Overview

Dive into the heart of Vietnam’s rich heritage with this cultural journey! Explore Tho Ha, a charming craft village, admire the serene beauty of ancient Bo Da Pagoda, and immerse yourself in the artistry of Phu Lang’s traditional pottery. A perfect blend of history, craftsmanship, and tranquility awaits!

Itinerary Details

6:30 AM: Depart from Hanoi. You will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi by a car. The journey to Tho Ha village will take about 1.5 hours.

8:00 AM: Arrive at Tho Ha village, nestled on a small peninsula embraced by the Cau River. This picturesque village, with a history dating back to the 14th century, was once one of the three major pottery centers in northern Vietnam, alongside Bat Trang and Phu Lang.

• Step Back in Time: Wander through the narrow lanes, lined with ancient houses built from laterite and tiled roofs. Observe the remnants of the old village gate, a testament to Tho Ha’s historical significance.
• Communal Houses: Visit the communal houses (Đình Làng) dedicated to the village’s guardian spirits. These structures are adorned with intricate wood carvings and are important centers of social and religious life.
• The Art of Rice Paper: Delve into the heart of Tho Ha’s craft by visiting a family workshop. Witness the meticulous process of creating rice paper: from soaking and grinding the rice to steaming the delicate paste and drying it into thin, translucent sheets. Don’t miss the chance to try making your own!

9:30 AM: Depart from Tho Ha village and head to Bo Da Pagoda.

10:00 AM: Arrive at Bo Da Pagoda. This ancient pagoda is located on a mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

• Explore the pagoda grounds and admire the beautiful architecture.
• Learn about the history of the pagoda and its significance in Vietnamese Buddhism.

11:30 AM: Depart from Bo Da Pagoda and head to Tu Son town for lunch.

12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Tu Son, savoring some of Bắc Ninh’s regional specialties.

1:30 PM: Depart from Tu Son and head to Phu Lang pottery village.

2:00 PM: Arrive at Phu Lang pottery village, another gem of Bac Ninh province. Situated along the scenic Cau River, Phu Lang is renowned for its distinctive pottery, characterized by its reddish-brown hue and simple, elegant forms.

• A Village of Craftspeople: Explore the village and observe the age-old techniques passed down through generations. Phu Lang pottery stands out for its unique clay, which allows for intricate designs and a beautiful finish without the need for glaze.
• From Clay to Creation: Visit a workshop to witness the entire pottery-making process: from preparing the clay to shaping it on a potter’s wheel, adding delicate details, and firing the pieces in kilns. Try your hand at the wheel and create your own masterpiece!
• Pottery Treasures: Browse the village shops and discover a wide array of pottery, from traditional household items to decorative pieces and artistic creations. Find the perfect souvenir to take home.

4:00 PM: Depart from Phu Lang pottery village and head back to Hanoi.

5:00 PM: Arrive in Hanoi. You will be dropped off at your hotel.

This expanded itinerary provides a richer experience, highlighting the unique history, architecture, and craftsmanship of these two fascinating villages.

Inclusion

• Transportation
• Photography Tickets at Tho Ha village, Bo Da pagoda, Phu Lang village
• Tour Guide
• Lunch
• Water: 1 bottle/pax

Exclusion

• Gratuities
• Tipping
• Insurance