Hanoi's Own “Hollywood”: The Village Where Encountering Famous Actors is a Daily Affair

Nestled near Vietnam's bustling capital, Hanoi, the village of Tay Mo has carved out a niche as a prominent filming location for the nation's cinema and television dramas, owing to its picturesque traditional landscapes and serene ambiance. The village is affectionately known as “Tay Mo Hollywood” due to its rich cultural heritage and the daily encounters with film crews and famous actors. Historically recognized as a hub for academia and culture, Tay Mo retains a strong sense of its traditional architectural style, even amidst Hanoi's rapid urbanization. Ancient gates, clay-tiled roofs, and traditional five-bay houses surrounded by fruit orchards define the village's scenery, interspersed with narrow alleys. Well-preserved communal houses, pagodas, and shrines further attest to the village's historical depth. The village's prominence in the film industry has grown over the past two decades. Notably, the ancestral house of the Nghiem Xuan family has served as a backdrop for numerous films and television series since 2000. This house, approximately 200 years old, preserves the traditional three-bay architectural style of Northern Vietnam, featuring intricate Han characters inscribed on stone steles, lacquerware with mother-of-pearl inlay, and characteristic clay-tiled roofs. It has been the setting for popular works such as “Bác Cả – người sung sướng” (The Happy Uncle), “Đất và người” (Land and People), “Gió làng Kình” (Kinh Village Wind), and “Ma Làng” (Village Ghosts). Ms. Hoàng Thị Yên, the 15th-generation daughter-in-law of the Nghiem Xuan family, shared, “Over the past two decades, my family has welcomed hundreds of film crews, television dramas, Tet comedy programs, and weekend gatherings. Some crews have stayed for over a month. We cooked for them, and we became quite close. Some actors and directors still visit my family regularly.” In recent years, the house has also become a popular destination for international tourists, not just a film set. The tranquil beauty of Tay Mo also attracts architecture enthusiasts and photographers. The Tay Mo Church, built in the 17th century, along with communal houses featuring exquisite carvings reflecting 19th and 20th-century artistic styles, and the Adi Temple, designated as a national historical architectural site, further enhance the village's cultural allure. Away from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, Tay Mo remains a peaceful haven for those seeking a connection with the past. Here, history breathes, and the villagers, with pride and hospitality, are always ready to share stories of their beloved homeland. Source: Vietnam Insider