Plan your visit
Plan Your Visit
Learn how to get to Duong Lam and Son Tay from Hanoi, what to wear, and how to structure your day trip.
Duong Lam Ancient Village and Son Tay Citadel
Duong Lam Commune, Son Tay
GPS 21.1278, 105.4878
Open directionsGetting there
Travel from Hanoi takes 1 to 2 hours depending on your chosen method.
| How | Time | Cost | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus: Take public buses (such as 70, 71, or 77) from My Dinh or Kim Ma stations in Hanoi to Son Tay bus station, then take a short taxi ride. | 1.5 - 2 hours | approx. 20,000 - 30,000 VND | The cheapest option, but it can be time-consuming and requires transferring to a taxi for the final stretch. |
| Car: Hire a private car or taxi from Hanoi, driving along Thang Long Avenue or National Highway 32. | 1 - 1.5 hours | approx. 600,000 - 900,000 VND one way | The most convenient and flexible way to travel directly between both attractions. |
| Tour: Book a guided day trip from Hanoi, which typically includes round-trip transport, entrance fees, a local lunch, and bicycle rental. | 8 - 9 hours (full day) | approx. $40 - $70 USD | Excellent for learning the extensive history of the region without the hassle of organizing logistics. |
When to go
- J
- F
- M
- A
- M
- J
- J
- A
- S
- O
- N
- D
QuietModerateBusyPeak
The sites are open year-round. The best weather occurs from September to November and March to May. These months offer cooler temperatures for walking and cycling.
What to bring
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Dress modestly when entering communal houses and temples.
Cover your shoulders and knees.
How the day runs
A complete visit requires 6 to 8 hours.
Explore the village in the morning and the citadel in the afternoon.
- Depart Hanoi
Travel by car or tour van toward Son Tay.
- Duong Lam Village
Rent a bicycle and visit the Mong Phu Communal House and ancient laterite houses.
- Local Lunch
Enjoy an authentic home-cooked meal in an ancient house.
- Mia Pagoda
Explore the 15th-century temple and its 287 historic statues.
- Son Tay Citadel
Walk the 20-meter-wide moat and photograph the 18-meter Flag Tower.
- Return
Head back to Hanoi.
Practical Advice
Bring cash in Vietnamese Dong to pay for entrance fees, bicycle rentals, and snacks. Local homes and small vendors rarely accept credit cards. Sun protection and comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
Always ask for permission before entering residential homes or taking photographs of the villagers. Do not climb on the fragile ancient laterite walls at either location.
Easiest way to do it
Duong Lam Ancient Village full day tour from Hanoi & experiencing local life
24 h 5.0 (5)
- Local guide
- Transport
- Bottled water
- Lunch
From$76per person
Cancellation terms differ by platform and listing. Check them before you pay.
Planning questions
How to get to Duong Lam Ancient Village from Hanoi?
You can take public buses (70, 71, or 77) from My Dinh or Kim Ma stations to Son Tay bus station, then take a taxi. Alternatively, hire a private car or book a guided tour.
Can you rent a bicycle in Duong Lam Ancient Village?
Yes. Bicycle rentals cost approximately 50,000 VND per day.
How long does it take to explore Duong Lam and Son Tay Citadel?
It typically takes 6 to 8 hours to explore both sites fully, not including travel time from Hanoi.