Vietnam, a country rich in history and culture, is home to ancient towns imbued with the marks of time. Visiting these towns offers not only a chance to admire the beauty of ancient architecture but also an opportunity to discover unique cultural and historical values. Let’s explore the top 4 must-visit ancient towns in Vietnam with Discovery To Wonders.
1. Dong Van Ancient Town – Ha Giang
When mentioning famous ancient towns in Vietnam, Dong Van Ancient Town cannot be overlooked. Located at an altitude of 1,000 to 1,600 meters above sea level in Dong Van district, Ha Giang province, it is considered a bustling entertainment center amidst the wild and tranquil land of Ha Giang.
Dong Van Ancient Town in Ha Giang, Vietnam
Dong Van Ancient Town was formed in the early 20th century, initially as a residence for the Mong, Tay, and Chinese people. Later, other ethnic groups such as the Dao, Nung, Kinh, etc., converged here to settle down, creating a more crowded and bustling town.
Coming to Dong Van Ancient Town, you will have the opportunity to admire ancient houses that are hundreds of years old, bearing unique and ancient architecture, imbued with the color of time. The yin and yang tiled roofs nestled at the foot of limestone mountains create a close and rustic beauty.
Old houses and limestone mountains in Dong Van, Ha Giang
Here, visitors can visit local-style cafes, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy Thang Co, corn wine, and other Ha Giang specialties. In particular, you can stay overnight to fully experience the beauty of the ancient town in the quiet night space.
2. Hanoi Old Quarter – The Charming Beauty of the Thousand-Year-Old Capital
Hanoi Old Quarter, located in the East of Thang Long Imperial Citadel, is one of the most famous ancient towns in Vietnam. This quarter is located in the North and West of Hoan Kiem district, a favorite destination for tourists exploring Hanoi capital.
Ancient beauty of Hanoi Old Quarter
Thousand-year-old Hanoi preserves ancient beauties imbued with the color of time. Hanoi Old Quarter has an area of about 100 hectares, including 76 streets. The streets here are named after traditional craft villages from ancient times, often starting with the word “Hang” (meaning “goods” or “craft”), such as Hang Bong (Cotton Street), Hang Dao (Silk Street), Hang Gai (Hemp Street), Hang Ma (Paper Street)… Each “Hang” sells a specific item, creating diversity and richness for the quarter.
Busy streets of Hanoi Old Quarter
Exploring Hanoi Old Quarter, visitors have the opportunity to admire the ancient beauty of old Hanoi, immerse themselves in the bustling trading atmosphere of the people, and find a bit of nostalgia for the society and life of Thang Long people from thousands of years ago. Visitors can stroll on pedestrian streets, visit historical sites, and enjoy unique street food such as pho, bun cha, and banh com.
3. Hoi An Ancient Town – World Cultural Heritage
When mentioning famous ancient towns in Vietnam, most tourists will immediately think of Hoi An Ancient Town. This place is not only a famous destination in Hoi An but also a top-ranked ancient town in Asia, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1999.
Hoi An Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Hoi An Ancient Town is located along both banks of the Hoai River, about 30 km southwest of Da Nang city. The town was built from the 16th century and exists to this day, preserving more than 1,000 architectural relics, including houses, streets, assembly halls, communal houses, pagodas… along with traditional cuisine and cultural and spiritual values.
Coming to Hoi An, visitors have the opportunity to rediscover the golden beauty of history, experience exciting tourist activities, and feel the nostalgic beauty through images of old houses, alleys, and moss-covered architectural works. Visitors can rent bicycles, cyclos, walk, or take a boat to admire the contemplative beauty, expressed through yellow walls, mossy tiled roofs, and brilliant bougainvillea trellises.
Charming streets and alleys in Hoi An
Many visitors share that when coming to Hoi An, they get to slow down, leisurely stroll every morning, sip coffee, watch Hoi An shimmer when the lights come on every night, and explore famous places such as the Japanese Covered Bridge, Tan Ky Old House, and assembly halls.
In particular, visitors also have the opportunity to enjoy Quang specialties such as cao lau, chicken rice, mi Quang, banh mi, sweet soup, tofu pudding, stir-fried mussels, and banh beo chen… delicious and attractive.
4. Bao Vinh Ancient Town – Marks of Time by the Perfume River
Among the beautiful ancient towns of Vietnam, Bao Vinh Ancient Town in Hue is a place that preserves many memories of the old days. Bao Vinh is located in the North of Hue Citadel, about 3 km from the city center. This place was once the busiest trading port in the ancient capital.
Ancient Bao Vinh Town by the Perfume River
Bao Vinh Ancient Town was formed in the 17th century, once an important trading place, welcoming foreign merchants from Japan, China, Macau, India, and Europe to exchange and trade. At the same time, the people of the ancient town also developed prosperous brick, tile, and inlay making villages.
After the upheavals of time, this ancient town gradually lost its traditional crafts. However, local residents still try to preserve the rows of houses and windows as a way to remember the golden age of many centuries ago. Thanks to preserving that beauty, Bao Vinh Ancient Town was chosen as the setting for the movie “Mat Biec” (Dreamy Eyes).
Bao Vinh Old Town, the movie set of 'Dreamy Eyes'
Today, Bao Vinh is gradually giving way to new, spacious, and modern buildings. The intermingling of the old and the new creates a beauty full of regret. Therefore, if you have the opportunity to travel to Hue, visit Bao Vinh Ancient Town once to admire the beauty of the ancient works that remain.
Conclusion
The famous ancient towns in Vietnam are all places that preserve traditional architectural beauty, and maintain the cultural and culinary imprints that generations of forefathers worked hard to build. Each ancient town has its own beauty and its own story, contributing to creating a colorful picture of Vietnamese culture and history. Whether you are a lover of history and culture or simply want to find a peaceful space to relax, the ancient towns of Vietnam are ideal destinations for you to experience and explore.