Escape the busy streets of central Hanoi and discover the cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of the capital’s western countryside.
This full-day journey combines two of Hanoi’s most remarkable Buddhist heritage sites – Thay Pagoda and Tay Phuong Pagoda – with a hands-on visit to Thach Xa Village, where local artisans have preserved the colourful craft of making balancing bamboo dragonflies.
Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel or a pre-arranged meeting point in central Hanoi
Leave the city centre and travel west through Hanoi’s expanding suburbs towards the peaceful countryside of Quoc Oai District. Along the way, your guide will introduce the cultural landscape of the historic Xu Doai region, an area known for its ancient villages, temples, pagodas and traditional handicrafts
Arrival at Thay Pagoda. Begin your exploration at Thay Pagoda, one of the most atmospheric Buddhist sites in the Hanoi countryside. Located at the foot of Sai Son Mountain, the pagoda is closely associated with Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh, an important religious figure in Vietnamese Buddhism who is also traditionally connected with the development of water puppetry
Visit Tay Phuong Pagoda, an important Buddhist monument situated on a small hill overlooking the surrounding villages
Lunch at a local restaurant
Bamboo dragonfly workshop. Try making and decorating your own bamboo dragonfly under the guidance of a local artisan.
Che lam & Vietnamese tea experience. After the workshop, enjoy a short break with traditional che lam and Vietnamese tea. Che lam is a traditional countryside sweet made with glutinous rice flour, malt, ginger and peanuts, commonly enjoyed with hot tea
Depart for Hanoi
Arrive in Hanoi. Drop-off at your hotel or the original meeting point. End of services.
- Visit the atmospheric Thay Pagoda at the foot of Sai Son Mountain
- Learn about Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh and the origins of Vietnamese water puppetry associated with the area
- Explore the ancient architecture and Buddhist sculptures of Tay Phuong Pagoda
- Discover everyday village life in Thach Xa
- Meet a local bamboo artisan
- Paint and decorate your own balancing bamboo dragonfly
- Taste traditional che lam with Vietnamese tea
- Enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch in Hanoi’s western countryside
- Travel comfortably by private vehicle from Hanoi.
Tour inclusive:
● Vietnamese/ English - speaking guide service.
● Private, air-conditioned transport.
● Bamboo dragonfly workshop fees.
● All meals mentioned in the program.
● Drinking water (one 500ml bottle).
● VAT and service charge.
Tour exclusive:
● Travel insurance & all meals and beverage unspecified.
● Personal expenses, optional visit and other services unspecified.
Children from 0 – 5 years old: Free of charge (*)
Children from 6 – 10 years old:
Sharing bed with two adults: 50% of adult price
Sharing room with two adults, using extra bed: 80% of adult price
Twin-sharing room with one adult: 100% of adult price
Children from 11 years old: 100% of adult price
(*) One child traveling with two adults will be free of charge; the 2nd child will pay 50% of adult price.