Cu Da Village, a hidden gem nestled in bustling Hanoi, is an ideal destination for those seeking to escape the city’s noise and find a peaceful space filled with traditional culture. This place captivates visitors not only with the ancient beauty of moss-covered houses and time-worn tiled roofs but also with its slow, tranquil pace of life and unique handicraft villages. Let’s explore Cu Da Village to fully experience the old-world charm of the Northern countryside, right near the capital!
1. Discovering Cu Da Village: Ancient Beauty and Tranquility
Amidst the hustle and bustle of the capital, Cu Da Village emerges as a poignant interlude, bringing an unexpectedly serene and peaceful feeling. Nestled beside the gentle Nhue River, in Cu Khe Commune, Thanh Oai District, Hanoi, the ancient village of Cu Da preserves unique cultural, historical, and architectural values, attracting tourists with its timeless beauty.
1.1. Historical Imprints and Unique Architecture
Cu Da Village has a history spanning over 400 years, initially built and developed by noble families during the Trinh Lords era, and later expanded with investments from wealthy bourgeois. As a result, Cu Da’s architecture uniquely blends the traditional style of Northern Vietnamese villages with classic French influences.
Wandering through the narrow, winding alleys of the village, visitors will be amazed by the ancient houses built in the distinctive “herringbone” architectural style, with small lanes branching off from the main road. Wooden houses with curved tile roofs, mossy brick walls, and intricate carvings on doors and pillars all create an atmosphere steeped in nostalgia.
Notably, Cu Da Village also stands out with its two-story French colonial-style houses, featuring spacious balconies, arched windows, and refined architectural details. The harmonious combination of traditional and Western architecture has created a unique and unmistakable beauty for Cu Da Village. To this day, the village still preserves about 50 ancient houses dating back hundreds of years, a testament to the rich history and culture of this land.
Ancient Cu Da village is a small peaceful village located peacefully in Cu Khe commune, Thanh Oai district, Hanoi city. Photo: daidoanket
1.2. Exploring Ancient Architectural Works
Cu Da Village Gate: The imposing village gate, imbued with the architectural imprint of ancient Northern Vietnamese villages. Despite enduring the ups and downs of time, the village gate still retains its ancient, mossy beauty, becoming a familiar check-in spot for visitors to Cu Da.
Cu Da Communal House: The communal house is the cultural and spiritual center of Cu Da villagers. The 5-compartment communal house is built in the traditional architectural style with a sturdy wooden structure, intricately carved with floral and dragon-phoenix patterns. Cu Da Communal House worships a martial mandarin from the Dinh Dynasty, who made great contributions to quelling the rebellion of the 12 warlords, expressing the gratitude and respect of the villagers for their ancestors.
Cu Da Village Shrine: The village shrine is a place to worship heaven, earth, and Saint Trung Tong, a deity revered by the people of Cu Da. The shrine also preserves a stone throne crafted in 1921, in the Nguyen Dynasty stone carving style, showcasing special artistic and historical value.
Cu Da Pagoda (Linh Minh Tu): Cu Da Pagoda, also known as Linh Minh Tu, is a national relic with a history of over 300 years. The pagoda possesses the ancient, serene beauty of Northern Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, with curved roofs, lim wooden columns and rafters, and a tranquil, peaceful space. Visiting Cu Da Pagoda, visitors not only admire the unique architecture but also find peace in their souls.
Cu Da village stands out for its unique and ancient architectural space, with a distinct mark compared to other villages. Photo: daidoanket
1.3. Famous Traditional Craft Villages
Cu Da Village is not only famous for its ancient architecture but is also known as a land rich in tradition with unique handicraft villages, some dating back hundreds of years.
Cu Da Vermicelli Village: Cu Da vermicelli is a renowned specialty of Hanoi, handcrafted using traditional methods from arrowroot. Cu Da vermicelli noodles are famous for their delicious chewiness, crispy texture, and attractive golden or clear white color. In Cu Da, visitors can witness the meticulous vermicelli-making process firsthand, from grinding flour, steaming cakes, cutting noodles to drying vermicelli, and buy bundles of delicious vermicelli as gifts.
Cu Da village is famous for being a well-known vermicelli making village in the North of Vietnam. Photo: Business and Marketing Magazine
Cu Da Fermented Bean Paste Village: Cu Da fermented bean paste is also a famous specialty, made from sticky rice flower, soybeans, rainwater, and white salt. Cu Da fermented bean paste has a characteristic, rich, and delicious flavor, favored by many. The saying “Cu Da fermented bean paste, Da Village eggplant” has become a testament to the reputation of Cu Da fermented bean paste. Visitors can visit families making fermented bean paste in the village to learn about the traditional bean paste making process and buy jars of delicious fermented bean paste as gifts.
The tradition of making fermented bean paste in Cu Da village has been around for hundreds of years and is the pride of the local people. Photo: People's Army Newspaper
1.4. Peaceful Countryside Cultural Space
Coming to Cu Da Village, visitors not only admire ancient architectural works, explore traditional craft villages but also immerse themselves in the peaceful, rustic countryside cultural space. Under the shade of ancient banyan trees, beside clear wells, visitors can feel the slow, peaceful pace of life of the locals, listen to everyday stories, and rediscover tranquility in their souls.
Cu Da Pagoda, over 300 years old, is a National Monument in Hanoi Capital. Photo: static.panoramio.com
2. Cu Da Village Travel Tips
Transportation: Cu Da Village is only about 14km from the center of Hanoi, making it very convenient to travel to. Visitors can easily reach the village by motorbike, private car, or bus.
- Motorbike, private car: From the center of Hanoi, visitors can follow Google Maps directions or follow the suggested route in the original article. Travel time is about 45 minutes.
- Bus: Visitors can take bus number 72 from Yen Nghia bus station or bus number 78 from My Dinh bus station to Cu Da Village.
Ideal time to visit: Cu Da Village is most beautiful in autumn, when the weather is cool and pleasant. Visitors can also come to the village in spring to feel the fresh, new atmosphere or in summer to escape the heat and find the green space of the countryside.
Accommodation: There are not many developed accommodation services in Cu Da Village yet. Visitors can choose motels and hotels in the center of Thanh Oai district or homestays near the ancient village area for convenient travel and exploration.
Cuisine: Coming to Cu Da Village, visitors cannot miss the opportunity to enjoy local specialties such as vermicelli, Cu Da fermented bean paste, grilled ri chicken, and rustic dishes with a homeland flavor. Visitors can enjoy cuisine at small eateries in the village or restaurants near the area.
3. Conclusion
Cu Da Ancient Village is an attractive cultural tourist destination, offering visitors memorable experiences of ancient architectural beauty, peaceful countryside cultural space, and unique traditional values. If you want to find a place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, reconnect with nature and traditional culture, then Cu Da Village is a great choice. Take the time to explore and feel the simple, rustic beauty of this ancient village, and you will surely have unforgettable memories.