Nestled along the poetic Da River, Tan Da is not only renowned as the homeland of the great poet of the same name but also a cultural treasure trove with ancient houses, mossy paths, and a slow, peaceful pace of life. If you’re seeking a haven to escape the city’s hustle and bustle and reconnect with old-world values, Tan Da ancient town is an unmissable ideal destination. Let “Discovery Around The World” guide you to explore the unique beauty and memorable experiences in this land!
About Tan Da Ancient Town – A Hidden Gem of Xu Doai
Location: Tan Linh Commune, Ba Vi District, Hanoi City
History: Formed a long time ago, deeply imbued with the culture of Xu Doai
Characteristics: Ancient house architecture, traditional cultural space, peaceful natural landscape
Tan Da ancient town, also known as Tan Da ancient village, is nestled by the banks of the Da River in Ba Vi district, Hanoi. This place is not just an administrative location but also a land rich in historical and cultural traditions, preserving the architectural values, customs, and practices characteristic of the Northern Delta region. Through historical ups and downs, Tan Da still retains its pristine, rustic beauty, becoming an attractive destination for those who want to learn about Vietnamese culture and enjoy a peaceful space.
Visiting Tan Da ancient town, you will be amazed by the ancient lim wood houses, mossy tiled roofs, and winding alleys. All create a peaceful, poetic picture of a Vietnamese village. Not only does Tan Da possess unique architecture, but it also attracts visitors with its traditional cultural space featuring village festivals, Cheo and Ca Tru singing, and especially the hospitality and sincerity of the locals.
Ancient houses with mossy roofs in Tan Da ancient town
A peaceful alley in Tan Da ancient town
Close-up of an ancient wooden door in Tan Da
The rustic beauty of Tan Da ancient town
Ideal Time to Explore Tan Da Ancient Town
The weather in Northern Vietnam has four distinct seasons, each giving Tan Da a unique beauty. According to “Discovery Around The World” travel experience, the best time to explore Tan Da ancient town is in the autumn (around September to November) and spring (around February to April).
Autumn: The weather is cool and pleasant, the air is fresh, very suitable for sightseeing, exploring, and outdoor strolls. Autumn in Tan Da is also adorned with the golden color of ripe rice, the red color of rows of maple trees, creating a romantic and lyrical scene.
Spring: Tan Da is full of life with young buds, green sprouts, and flower gardens showing off their colors. The atmosphere of the New Year festival also brings Tan Da a bustling, joyful vibe. This is an ideal time for visitors to participate in traditional festivals, pray for good luck, and enjoy the spring atmosphere.
In addition, summer (May to August) is also an option if you want to experience the green space of Tan Da, avoiding the city’s hot and humid weather. Winter (December to January) Tan Da brings a contemplative, quiet beauty, suitable for those who want to find peace and relaxation.
A green garden in Tan Da ancient town during springtime
Transportation to Tan Da Ancient Town
Tan Da ancient town is about 50-60km from the center of Hanoi, and transportation is quite convenient. Visitors can choose from many different means of transport to get here:
Motorbike or private car: This is the most proactive and flexible means of transport. Visitors can go along Thang Long Avenue or National Highway 32, then turn into the road to Ba Vi and follow the signs to Tan Da. Travel time is about 1-1.5 hours.
Bus: From Hanoi, visitors can take bus route 71 (My Dinh – Son Tay Bus Station) or route 74 (My Dinh – Xuan Khanh) then get off at Son Tay bus station and take a motorbike taxi or taxi to get to Tan Da ancient town.
Taxi or ride-hailing service: This is a fast and convenient means of transport, suitable for small groups or families. However, the cost will be higher than other means of transport.
Upon arrival in Tan Da, visitors can easily get around the ancient town area by bicycle, motorbike, or on foot to fully enjoy the peaceful space and explore the lovely small corners.
A motorbike parked in front of an ancient house in Tan Da
Discovering the Unique Features of Tan Da Ancient Town
“If you haven’t been to Tan Da, you don’t know Tan Da, once you go, you’ll find it’s so close to home.” This familiar folk song partly expresses the appeal of Tan Da ancient town. Coming here, visitors will immerse themselves in a cultural space rich in national identity with many attractive attractions:
Tan Da Ancient Houses
Tan Da ancient houses are unique architectural highlights and symbols of the ancient town. These hundred-year-old lim wood houses with bright red tiled roofs and intricately carved columns bear the bold style of traditional Northern architecture. Visiting ancient houses, visitors not only admire the architectural beauty but also learn about the history, culture, and life of the ancient Tan Da people.
Intricate wood carvings on a Tan Da ancient house
A row of ancient houses in Tan Da with traditional architecture
Tan Da Communal House (Đình Tản Đà)
Tan Da Communal House is the cultural and religious center of the village, where traditional festivals and community activities take place. The communal house is built with majestic and imposing architecture, a unique architectural art work. Visiting Tan Da Communal House during festival season, visitors will immerse themselves in the bustling atmosphere, learn about traditional rituals, and enjoy unique folk cultural activities.
The majestic architecture of Tan Da Communal House
Tan Da Pagoda (Chùa Tản Đà)
Tan Da Pagoda is an ancient and sacred pagoda, a spiritual destination for locals and visitors from all over. The pagoda features traditional architecture with a peaceful and tranquil space. Coming to Tan Da Pagoda, visitors can pray for peace, luck, and find tranquility in their souls.
The serene Tan Da Pagoda
Traditional Craft Villages
Tan Da is also famous for many traditional craft villages such as banh gai making, silk weaving, and soy sauce making… Visitors can visit the craft villages, learn about the handicraft production process, and buy unique products as souvenirs.
A local artisan making Banh Gai in Tan Da
Da River Natural Scenery
Tan Da is favored by nature with the poetic Da River landscape. Visitors can stroll along the riverbank, watch the sunset over the Da River, or rent a boat to enjoy the fresh air and lyrical beauty of the river.
Sunset view over the Da River in Tan Da
Enjoying Unique Cuisine in Tan Da Ancient Town
Tan Da cuisine is imbued with rustic, rural flavors with dishes made from fresh local ingredients. Coming to Tan Da, visitors should not miss the opportunity to enjoy the following specialties:
Tan Da Hill Chicken (Gà đồi Tản Đà): Chickens are raised naturally on hills, with firm, fragrant meat, processed into many attractive dishes such as boiled chicken, grilled chicken, salt-roasted chicken…
Da River Fish (Cá sông Đà): Fresh Da River fish, sweet meat, processed into fish hotpot, grilled fish, braised fish…
Cassava Leaves (Rau sắn): Tan Da cassava leaves are famous for their characteristic buttery, sweet taste, often boiled, stir-fried or cooked in soup.
Banh Gai (Bánh gai): Tan Da Banh Gai is a famous specialty, a chewy, fragrant cake with sweet and savory green bean filling.
Tuong Dan (Tương Dần): Tuong Dan Tan Da has a rich, distinctive flavor, used for dipping or braising meat and fish.
Grilled Tan Da Hill Chicken, a local specialty
Banh Gai, a famous cake from Tan Da
Notes When Exploring Tan Da Ancient Town
- Choose comfortable clothes, suitable for the weather and sightseeing activities.
- Bring comfortable shoes for easy movement and exploration of the ancient town.
- Prepare sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses if traveling in summer or hot weather.
- Bring cash for shopping and spending at local eateries and shops.
- Respect the culture, customs, and habits of the local people.
- Maintain general hygiene, do not litter indiscriminately.
A local woman selling souvenirs in Tan Da
Tan Da ancient town is not only a tourist destination but also a cultural and historical space worth cherishing. Coming to Tan Da, visitors not only admire the architectural beauty and natural scenery but also experience traditional cultural values, enjoy a peaceful space, and find relaxation in their souls. Come and feel the unique beauty of Tan Da ancient town, you will surely have unforgettable memories in this land.