For centuries it has been the custom of villages throughout Vietnam to work together to produce goods that are sold to neighboring communities and the towns and cities in the region. These customs continue today and this excursion will take you to several of the handicraft villages in the rural outskirts of Hanoi.  BatTrang, devoted to the production of exquisite ceramics, is one of the finest ceramic villages in Vietnam. Next stop will be Ha Khe and Dong Ky villages where beautiful hand-carved wooden furniture is made.  On the journey back to Hanoi  we stop in Dong Ho village to observe the ancient art of woodblock printing.

Morning 84-mile drive passing verdant landscapes to Mai Chau, home to the White Thai hilltribe people. Situated in a scenic mountain valley, Mai Chau is pleasant for light hiking and visiting villages where people still live in longhouses and weave textiles on ancient looms. There will be opportunity to visit with the villagers and experience their daily activities.

The Perfume Pagoda is one of the most important religious sites in Buddhist Vietnam. Every spring thousands of pilgrims come here to pray for all the health and prosperity. The pagoda is built into limestone cliffs and can only be reached by boat or on foot, as there are no roads into the area. Float by boat along scenic waterways and walk up mountain paths visiting the pagodas and temples that were built in this area over the centuries. Departing Hanoi it is a two-hour drive through the picturesque countryside before boarding a boat for a 1.5 hour ride along the scenic Yen River.After the boat-ride, walk to Thien Tru Pagoda (Heavens Kitchen) and the Perfume Cave and Pagoda – one-hour walking in total.