Explore Masters' Pagodas, Western Pagoda, and the Ancient Village of Duong Lam
Overview
A day in the countryside to discover ancient structures with traditional and original architecture - the two most renowned Pagodas located in the vicinity of the Vietnamese capital and a typical village in the Red River Delta. This one-day itinerary will be like a breath of fresh air, away from the frenzy of Hanoi.
- Explore the art of wood sculpture and the ancient traditional architecture of Vietnam.
- Gain insight into Buddhism practiced in Vietnam with visits to the Master Pagoda (Thay) and Tay Phuong Pagoda.
- Tour Duong Lam and the structures of a traditional Vietnamese village: communal house, entrance gate...
- Enjoy a bicycle ride.
Itinerary
Master Pagoda, West Pagoda, Duong Lam Village, and Visit to a Dragonfly Craft Workshop
8:00 AM: Welcome by your guide and driver at your hotel. Depart for the visit to the Master Pagoda (Thay), located 30km west of Hanoi. The pagoda is set in a harmonious landscape of mountains and lakes. Constructed from the 12th century by Master Tu Dao Hanh, a renowned monk who devoted his life to the Buddhist Tantric movement (Mat Tong). The Thay Pagoda is designed to resemble a dragon. In front of the pagoda, there is a large lake with a pavilion in the middle used for traditional water puppet performances. Two tiled-covered bridges on either side of the front courtyard serve as the "eyes" of the building. Beyond these bridges, you'll find several buildings and temples with different functions: Tam Phu Temple dedicated to the worship of the Mother Goddess, three mountain-side buildings Chua Ha, Chua Trung, and Chua Thuong, and more. The Thay Pagoda offers a unique environment where you'll immerse yourself in Vietnamese culture in a timeless atmosphere, like a serene interlude.
Next, visit the Tay Phuong Pagoda, renowned for its beautiful collection of lacquered wood statues dating back to the 17th century. These statues depict Buddhas, the Thousand-Armed Goddess, bodhisattvas, arhats, and disciples. The pagoda is located atop a hill accessible by 237 laterite steps. From the pagoda, enjoy a panoramic view of the rice fields and the beautiful surrounding countryside. Then, visit a dragonfly craft workshop, offering an original gift idea to bring back from your journey.
On the way to the ancient village of Duong Lam, where two Vietnamese kings were born. This village is known for preserving the characteristics of an ancient Vietnamese village, including banyan trees, wells, a 300-year-old communal house, the entrance gate, and ancient houses built with laterite. Have lunch with a local family in one of these traditional houses.
In the afternoon: Stroll along the red brick-paved paths, traditionally made by newlywed couples, to visit an old house surrounded by laterite walls. Optionally, choose to visit an artisanal factory producing soy sauce or peanut candies. Take a bike ride through the picturesque village, rivers, and green cornfields. Make stops to see antique houses, the communal house of Mong Phu, the Mia Pagoda (sugar cane pagoda), as well as temples dedicated to the two kings Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung.
Return to Hanoi for an arrival in the late afternoon.
Prices and Accommodation
How to book?
Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language
Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.
"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'
Included
- Transportation according to the itinerary in a private vehicle with a chauffeur for your exclusive group.
- Meals as specified in the program: 1L = 1 Lunch.
- English-speaking guide.
- Visit fees and entrance rights to the sites to be visited.
- One liter of bottled water per day per person.
- Administrative fees.
Excluded
- Travelers' personal insurance.
- Bank fees.
- Beverages, phone expenses, personal expenditures, and anything not explicitly mentioned in the "What's Included" section.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
Useful Information
Out of respect for the places of worship to be visited, such as temples and pagodas, proper attire is required, and it is mandatory to cover your knees and shoulders.
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