Option: Private Tour: Bai Dinh Pagoda & Toy Village

Begin your journey at the ancient Bai Dinh Pagoda, originally built in the 11th century. Admire its traditional wooden structures and intricate carvings, reflecting the artistry of ancient Vietnamese architecture.

Next, visit the new Bai Dinh Pagoda, constructed in 2003 to accommodate the growing number of visitors. Marvel at its expansive courtyards, towering pillars, and monumental statues, offering a glimpse into modern Buddhist temple design while maintaining traditional influences.

Continue to the Main Hall of the Dharma, one of the most significant structures in Bai Dinh Pagoda. Dedicated to the Buddha and his teachings, the temple houses a massive statue of the Buddha, and its grandeur is matched by the serene atmosphere inside.

Next, visit To He Village, a traditional figurine toy, dates back to 300 years ago in Xuan La village of Phuong Duc commune in the suburban district of Phu Xuyen, Hanoi.

According to old villagers, at beginning, these items were used as worship offerings. Small figurines, which were made of glutinous rice flour and little sugar, often took the shape of animals such as peacock, chicken, buffalo, cow, pig and fish, or the shape of bananas.

As time went by, the art gained a reputation outside the village. With baskets full of to he, the villagers wandered far and wide to sell to he to people going to temples and pagodas and to children at markets and local festivals. Lunar New Year and the Mid-Autumn Festival are the two most important occasions of the year for to he makers as they are Vietnamese children’s favorite holidays.

Option HALF DAY Group Tour : Visit 2 Villages: Conical Hat and Incense Craft Village + Train Street (optional)

Duration: ~ 6 hours
Morning from 7:45~13:30
Afternoon from 11:45~17:30

Start with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and head to Chuong, a village that has been well-known for the craft of conical hat-making for over 300 years. Get an observe how conical hats are made and decorate a hat by painting it then bring it home as a souvenir.

Depart for the Quang Phu Cau village, which has been producing incense for more than 100 years. Take a walk to the center of the village and see how locals make incense on the artisanal, family scale. Meet a family who specializes in dyeing incense sticks and take in the colorful bundles of incense.

Back to the city center. First place for drop off: Hanoi Train Street. If you don’t want to get drop off here, please wait in the car.