Half day trip to the pottery village of Bat Trang.

First, your local guide and driver will take you across the Red River toward the southern bank of Duong River where But Thap Pagoda is located. The pagoda is among the most famous and valuable Buddhist monuments around Hanoi and has undergone multiple renovations since the 17th century. Visit the pagoda to contemplate the well-built timber frame architecture along with numerous multi-century old wood statues and sculptures. The most notable vestige in the pagoda is the stone stupa which dates back to the Tran period around the 13-14th century. According to history, King Tu Duc came to the pagoda in 1876 and saw the Bao Nghiem tower and likened it to a huge pen pointing to the sky and subsequently called it “But Thap” (Pen Tower). 

Next on the list is a drive to nearby Dong Ho village, renowned as the birthplace of the wood block painting art from centuries ago. The trade is now vanishing but you will visit the preservation center where you can study the meticulous working processes and behold the finished products of this now-rare artform. The paintings are of various subjects; some paintings are of traditional scenes and some are infused with modern life elements. 

Following that is yet another brief drive to reach Bat Trang village, the most famous and among the oldest pottery villages in the Red River Delta. Once in this breezy and tranquil village you are at liberty to meander up and down the charming country roads and take photos until your heart’s content! After that, don’t forget to casually saunter to the marketplace in the center of the village. Here you can find an almost innumerable multitude of shops selling fine Bat Trang produced wares. You can also visit an old kiln or play with the potter’s wheel and pretend you’re either Patrick Swayze or Demi Moore from that one movie... After all the fun and games, your driver will return you to your hotel.

Included:

• Private vehicle.
• English speaking tour guide.
• Entrance fees: old kiln, potter’s wheel in Bat Trang.
• Wet tissue and drinking water.

Not included:

• Breakfast/Lunch
• Tips for driver and guide.