(VOVWORLD) - Loc Yen ancient village in Thanh Binh commune, Da Nang (formerly Tien Canh commune, Tien Phuoc district, Quang Nam province), is known as the “fairyland” of central Vietnam. The landscape of hills, valleys, streams, and rice fields creates perfect natural harmony. Here, ancient houses have endured for generations, each carrying their own stories through time.
 Loc Yen village looks over vast rice fields. (photo: Nguyen Trinh/VOV-Central region) |
Village elders say that Loc Yen was formed as the result of land reclamation in the 15th–16th centuries. Under the Tay Son dynasty (1771–1802), Loc Yen village was officially founded by Mr. Nguyen Cong Tuyet, a man migrating from Tan Phuoc village (now Tam Ky). Through the centuries, Loc Yen has preserved its distinctive cultural values as one of Vietnam’s four oldest villages and was recognized as a national relic in September 2019.
The village boasts its deep-rooted “stone culture.” Drawing on their experience of living in semi-mountainous terrain, the villagers have used stone as the primary material to build everything from pathways and fences to wells and garden steps. The stones are carefully arranged to prevent erosion, create passageways, and enhance the natural landscape.
 Loc Yen village has 8 houses of 100 to nearly 200 years old. (photo: Nguyen Trinh/VOV-Central region) |
Painter Nguyen Thuong Hy explained: “Loc Yen’s residents have adapted to nature. Surrounded by hills and stones, they used what they had, stacking stones to free up land, building walkways, and reinforcing the soil for cultivation.”
Over time, the moss-covered stone paths have become a hallmark of the village, bearing human craftsmanship, wisdom, and a love for nature, according to villager Dao Minh Chinh: “We preserve the old stone paths and continue to build new ones to serve eco-tourism. Every household here has their own stone path.”
Loc Yen’s ensemble of old houses, stone alleys, and gardens together create a tranquil, harmonious setting. Eight houses, 100 to nearly 200 years old, were built with the traditional architecture of Quang Nam region. The oldest one built in 1850 is now cared for by the fourth-generation descendants. The 100 square meter wooden house is supported by 36 jackfruit-wood pillars, which remain intact with delicate and sophisticated carvings.
 Old houses are made of jackfruit wood. (photo: Nguyen Trinh/VOV-Central region) |
The house’s guard Nguyen Dinh Manh said: “This house has been kept unchanged since I was born. It’s made of jackfruit wood. My elders said it was built by carpenters from Kim Bong village. It has three main compartments and two wings. The central hall is for ancestral worship.”
Surrounding are winding stone alleys lined with lush green tea fences and fruit-laden gardens. Tourist Phan Thi Tai from Lam Dong said: “It’s my first time here, and it’s so beautiful. I enjoy the fresh mountain air and the calm scenery. These ancient houses have survived wars and still retain their timeless charm.”
 Children in Loc Yen plays on the field. (photo: Nguyen Trinh/VOV-Central region) |
With its rustic beauty, the harmony between architecture and nature, and its unique “stone culture,” Loc Yen lives up to its name as a “fairyland” that travelers should not miss when visiting Da Nang.