Central Vietnam, the land connecting the North and South, is not only famous for its long beaches and world cultural heritages but also hides the rustic and peaceful beauty of ancient villages. Here, time seems to slow down, preserving long-standing cultural and historical values, inviting visitors to explore and experience. Let’s explore the precious gems of Central Vietnam with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World), where the past and present blend harmoniously.
Loc Yen Ancient Village – “Fairyland of Phước Lộc” in the Mountains of Quang Nam
Loc Yen ancient village, located in Tien Phuoc district, Quang Nam province, is one of the most beautiful ancient villages in Vietnam. This place is like a watercolor painting with ancient houses, mossy roofs nestled in a green valley, surrounded by rolling mountains and lush green terraced fields.
Location of Loc Yen Ancient Village in Central Vietnam
Unique Architecture and Converging Landscapes
Loc Yen was formed in the 15th-16th centuries, bearing a strong imprint of traditional architecture. Coming here, visitors will be amazed by the green terraced fields like those in Northwest Vietnam, ancient houses with mossy roofs resembling Northern Vietnamese villages. Small streams murmur through the gardens, merging into the irrigation system, creating a peaceful and tranquil space.
Loc Yen Village nestled in a lush green valley in Central Vietnam
The ancient house architecture in Loc Yen is characterized by three-compartment wooden houses with two lean-tos in the style of Hue traditional houses, with yin and yang tiled roofs. The walls are plastered with clay mixed with straw to regulate the temperature, keeping it cool in summer and warm in winter. The art of stacking stones without mortar creates solid embankments and stone alleys that have stood the test of time.
An old house preserving its ancient beauty in Loc Yen Village, Central Vietnam
Must-Try Experiences
Coming to Loc Yen, visitors not only admire the unique architecture, stroll on the mossy green stone paths but also explore the culture and life of the local people. Don’t forget to check-in at beautiful photo spots amidst the poetic natural scenery.
Tourists admire the ancient architecture of houses in Loc Yen Village
Journey to Explore Other Ancient Villages
Besides Loc Yen, Central Vietnam has many other ancient villages waiting for you to discover:
Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Hoi An, Quang Nam)
Famous for its traditional pottery craft dating back to the 15th century, Thanh Ha pottery village is a must-visit destination when coming to Hoi An. Visitors can create their own unique pottery products under the guidance of skilled artisans.
Tam Thanh Mural Village (Tam Ky, Quang Nam)
Vibrant murals on simple houses have transformed the poor fishing village of Tam Thanh into an attractive tourist destination. This community art project not only brings a new beauty to the village but also contributes to raising awareness of environmental protection.
Phuoc Tich Ancient Village (Phong Dien, Thua Thien Hue)
The ancient village located on the banks of the O Lau River has a peaceful and ancient beauty with traditional Hue-style houses, red brick roads, and mossy roofs. Phuoc Tich is considered a “living museum” of traditional Vietnamese house architecture.
My An Palm Leaf Hat Village (Phu Vang, Thua Thien Hue)
My An village is famous for its traditional palm leaf hat making, a symbol of Vietnamese beauty. Coming here, visitors can learn about the hat-making process, decorate their own hats with personal imprints and buy them as souvenirs.
Unique Cuisine in Ancient Villages
The journey to explore the ancient villages of Central Vietnam will not be complete without culinary experiences. Each village has its own specialties, bearing the unique flavors of the region:
- Loc Yen (Quang Nam): Fermented pork roll with willow leaves, rock snail porridge, salt-baked chicken, Tien Phuoc banana sweet soup, thanh tra fruit, bon bon fruit.
- Thanh Ha (Hoi An): “Banh trang dap” (crispy rice cracker with steamed rice pancake), Cao Lau noodles, Quang noodles.
- Phuoc Tich (Hue): Chuon village Tet cake, “Banh khoai” (crispy pancake), me xung candy.
- My An (Hue): Hue beef noodle soup, “Banh beo” (steamed rice cakes), “Banh nam” (flat steamed rice dumplings).
Sustainable Tourism and Cultural Preservation
When exploring the ancient villages of Central Vietnam, be responsible tourists, contributing to the preservation of unique cultural and architectural values:
- Respect local customs and habits.
- Maintain environmental hygiene.
- Support local handicraft products.
- Learn about the history and culture of the village.
- Minimize negative impacts on the environment and community.
Loc Yen Village has become a popular check-in spot for tourists
Conclusion
The ancient villages of Central Vietnam are not only attractive tourist destinations but also “living museums” preserving long-standing cultural and historical values. Take the time to explore and experience the rustic and peaceful beauty of these villages, to deeply feel the culture and people of Vietnam. “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around the World) hopes that through this article, you will have more motivation to discover the precious gems of Central Vietnam, where the past and present blend harmoniously. Plan your trip today!