Located around 50 kilometres from Hanoi, Duong Lam is a community of Son Tay and the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings: Phung Hung (761-802) and Ngo Quyen (896-944).

Duong Lam is also recognised as the first ancient village and is unique because of its laterite construction. With a history spanning 1200 years, and with many of the houses built in the 17th century — some 400 years ago. If Hanoi's Old Quarter and Hoi An's Ancient Town represent urban life, Duong Lam is a museum representative of rural and agricultural lifestyle.

Today, Duong Lam still retains many of the basic characteristics of a typical Vietnamese village from the port to courtyards, trees, temples, water well, rice fields and the fish-bone shape of the road. It truly is a step back in time: right to the origins of culture and traditions in Vietnam.

Visitors to Duong Lam can walk among the living history of the village and immerse themselves in the unique architectural features of the ancient houses, visit the temples of the two kings and interact with locals. The village should be on the "must see list" for every visitor to northern Vietnam.