The Hanoi vicinity has many handicraft villages that you can visit. These villages specialize in a wide variety of crafts ranging from the making of conical 'non' hats to the production of fine lacquer wares. Deep tradition continues to the present day in Vietnam's famous handicraft villages, and you'll be amazed by the skill of these artisans. During your Hanoi time, we encourage you to spare at least a day to experience these villages; they are ideal places to visit if you are in love with local arts and crafts, or are searching for an ideal gift or memento of your journey to Vietnam..

DESTINATIONS

• Choose 4 of the major handicraft villages of the Red River Delta

HIGHLIGHTS

• Rural life. Ancient techniques. Handmade beauty.
• See and learn about the skillful craftsmanship of Vietnamese artisans.
• Unique shopping opportunities that directly support local economies.

[Day 1] Hanoi Handicraft villages
Meals: lunch | Accommodation: N/A

Choose any four of the five handicraft villages listed below and we will organize the day in accordance to your wishes.

• Bat Trang Pottery village: Vietnam's premier ceramics centre is 15 km northeast of the city centre. While the upper side is quite commercialized and focuses on glazed ceramic items, the riverside 'ancient' village leans more towards earthenware and pottery products. There is also a large ceramics market with many small business people selling a wide variety of items large and small.

• Van Phuc Silk village: this small village once created fine material for the robes of the Royal Court. These local families have specialized in weaving and dying silk over many centuries, and retain many of the ancient secrets for producing their distinctive and gorgeous fabrics. Clothing, wall hangings, and other intriguing choices abound.

• Ha Thai Lacquerware village: famous far and wide for the distinguished lacquerware made here for over a thousand years. Ha Thai lacquer products are made with a centuries-old technique of applying and polishing layer upon layer of varnish from the Vietnamese lacquer tree (Rhus succedanea). Combined with eggshell and mother-of-pearl inlays, the lacquer works of art found here come in thousands of designs and varieties.

• Dong Ho village: preserves another ancient culture of the Red River Delta. The village is well known for its traditional woodblock paintings. Carved wood is pressed onto prints that illustrate wishes for good luck and typical scenes from rural life. Each painting is completely handmade on paper of the Dzo tree and is colored with other natural materials and its glittery surface is finished with oyster shell dust.

• Du Du Sculpture village: 30km from the Hanoi centre, this is a traditional sculpture village offering various kinds of lively and artistic sculptures that display traditional cultural and historic themes. Here, you can learn about the statue making process and find your own favorite items to take home.

Note: N/A

PRICE PER PERSON (Valid from 01/01/2013 to 31/12/2013)

�Solo: $132
From 2 participants: $74

Group discount is available, please contact our sales staff at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Included

• Meals as specified in the program
• Travel in an appropriate air-conditioned vehicle with an experienced driver
• The services of an experienced English-speaking guide
• All entrance fees
• VAT and other taxes

Not included

• Hotel in Hanoi
• Beverages, gratuities and personal expenses.
• Camera fees (if any)
• Insurance
• Surcharge for peak season (Christmas and New Year)