Van Lam

Van Lam (Văn Lâm) is a rural district in the northwestern corner of Hưng Yên province, bordering Bac Ninh and Hai Duong provinces. It is one of the most accessible districts from Hanoi, lying just off National Highway 5A — the main artery connecting Hanoi to the port city of Hai Phong. Van Lam has experienced rapid industrialisation in recent years, with several industrial parks attracting factories and workers, but the countryside retains its agricultural character with rice paddies, vegetable farms, and longan orchards.

The district town, Nhu Quynh, is a busy crossroads settlement where Highway 5A meets the road to Hung Yen city. Van Lam is known for its traditional craft of wood carving and cabinet-making, with several villages producing high-quality furniture. The district's location makes it a practical stop for travellers transiting between Hanoi, Hai Phong, and Quang Ninh.

Van Lam enjoys a humid subtropical climate. The cool dry months from November to April are the most pleasant. Summer (May–October) is hot and humid with regular rain.

By Plane

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) is about 50 km northwest. A taxi costs 350,000–500,000 VND and takes 45–60 minutes via Highway 5A. Cat Bi Airport (HPH) in Hai Phong is about 80 km east.

By Train

There is no railway station in Van Lam. The nearest is Hai Duong station on the Hanoi–Hai Phong line, about 20 km east.

By Car / Road

Van Lam lies on National Highway 5A, the busiest road corridor in northern Vietnam. Buses from Hanoi's Giap Bat and Luong Yen bus stations heading to Hai Duong, Hai Phong, or Quang Ninh pass through Nhu Quynh (the district centre). The journey from Hanoi takes about 1 hour. By car from Hanoi, follow Highway 5A east for 35 km.

Nhu Quynh is a small town strung along the highway — walkable on foot. To reach outlying villages, xe om or bicycles are the best options. Local buses run to neighbouring districts.

• Nhu Quynh Market — A lively highway-side market with fresh produce, street food, and household goods.

• Traditional wood-carving villages — Several hamlets around Van Lam specialise in furniture-making. Visitors can watch artisans at work in workshops open to the public.

• Lang Pagoda — A historic Buddhist pagoda with a well-kept garden, located in a quiet village off the highway.

• Wood-carving workshop visits — Tour a furniture workshop in villages like Luong Tai or Mai Dong to see intricate carving techniques passed down for generations.

• Cycling rural lanes — The flat backroads behind Nhu Quynh offer pleasant rides past vegetable plots and flower farms.

• Day trip to Hai Duong or Bac Ninh — Van Lam's central location makes it a convenient base for exploring neighbouring provinces.

• Bun cha — Grilled pork patties in a sweet-savoury broth with vermicelli, served at highway-side eateries near Nhu Quynh market.
• Pho cuon — Fresh rice noodle rolls filled with stir-fried beef and herbs, a northern classic.
• Com rang dua — Coconut fried rice served at roadside restaurants (com binh dan).
• Che — Sweet dessert soups (beans, lotus seeds, tapioca) sold by wandering vendors in the afternoon.

Green tea and sugarcane juice are popular at highway rest stops. Hanoi-style egg coffee (ca phe trung) is available at a few cafes in Nhu Quynh. Bottled water is recommended.

• Budget: Nha Nghi Nhu Quynh — Basic guesthouse near the market, from 150,000 VND/night.
• Mid-range: Khach San Van Lam — A simple but clean hotel on Highway 5A with parking for cars, from 300,000 VND/night.

Van Lam's wood-carving villages sell furniture, decorative panels, and small carved souvenirs at factory-direct prices. The market at Nhu Quynh has fresh longan, sticky rice, and local vegetables. Bargaining is expected.

• Hung Yen city (20 km, 25 min) — Provincial capital with the Pho Hien ancient port site.
• Bac Ninh (25 km, 30 min) — Birthplace of Quan Ho folk singing and the Phat Tich pagoda.
• Hai Duong (20 km, 25 min) — Provincial capital known for green bean cakes and the Con Son-Kiep Bac historical complex.
• Hanoi (35 km, 1 hr) — The capital's Old Quarter, museums, and food scene.
• Hai Phong (80 km, 1.5 hr) — Major port city with a French colonial centre and Cat Ba island gateway.