Breakfast at the hotel.
08:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel to begin a full-day exploration of Hanoi and its surrounding countryside.
Start with a scenic drive to West Lake to visit Quan Thanh Taoist Temple and Tran Quoc Pagoda, two of the most ancient and beautiful religious sites in Hanoi, offering peaceful views and historical significance.
Continue to the Temple of Literature, built in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty and dedicated to Confucius and scholars. Known as Vietnam’s first National University, this historic complex symbolizes the country’s long-standing respect for education and intellectual achievement.
11:00 AM: Depart for Duong Lam Ancient Village, located approximately 60 km west of Hanoi. This well-preserved agricultural village in the Red River Delta is famous for its centuries-old laterite brick houses and traditional rural lifestyle.
Upon arrival, begin a walking tour from the original village gate — the only intact ancient village entrance of its kind in Vietnam. Visit Mong Phu Communal House, located at the heart of the village, where Tan Vien Mountain Saint — one of Vietnam’s Four Immortals — is worshipped. The communal house is considered a fine example of traditional Northern Vietnamese architecture.
Lunch will be served at a local family’s ancient house, offering authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
In the afternoon, continue walking through narrow alleyways lined with historic laterite houses. You may also enjoy a short bicycle ride to Mia Pagoda, built in the 15th century and home to nearly 300 statues, including notable sculptures of Buddha and the Eight Vajra Deities.
Visit Phung Hung Temple and Ngo Quyen Mausoleum, dedicated to two national heroes who defended Vietnam’s independence.
Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.
Free time at leisure.
Transfer to train station for night train to Sapa.
Inclusions: Breakfast, private air-conditioned transfer, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, bicycle, night train ticket (soft berth), bottled water.