DTiNews takes readers on a journey to a village which holds on to its traditional beauty while the country quickly develops.

Despite economic development and influential modern architecture, Tung Anh, a village of former competition-examinations in Duc Tho district in the central province of Ha Tinh, still holds on to unique cultural characteristics of Vietnam’s villages.

Tung Anh village lies along La River, ranging from Tam Soa ferry station in Linh Cam village to Duc Tho town. It is famous for being a former village of competition-examinations and for influential people.

During feudalism, 24 out of 44 Doctors of Duc Tho district passed Pre-Court competition-exams. Famous people from the past include Second-rank Doctor Bui Duong Lich, Second-rank Doctor Bui Thuc Kien, Minister Phan Ba Dat, First Laureate Doctor Phan Dinh Phung, General Secretary Tran Phu, Writer Hoang Ngoc Phach, Lawyer Phan Anh and Lawyer Phan Van Dinh.

Nowadays, Tung Anh is well-known for successful people such as Minister Vo Hong Phuc, Professor Hoang Ngoc Hien, Professor Mai Trong Nhuan, Professor Pham Duc Duong, Lawyer Ngo Ba Thanh, and People’s Teacher-Labour Hero-Professor-Musical Doctor, Tran Bach Thu Ha.

Entrance of Dong Thai village. Traditional cultural characteristics are a draw for visitors

Tung Anh village still keeps unique cultural characteristics of Vietnam’s home villages despite economic development and influential modern architecture

This is the first tree-made gate in Tung Anh village

Elder people in Chau Noi hamlet often frequent this stump for conversation

People in Tung Anh village are industrious at taking care of ornamental plants when they have free time

In Chau Noi hamlet, many families do not build concrete walls but grow tea trees and trim them carefully to make hedges

Natural hedges are formed by tea trees and bamboo, a reminder of the fight against the French. This was initiated by First Laureate Doctor Phan Dinh Phung

People in Tung Anh village are interested in walking along tree-made hedges to enjoy the enchanting view

Nguyen Huy Lieu, a local man, is very proud of his tree-made hedge

Despite the trend of filling up lakes in many localities, Tung Anh village does the opposite. It maintains Mai Ho Lake

Visitors are often astonished at ancient spiritual features preserved in Tung Anh