Overview:

Regarded as a cradle of Vietnam's culture, The Red River delta is best known for its handicraft villages and traditional seasonal festivals. We offer you the unique opportunity to see the real rural life of Vietnamese peasants living in these handicraft villages. This tour is also interesting for those who are interested in Buddies philosophy.

Itinerary:

OPTION 2 :Thay (Master's) Pagoda – Tay Phuong (Pagoda of the West) – Van Phuc Silk Village

THAY AND TAY PHUONG PAGODAS: Stunning limestone outcrops loom up from the emerald-green paddy fields and clinging to the cliffs are these two pagodas. THAY PAGODA (Master's Pagoda) also known as Thien Phuc (Heavenly Blessing), is dedicated to Thich Ca Buddha (Sakyamuni, the historical Buddha), also presents a beautiful legend about the origin of the water puppet arts. In front of the pagoda is a small stage built on stilts in the middle of a pond; water-puppet shows are ataged here during festivals. TAY PHUONG PAGODA (Pagoda of the West) is famous for 79 wooden statues carved after classical Buddhist stories. Located on a hill, the architecture of this 1000 years old pagoda is one of the best in North Vietnam.

VAN PHUC specilises in silk. Lots of visitors would love to buy, order tailor-made clothes or observe worker making silk on looms. Many of fine silk items you see on sale in Hanoi street are made in Van Phuc. There's a small daily fruit-and-vegetable market here in the mornings, and a pretty village pagoda with a lily pond.

Notes: -Bring good shoes; sunscreen; cap/hat

-Dress modestly and respectfully once visiting pagodas.

Costs include:

• Transportation

• All meals in tour

• Entrance and sightseeing fees

• English speaking guide

Costs exclude:

• Additional drinks

• Tips for guide and driver

• Other personal expenses

• All other services not clearly mentioned above