brick roads and awe-inspiring banyan trees.
A visit to Duong Lam is often compared to a journey back in time, as most relics are well-preserved under the heritage conservation regulation of Vietnamese government.
In no other place can you see a more vivid image of the traditional Red River Delta village than here in Duong Lam.
In addition to the picturesque beauty, Duong Lam is also known as home to many historical events.
Two mighty kings of Vietnam, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen were born here, leaving historical relics of the great defeats against Chinese invasion.
Temples and tombs are erected in the village to honor their contribution to the country.
The best thing to do in Duong Lam is probably strolling around and taking photos.
It’s strongly recommended that you arrive in Duong Lam during daytime, to make the most of the daylight for your photos.
There are a number of communal houses, residential houses and a worship house to check out. Just take all the time you need for an escape from the bustling city vibe.
2. Bat Trang Village (Hanoi)
Location: Gia Lam District (13 kilometers from the center of Hanoi)
Transportation: public bus, car, motorcycle
With a history dating back 7 centuries, Bat Trang is famous for its traditional porcelain and pottery making.
Located in the heart of the Red River Delta, Bat Trang had trades with Japan, China and even the Western countries.
Based on a rich clay area, Bat Trang possessed an advantage to produce high-quality ceramics, serving various demands including housewares, fine-art ceramics and worshipping items.
The secret technique is conserved and passed through multiple generations, leaving Bat Trang one of the leading exporters of ceramics in Vietnam.
A visit to a handicraft village usually means a hands-on experience, and there’s no difference in Bat Trang.
After strolling around the market and gazing at meticulous artworks, you will have a chance to try making them yourself. Pottery making is not as easy as it looks, we guarantee!
Also, be careful, or else you will get addicted and spend a whole day just to play with pots and clays, like many other tourists.
3. Pom Coong Village (Mai Chau)
Location: Mai Chau Town, Hoa Binh Province (145 kilometers from Hanoi)
Transportation: public bus, car, motorcycle
If you’re looking to immerse yourself in an indigenous culture, Pom Coong is a destination you should not miss.
“Pom Coong” in Thai language means “hill”. Pom Coong Village is a hilly village mostly inhabited by the Thai ethnic people, widely known for their sophisticated embroidery techniques.
Home to nearly 70 households with more than 300 people, Pom Coong is a lively village of traditional architecture and cultural activities.
Thai people mostly live in stilt houses, which are built with bamboo stalks, wooden pillars and rattan leaves.
The distance between the ground and the floor is 2 meters and there is a staircase connecting them at the side of the house.
In Pom Coong you will find a number of exquisite handmade items such as bags, scarves and purses on sale, along with other special cuisines.
The most recommended dishes include sticky rice cooked in bamboo cylinders, “man” pig and “can” liquor.
Also, don’t miss the chance to experience the homestay service, join a traditional performance and pick up some mesmerizing dances from the sweet Thai girls.
4. Vung Vieng Fishing Village (Ha Long Bay)
Location: Bai Tu Long Bay (24 kilometers from the mainland)
Transportation: boat, cruise
If you have been to the exotic Floating Market of Can Tho, you will also find Vung Vieng fishing village worth an experience.
Observing life on floating houses, you will get a better grasp into the history of the fishing industry in Vietnam.
Vung Vieng is in the center of Bai Tu Long Bay and not quite developed as a tourist attraction, so you’re advised to pay a visit on a cruise in which a visit to the village is included.
Featured with charming scenery, the village preserves the typical characteristics of the fishermen’s lifestyle.
The daily activities of fishermen take place on small boats and rafts of bamboo and styrofoam, including catching, processing and selling fish.
Coming to Vung Vieng, tourists will certainly enjoy a fishing experience with locals, enjoying the freshly caught seafood or simply just lying on the beach to chill.
Another unique feature which must not be missed is the thousands of limestone karsts forming the backdrop of the village. This is also the distinctive characteristic of Ha Long Bay islands.
5. Cat Cat Village (Sapa)
Location: Muong Hoa Valley (2 kilometers from Sapa Town)
Transportation: train, bus
Cat Cat village is one of the biggest villages in Sapa, inhabited by the Mong ethnic people. Formed in the middle of the 19th century, the indigenous culture is well preserved by its habitants.
Every corner of the village is filled with bits of cultural beauty and traditional crafts.
Mong people are keen on farming and weaving brocades in different sizes, colors and patterns.
Agriculture plays an important role in Mong people’s life: a number of picturesque terraced fields will be found scattered across the village, where people grow rice and corn for a living.
Mong women preserve the traditions of making their own clothing, on which lively patterns of trees, leaves, flowers and animals are weaved.
The traditional architecture in the Cat Cat Village is a three story house with po-mu wooden roofing.
The main door stays closed during the year and only opened for special occasions like weddings, funerals and New Year.
Inside the house, there is a worshipping space, a storage floor, a sleeping area, a kitchen and a space for guest welcoming.
Coming to Cat Cat, make sure you are able to capture awesome photographs with the handicraft stores, the rustic Gem Valley homestay & cafe, the waterfall, traditional houses and most noticeably the green terrace fields.
Buying some brocades as souvenirs is also a good idea and a way to support the locals.
6. Cam Thanh Eco Village (Hoi An)
Location: Hoi An (5 kilometers from the Hoi An Ancient Town)
Transportation: public bus, car, motorcycle
If you are planning to come to the rustic UNESCO Hoi An city, there is no way you should miss a nearby destination, Cam Thanh Eco Village.
Cam Thanh is a coastal village, located between Hoi An Town and Cua Dai Beach.
Like a peaceful oasis, Cam Thanh is renowned for its enormous coconut forest, stretching hundred hectares near the beach.
The name “ecology village” speaks for itself; Cam Thanh is home to a mangrove ecology rich in both flora and fauna, especially nipa palms.
The most extraordinary experience you will find here is definitely a ride in a “basket” boat.
The ride will lead you to the center of Bay Mau forest, where green nipa palms inhabit naturally. In addition, cycling around enjoying fresh air and visiting traditional coconut painting houses are also favorable activities here.
You will learn how to make lovely accessories from palm leaves, including glasses, rings, watches or headbands.
Some tourists may choose to engage in other local activities such as farming, catching fish with locals and or ride buffalos in the fields.
A full day immersed in the distinctive Central culture will definitely be worth a try.
7. Sinh Village (Hue)
Location: Phu Mau commune, Phu Vang district, Thua Thien Hue province (9 kilometers from Hue city)
Transportation: car, bicycle
To name the most famous painting villages in Vietnam, one can not forget Sinh Village, which is located in the Central of Vietnam.
Also known as Lai An Village, the village has been preserving a unique folk culture that dates back hundreds of years.
The painting technique here is one-of-a-kind: the special printing paper is pressed against an engraved woodblock, resulting in a black-and-white print on the paper.
The paper then is hand-colored with bright colors and let dry. The whole process is handmade and typically takes a considerable time.
Tourists are welcome to try creating paintings themselves, with the help of experienced artisans.
The village is also widely known for its exotic wrestling festival which occurs on the 10th day of January, according to the lunar calendar.
It is one of the biggest spring festivals in Vietnam, attracting waves of both local and foreign tourists.
8. Cu Lao Gieng Village (An Giang)
Location: Cho Moi District, An Giang Province
Transportation: ferry + car
Cu Lao Gieng Island is renowned by its famous sightseeings, namely Cu Lao Gieng Church and Thanh Hoa Tu. Cu Lao Gieng monastery used to be an important convent, with the capacity of accommodating more than 1000 people.
Today, the island is mainly a retreat for retired nuns. The large building is completely cut off from villages and located in the middle of fields and green jungle.
You will be very surprised to see such an impressive architectural style in the middle of nowhere.
Few people know that there also exists a special handicraft village on this island, specializing in boat-making.
Visiting the village, tourists will have a chance to try making dinghy and sampan, then buy cute mini boats as souvenirs for friends and loved ones.
9. Chau Giang Village (An Giang)
Location: Phum Xoai hamlet, Chau Phong commune, Tan Chau District, An Giang Province
Transportation: car, bicycle
Another village with spectacular handicraft traditions. Chau Giang Village is an ancient village which still preserves and develops Cham cultural beauty, known for its religious customs and traditional handicrafts.
The Cham have to pray 5 times a day, at home or at the mosque. Mosques are special establishments for Cham people.
They gather in mosques to pray, celebrate special occasions and even learn to write and read.
Masjid mosque is a major mosque in Chau Giang Village. Like most other Islamic mosques, the key tone of Masjid mosque is white.
Symbols of the sun and the crescent moon are found here and there, representing the old Islamic culture.
You will be asked to wear a scarf to cover your head in honor of the regulations of Islam.
Cham people in Chau Giang Village are known for their amazing handicraft techniques.
They create unique and beautiful sarongs, scarves, hats, coats, bags and purses.
Local girls from the age of 12 are taught to weave brocades and will be responsible for weaving the whole family’s clothing since.
With the help of these artisans, you will get to learn how to use a weaving loom and make some cloth yourself. Totally worth a try!
10. Sa Dec Flower Village (Dong Thap)
Location: Tan Quy Dong commune, Sa Dec, Dong Thap (140 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City)
Transportation: car, motorcycle
If you’re wondering where the gorgeous photos with flowers originate, please check out Sa Dec Flower Village.
It is one of the biggest flower suppliers of South Vietnam with 500 hectares of various types of flowers and bonsai.
The best time to travel to Sa Dec Flower Village is December in the lunar calendar.
By then, flowers will be in full bloom with vibrant colors and fragrances.
For an even better experience, come to the village at the beginning of December or before December 23 (lunar calendar), when flowers are harvested and transferred to Saigon to serve the New Year’s demand.
Coming to Sa Dec Flower Garden, you will be amazed by the vast beds of different colors, featuring hundreds of flowers, plants, herbs and bonsai.
When you’re done with flower watching and photo taking, you can also visit the nearby tourist spots, including Huynh Thuy Le Ancient House and Kim Hue Pagoda.
Don’t forget to fill your empty stomach with tasty Hu Tieu, the famous cuisine of Southern Vietnam.
Hopefully by now, you have got some ideas of the most amazing villages to visit in Vietnam.
Try getting a bit off the beaten track and you will find Vietnamese villages’ hidden beauty, besides bustling cities and heavily-trafficked roads.
Wondrous cultural discoveries and hands-on experiences are bound to be found in any of the magnificent aforementioned villages.