Ky Son

Located 55 km to the west of Hanoi, Ky Son is a timeless hamlet of the historic Duong Lam Village, home to traditional Vietnamese houses, some of which are over 200 years old. This part of the Red River Delta has been continuously inhabited and intensively farmed for over 2,000 years.

Almost all visitors to northern Vietnam will visit the capital, Hanoi. The hustle and bustle of the city is undeniably exciting, but in order to truly capture a full picture of the country, one must also experience the countryside. Ky Son offers an insight into rural Vietnam without having to venture too far from the city, and for those few travellers that make the short journey, the rewards are plenty.

The scenery is stunning: lush and green, tropical vegetation with palm-fringed rice paddies, idyllic rural Vietnamese houses, orange sunsets over the rolling hills and flowing rivers. The pace of life is in such contrast to Hanoi, the farming communities work hard, but the village has a laid-back feel. You will see traditional farming methods in use such as buffalo-pulled carts that give the area a sense of timelessness.

It is possible to visit as a day trip from Hanoi, but in order to soak up the rural atmosphere to the fullest, we recommend staying overnight. Ky Son is home to the Moon Garden House, a unique homestay property established to preserve the architecture and culture of authentic Vietnamese villages.

Whilst staying there, a number of activities are on offer. Spend hours exploring the villages on two-wheels, cycling past paddy fields, meeting local villagers, visiting village temples, enjoying the quiet rural life. If cycling is not your thing, gently exploring the area on foot is also an option. Take part in a Vietnamese culinary class, learning to cook some local specialities. Have a hands-on farming experience - depending on the season, learn how to plant or harvest rice. After exploration, have a rejuvenating herbal steam bath at the Moon Garden House, which should promote a deep and restful sleep, getting you ready for the following day’s sightseeing.

Northern Vietnam does get cool at certain times of the year, so if visiting from December to February, we’d suggest taking some layers.

To my mind, the greatest reward and luxury of travel is to be able to experience everyday things as if for the first time, to be in a position in which almost nothing is so familiar it is taken for granted.
Bill Bryson