Overview

Embark on a unique “Culture and Photography Tour” to explore the heart of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship! Start your journey in Tho Ha village, where you’ll capture the timeless process of rice paper-making, immersing yourself in the local culture. Next, we’ll head to Phu Lang village, known for its pottery, and explore narrow alleys while snapping beautiful photos of everyday village life. Finally, we’ll visit the charming Tuong Ban village, famous for its aromatic soybean paste, once a royal delicacy. With plenty of photo opportunities and a deep dive into local traditions, this tour promises an unforgettable cultural experience!

Itinerary Details

5:30 AM: Departure from Hanoi

Private Pickup: Your private guide and transport will pick you up from your accommodation in Hanoi.

Customization Discussion: Discuss any specific preferences, photography goals, or cultural aspects you wish to focus on during the tour.

7:00 AM: Arrival at Tho Ha Rice Paper Village

In Tho Ha village, making rice paper is an age-old craft that’s part of daily life, happening all year round. Early each morning, locals start by grinding rice and mixing it with water. This batter is then spread onto a hot, steamy surface, where in just thirty seconds, it turns into a thin rice paper sheet. The artisans carefully lift these delicate sheets onto bamboo lattices and set them outside to dry. Everywhere you look—narrow alleys, the village communal yard, even rooftops—you’ll see these bamboo racks filled with drying rice paper. It’s a beautiful, photogenic scene, capturing the tradition and charm of this village’s craft.

Photography tour in Tho Ha village

In the morning, we’ll kick off our photography tour of Tho Ha village with a charming ferry ride across the Cau River. Once we land, we’ll wander through the village’s narrow alleys, stopping by local homes to witness the rice paper-making process up close. This is a great opportunity to practice indoor photography techniques and capture the delicate artistry of the rice paper drying process. As we move from one alley to the next, you’ll get to photograph everyday life in action, from the villagers hanging rice paper on bamboo racks to other authentic scenes of local life. It’s a wonderful mix of honing your photography skills while exploring a traditional Vietnamese village.

Afterward, we’ll head to Bo Da Pagoda, home to Vietnam’s largest tower garden. Nestled in Viet Yen, Bac Giang, Bo Da Pagoda is famous for its 100 towers—an awe-inspiring sight and the largest of its kind in Vietnam.

It was built in the 11th century, under the Ly Dynasty but badly damaged during wars in subsequent centuries. Not until the Le Dynasty under King Le Du Tong (1705 – 1728) was the pagoda reconstructed and more or less retains the shape it has today. Compared to other pagodas in northern Vietnam, Bo Da is unique for its architecture. The pagoda is dedicated to three religions of the same root – Buddhism, Taoism and Confucianism along with the three Truc Lam (Vietnamese Zen Buddhism) ancestors. It is among the few pagodas preserving intact its Vietnamese ancient architecture. The Bo Da Pagoda was recognised as Vietnam’s special national relic site in 2016.

Go for lunch around 12:00

Then moving to Phu Lang

9:30 AM: Travel to Phu Lang Pottery Village

On our Phu Lang photography tour, we’ll take a leisurely stroll through the village’s charming, narrow alleys, stopping by local homes and chatting with the warm, welcoming villagers. As we learn about their daily lives, we’ll capture the beauty of their craftsmanship in action, giving you a true glimpse into the heart of Vietnam’s traditional craft villages. Whether you’re an experienced photographer looking for fresh inspiration or a photography enthusiast eager to explore authentic Vietnamese life, this tour promises unforgettable moments and stunning photos you’ll treasure for years to come.

13:30 – 14:00: Explore Soybean Village

When we arrive, we’ll be welcomed by more than just bottles of soybean paste—we’ll be greeted by its unique, mouth-watering aroma. Tuong Ban, once a royal delicacy, is now beloved not only in Hung Yen but all over Vietnam. The process of making this flavorful paste is surprisingly simple, with just a few ingredients: Hoa Vang sticky rice, soybeans, and salt. But don’t be fooled; it’s a detailed process that involves fermenting the rice, roasting the beans, and soaking them just right.

We’ll spend 1-2 hours capturing the essence of this village, snapping countless photos along the way, and truly soaking in the sights and smells. By around 5:00 PM, we’ll head back to Hanoi, bringing our unforgettable journey to a close.

Included

• Transportation
  Photography Tickets at Tho Ha village, Phu Lang & Ban Soybean village.
  Tour Guide
• Lunch
• Water 1 bottle/pax

Excluded

• Gratuities