Depart Hanoi in the morning and head south along the Red River Dyke to explore this beautiful delta with plenty of hidden craft villages and ancient houses. Take the opportunity to talk to passionate artisans about the history of Kim Lan – the oldest ceramic village of the region, according to archaeological evidence; observe one of the few traditional ceramic kilns left today and try your hand at pottery making with a skilled craftsman in Kim Lan Ceramic Village. You might be surprised to see votive offerings such as life-size horses, houses and cars made of bamboo and paper which will be burnt for the Vietnamese practice of ancestor worship with a belief that ancestors’ spirit can use them in the afterlife.
Next, visit a 300-year-old house exemplifying traditional architecture and its beautiful Bonsai Garden where you can talk to your engaging host about Vietnamese culture and enjoy a typical local daily meal.
In the afternoon, visit a family making colourful traditional toys, like masks and drums, for almost 30 years. Try your hand at painting your own creation under the host’s enthusiastic guidance. Relax in the peace of typical northern villages, especially with central lakes, old communal houses, giant banyan trees and well-preserved ancient houses. If time permits, visit Long Thuong village to learn more about traditional brass foundry and its products in Vietnam to close out your interesting today. Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
