Hanoi: Treasures of the Red Delta

ITINERARY:

Day 1:

Red River Delta :

First stop this morning is at Bat Trang Village, famed for its production of high quality ceramics and pottery. Here you can visit local workshops and see artisans crafting plates, bowls and teacups as well as decorative objects like candle holders, incense burners and lamp stands. Next up is Kieu Ky Village, best known for its decorative gold leaves and leather goods. From here head to Dong Ho Village, the home of traditional Vietnamese woodcut paintings. These brightly coloured paintings often reflect positive social philosophies or wishful desires with common themes including good luck signs and folk stories and make wonderful gifts for family and friends.

Continue on to But Thap Pagoda, where you can enjoy a picnic lunch on the banks of the Duong River. This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage site is one of the most impressive complexes of its kind in the northern part of the country, made up of ten buildings, an eight-roof bell-tower and numerous monuments. Inside the temple you’ll find more than 50 statues of Buddha, along with other enlightened figures.

Next stop is Dong Ky Village, famed for its production of elegant hardwood furniture. The skilled craftsmen carve anything from tables and chairs to cupboards and head boards, beautifully detailed with flowers, plants, or scenes of Vietnamese landscapes. If your luggage allowance won’t allow you to take home a new dining room table, you can order custom-made furniture to be delivered to your home abroad. End the day with a visit to Dinh Bang Communal House, one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam and a wonderful example of local architecture. Here you can enjoy a traditional performance of melodic Quan Ho folksongs before your transfer back to Hanoi.

TRIP HIGHLIGHTS:

Bat Trang – small village famed for its production of high quality ceramic and pottery products

Dong Ho – the home of traditional Vietnamese woodcut paintings

Dong Ky – best known for its production of elegant hardwood furniture

Kieu Ky – known for its craft of gold leaves and leather goods

But Thap Pagoda – one of the most impressive Buddhist pilgrimage sites of its kind in the northern part of the country

Dinh Bang Communal House – one of the largest of its kind in Vietnam, can enjoy performance of traditional folk songs

INCLUDED:

Transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle

Included sightseeing fees as detailed in the itinerary

Mineral water and towels

Led by a local English speaking guide

Lunch

Return transfers from designated start point

NOT INCLUDED:

International flights and visa

Tip for your tour guide. We recommend you allow USD$6-10 per day, per traveller. Tipping your guide is an entirely personal gesture

Hotel pick up outside of Ba Dinh District, Hoan Kiem District, and Hai Ba Trung district. If outside of these districts, free pick up can be arranged from the Hanoi Opera House