Situated in Hoa Vang District’s Hoa Chau Commune, around 10km southwest of Da Nang, the Phong Nam ancient village has about 700 years of history and retains many of the features of a traditional Vietnamese village.  Despite its long history, Phong Nam still boasts unique characteristics with many interesting features, including lush green paddy fields, beautiful bamboo, and pathways between the simple houses, plus the lifestyles of local farmers.   

The entrance gate to Phong Nam village

In the past, Phong Nam was a part of the former Phong Le village, which made it well known over hundreds of years.  Phong Le village was founded in the Cham period.  Many valuable artefacts from the Cham culture have been found there and they are now on display at the Da Nang Museum of Cham Sculpture.

The former Phong Le village originally consisted of two parts: one was Phong Nam, which now belongs to Hoa Vang District, and the other was Phong Bac, which now belongs to Cam Le District.  Although they are only separated by the Cau Do (Red Bridge) River, Phong Nam still retains the old world air of peace and tranquility of an ancient village, whilst Phong Bac has the characteristics of modern urbanisation and the bustle of city life. 

A simple house of a local farmer

Inside a 100 year-old house

Phong Nam has numerous examples of old architecture such as pagodas, temples, communal houses, ancient houses, holy places and houses of worship.  Amongst them, a communal house to worship Emperor Yan- Shen Nong, who invented farming in the mythology of ancient China, still retains its ancient charm.  This is where the Muc Dong Festival is held annually on 27 and 28 November, an event which honours the children who tend the buffalos and when prayers are said for good weather and a bumper crop.  Apart from a procession of buffalo boys and girls along with representatives of the village’s clans who carry palanquins, whips, flags and farming tools, the festival also features many games such as a blindfolded-man catching ducks and tug-of-war.    

The Muc Dong Festival was initially celebrated every 3 years, then every 6 years, and more recently, only once in 12 years.  The event was revived in 2010 after a gap of 74 years.

Buffalo boys and girls

A procession is part of the Muc Dong Festival

Visitors to the Phong Nam village can enjoy peace, the soothing sounds of nature, and the refreshing scent from young rice leaves as well as have an opportunity to listen to the sounds of the splashing waters of the village’s romantic river.  Any time spent in this village is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories and the desire to come back for more.