In short
- Public buses take up to 2 hours and cost about 30,000 VND.
- Private cars take 1.5 hours and cost from 600,000 VND one way.
- Guided tours include round-trip transport from the Old Quarter.
In this article
Choosing how to get there depends on your budget and schedule. A private car is the fastest route. Public transit is the cheapest option but requires a taxi connection at the end.
How far is it from Hanoi?
The distance from central Hanoi is 45 to 50 kilometers.
Driving takes about 1.5 hours in normal traffic. You will travel west along Thang Long Avenue or National Highway 32.
Can you take a public bus from Hanoi to Son Tay?
Yes, you can take bus 70, 71, or 77 from My Dinh or Kim Ma stations in Hanoi.
The bus ride takes 1.5 to 2 hours. Tickets cost about 20,000 to 30,000 VND. The bus stops at Son Tay bus station. From there, you need a short taxi ride to reach the citadel or the village. This is the cheapest method, but it is time-consuming.
How much is a private car from Hanoi?
A private car or taxi costs approximately 600,000 to 900,000 VND one way.
Prices change based on the provider and vehicle size. This option takes 1 to 1.5 hours. It is the most convenient way to travel directly between both attractions without waiting for buses.
Do guided tours include transport?
Yes, most day trips include round-trip transport from Hanoi.
Tour operators usually pick you up from hotels in the Old Quarter. Tours last 8 to 9 hours and cost from $40 to $70 USD. Tour prices change. This cost often covers transport, entrance fees, lunch, and a bicycle rental.
How do you travel between Duong Lam and Son Tay Citadel?
The two sites are located near each other in the Son Tay area.
If you take a private car or join a guided tour, your driver will handle the transfer. If you take the public bus to Son Tay, use local taxis to move between the citadel and the village.
Do you need a vehicle inside Duong Lam?
No, visitors explore the narrow alleys on foot or by bicycle.
You can rent a bicycle in the village for about 50,000 VND per day. Cars should not enter the narrow residential lanes.
Questions travellers ask
How to get to Duong Lam Ancient Village from Hanoi?
You can hire a private car, book a guided tour, or take public bus 70, 71, or 77 to Son Tay bus station, followed by a short taxi ride.
Can you take a bus from Hanoi to Son Tay?
Yes. Buses leave from My Dinh or Kim Ma stations in Hanoi. The trip takes up to 2 hours and costs around 20,000 to 30,000 VND.
How far is Son Tay Citadel from Hanoi?
The citadel is located 45 to 50 kilometers from central Hanoi. Driving there takes roughly 1.5 hours.
