Following the Footsteps of Vietnam’s Artisans 8 days

Your adventure begins as you arrive in the heart of Vietnam’s capital, where centuries of history blend seamlessly with modern life. The streets of Hanoi welcome you with the rich aromas of sizzling street food and the vibrant sounds of daily life echoing through the Old Quarter.

After being greeted at the airport, you’ll transfer to your hotel for check-in. Relax, unwind from your journey, and soak in the first impressions of this city.

At approximately 17:30, our tour guide will meet you in front of Shinhan Bank, 14 Le Thai To Street, Hang Trong Ward, Hoan Kiem District, and lead you on a flavorful journey through the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter. While dishes may vary by day, your Hanoi street food adventure may include:

• Soup-based favorites like Pho Bo (Vietnamese Beef Noodle Soup), Bun Thang (Rice Vermicelli with Chicken and Egg), or the spicy and flavorful Bun Bo Hue.
• Quick local bites such as Banh Cuon (Steamed Rice Rolls) and the iconic Banh Mi (Vietnamese Baguette Sandwich).
• Tasty street snacks like Nom Bo Kho (Green Papaya Salad with Dried Beef) or Nem Chua Ran (Fried Fermented Pork Rolls).
• To finish, sip a cup of the signature Egg Coffee (Ca Phe Trung), a velvety Hanoi classic.

Note: Please let us know in advance if you have dietary preferences or restrictions (vegetarian, vegan, allergies, etc.) so we can tailor the experience accordingly.

On the second day, your journey takes you beyond busy streets to discover Hanoi's artistic soul through traditional craft villages. The morning starts with a visit to Lang Non, a village famous for its conical hat making. You will meet skilled artisans who transform simple materials into beautiful cultural symbols through practiced hand movements.

After a local lunch featuring regional specialties, the afternoon continues with an exploration of Quang Phu Cau village. Here, incense making creates colorful landscapes of drying sticks arranged on bamboo racks under the sun. These handmade products play an important role in Vietnamese spiritual practices throughout the country.

Then head to Ha Thai lacquer village or opt for the playful art of To He, where delicate figurines are sculpted from colorful glutinous rice dough. Along the way, meet local artisans, learn about centuries-old techniques, and experience the enduring beauty of Vietnam’s cultural identity passed down through generations.

Morning

Step into the kitchens of local masters and learn how to make iconic Vietnamese traditional cakes such as 'banh phu the' (husband and wife cake), 'banh khuc' from Lang Diem, and 'banh te' from Lang Cho. These time-honored recipes are steeped in symbolism and flavor - and of course, you'll get to taste your own creations.

Afternoon

Unleash your creativity with workshops at traditional craft villages. Try your hand at shaping pottery in Phu Lang ceramic village, paint vivid scenes with natural pigments in the style of Dong Ho folk paintings, and learn the delicate process of making Giay Do (traditional Vietnamese handmade paper).

You'll not only discover the stories behind each craft but also get to bring your handmade souvenirs home - each one a memory carved by your own hands.

Morning

Your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Sit back and relax on a scenic shuttle bus ride to Cat Ba Island, passing through lush countryside and glimpses of coastal life.

Upon arrival at Cat Ba, drive through the emerald stretches of Cat Ba National Park before reaching Beo Pier. There, your cruise awaits with a welcome drink and a short briefing from the guide outlining your day ahead.

As the boat sets sail, glide through the calm, jade waters of Lan Ha Bay, passing the centuries-old floating village of Cai Beo - one of the oldest of its kind in Vietnam. The gentle rhythm of the water and the sight of stilted houses surrounded by limestone karsts create a tranquil, timeless atmosphere.

Lunch is served onboard, featuring a selection of Vietnamese favorites.

Afternoon

After lunch, the cruise docks at Viet Hai Port, where you’ll travel by electric car or bicycle into Viet Hai Village - a charming hamlet hidden deep within Cat Ba National Park.
Wander through lush greenery, visit local homes, and experience a relaxing fish-foot massage. Chat with villagers who preserve a way of life connected to nature and tradition.

Returning to the boat, the captain will choose the best bay area for water activities based on weather conditions. Whether it’s kayaking or swimming, the experience is exhilarating and refreshing.

As the day winds down, relax on the sundeck with a sunset tea party, featuring fresh fruit, biscuits, and Vietnamese tea while the boat cruises back toward the shore.

Evening

Disembark at Beo Pier and transfer back to Hanoi by shuttle bus. Arrive at your hotel in the Old Quarter, bringing your day of scenic beauty and cultural immersion to a satisfying close.

NOTE: The detailed itinerary may vary depending on the specific cruise you book.

After breakfast, a transfer takes you to the airport for your flight south. The journey offers spectacular aerial views of Vietnam's diverse landscapes from northern mountains to central coastlines.

You might feel the climate shift upon landing, as Hoi An welcomes visitors with warmer temperatures and coastal breezes. Upon arrival, your driver will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After check-in, enjoy your free time to rest or begin exploring the charming ancient town at your own pace.

Stepping into Hoi An's artistic heritage reveals centuries of craftsmanship preserved through dedicated local artisans. Your morning begins with a visit to a traditional lantern workshop where skilled craftspeople transform bamboo and silk into colorful light fixtures. You will learn the complete process from frame construction, creating your own lantern to take home as a meaningful souvenir.

The journey continues to the silk village outside town, showcasing the ancient art of sericulture from silkworm raising to weaving. Next, your tour takes you to Thanh Ha Pottery Village, a peaceful riverside community known for its centuries-old craft. Here, you can watch skilled artisans shape clay into beautiful ceramics and try your hand at making a small pottery item as a keepsake.

The afternoon ends with a visit to Kim Bong Carpenter Village, famous for its exquisite wooden furniture and traditional craftsmanship. Here, master artisans demonstrate intricate carving techniques once used to adorn temples and historic buildings across central Vietnam.

Afternoon

At around 15:00, your guide will meet you at your hotel to begin the exploration of Hoi An Ancient Town.

Start at the bustling Hoi An Market, where daily life unfolds in a colorful array of produce and street food. Then visit the Phuc Kien Assembly Hall, a spiritual gathering place for Chinese immigrants, followed by the beautifully preserved Tan Ky or Phung Hung Ancient House, showcasing traditional architecture and the importance of ancestor worship.

Continue to the Museum of Folk Culture and enjoy a cultural performance at the Traditional Performing Arts House, where music and dance reflect the spirit of Hoi An’s heritage.

Stroll across the iconic Japanese Covered Bridge, adorned with intricate carvings and timeworn charm, then explore local handicraft shops and galleries that bring the town’s artistic soul to life.

Evening

Board a small boat for a serene ride along the river and release a flower lantern, sending your wishes for luck and happiness drifting with the water.

As night falls, continue your walk through lantern-lit streets and taste beloved local treats such as Banh Mi (Vietnamese bread), Fried Banana Pancake, Cao Lau or Quang Noodles, etc.

Around 19:30, your guide will take you back to your hotel, marking the end of this immersive cultural and culinary journey through Hoi An.

Your final morning in Hoi An is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace. Whether you choose to revisit your favorite cafe, take a quiet walk along the riverside, or browse the local shops for last-minute souvenirs, this is your time to soak in the town's timeless charm.

As you depart, the spirit of Vietnam’s artisan trail will stay with you - woven into the memories you've gathered along the way.