Art, Silk, & Tradition in Hanoi

Welcome! Please be prepared to meet in the lobby at 5:30 P.M. to depart for your welcome dinner. The dinner reservation time will be finalized closer to your trip date. If you plan on arriving today, we recommend flying into the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).

You'll ease into your first full day in Hanoi with a free morning at leisure. Then, you'll take a short transfer to a local restaurant, where you will have lunch together before embarking on a cultural journey with a visit to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. This captivating museum is dedicated to showcasing the traditions, customs, and daily life of Vietnam's diverse ethnic groups, featuring indoor and outdoor exhibits with artifacts, traditional houses, and multimedia displays. Afterwards, continue the exploration with a transfer to the historic Temple of Literature, functioning as Vietnam's first university dedicated to Confucius, the temple complex is marked by five courtyards, intricate gates, and iconic structures such as the Khue Van Cac pavilion and the Well of Heavenly Clarity. Conclude the day with a transfer to Hanoi's Old Quarter for a Cyclo Tour. Riding in traditional three-wheeled cycle rickshaws, known as cyclos, navigate the narrow alleys and vibrant markets of the historic district. This leisurely exploration offers an immersive experience, allowing you to absorb the captivating colonial architecture, and the distinctive energy that defines the Old Quarter. The cyclo drivers, sharing their local insights, enhance the nostalgic journey through Hanoi's cultural richness. After the tour, a short transfer takes you back to the hotel, concluding the day of cultural exploration in Hanoi.

• Vietnam Museum of Ethnology

  From lunch, take a 15-minute transfer to the Vietnam Museum of Ethnology. The Vietnam Museum of Ethnology is a cultural museum dedicated to the country's diverse ethnic groups. It showcases exhibits on the traditions, customs, and daily life of various Vietnamese ethnic communities. The museum has both indoor and outdoor sections, featuring artifacts, traditional houses, and multimedia displays.

  13:30· 60 min· Hanoi
• Temple of Literature

  Afterwards, take a 25-minute private transfer to the Temple of Literature. The Temple of Literature (Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám) in Hanoi, stands as a venerable testament to the nation's rich cultural and educational history. Originally established in 1070 during the Ly Dynasty, it functioned as Vietnam's first university, dedicated to Confucius. The complex, marked by five courtyards, intricate gates, and iconic structures like the Khue Van Cac pavilion and the Well of Heavenly Clarity, exudes a serene and contemplative ambiance. The renowned Stelae of Doctors, stone slabs mounted on tortoises, immortalize scholars who successfully passed royal examinations. Today, the Temple of Literature stands not only as an architectural masterpiece but also as a symbol of Vietnam's enduring commitment to learning and scholarly pursuits.

  15:10· 60 min· Hanoi
• Old Quarter Cyclo Tour

  From the Temple of Literature, take a 15-minute private transfer to the Hanoi Old Quarters, to hop on a cyclo for a tour through the narrow, historic streets. Cyclos, traditional three-wheeled cycle rickshaws, navigate the bustling streets of the Old Quarter, known for its narrow alleys and vibrant markets. As you leisurely traverse this historic district, you'll witness a tapestry of life unfold – from the aromas of street food stalls to the vibrant array of goods for sale. The cyclo tour provides an immersive experience, allowing you to soak in the charming chaos, colonial architecture, and the unique energy that defines Hanoi's Old Quarter. It's a nostalgic and leisurely way to explore the cultural richness of this dynamic city, with the cyclo drivers sharing their local insights along the way. Then take a short 10-minute transfer back to the hotel.

  16:30· 60 min· Hanoi

Begin your day with a visit to the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi, located just a short transfer away. Housed in a colonial-era building, the museum offers a diverse collection of Vietnamese art, ranging from traditional folk art to contemporary pieces. Following the museum exploration, embark on a transfer to the Old Quarters for a unique local artist meetup. Starting at Hoan Kiem Lake, delve into the vibrant street art scene where emerging artists contribute to the city's contemporary art landscape. The journey continues to a local Vietnamese artist's workshop, providing an intimate look into their creative process. You'll then have lunch nearby before transferring back to the hotel for the remaining day at leisure.

• Vietnam Fine Arts Museum

  After breakfast, take a 10-minute private transfer to visit the Vietnam Fine Arts Museum. The Vietnam Fine Arts Museum in Hanoi showcases a rich collection of Vietnamese art spanning different periods and styles. Established in 1966, the museum is housed in a colonial-era building and features an extensive range of paintings, sculptures, and decorative arts. The exhibits offer a comprehensive look at the evolution of Vietnamese art, from traditional folk art to contemporary pieces, providing visitors with insights into the country's cultural and artistic heritage.

  08:00· 120 min· Hanoi
• Local Artist Meetup & Workshop Visit

  From the museum, you'll take a private transfer to the Old Quarters -- the inspiration for many local artists. Your first stop is at Hoan Kiem Lake, a gem in the heart of the city. You'll continue on to see the booming street art scene where young, up-and-coming artists contribute to the contemporary art landscape. Lastly, you'll head to a local Vietnamese artist's workshop space to get a glimpse into their creative pieces and processes. You'll then take a 10-minute private transfer to a local restaurant nearby for lunch.

  10:00· 120 min· Hanoi

Begin your day with a transfer to Van Phuc Silk Village, celebrated for its rich history in traditional silk weaving. Stroll through the village, absorbing the ambiance of a typical northern Vietnamese village, while your local guide shares insights into Van Phuc's silk production process. Next, engage in a hands-on silk fabric workshop at Vụn Art Cooperative, a social enterprise promoting sustainability and empowering individuals with disabilities. Craft your own unique pieces using discarded silk fragments and gain insight into the cooperative's mission of inclusivity and environmental impact. Afterwards, you'll head back to the hotel before attending a Northern Vietnamese cooking demonstration in the evening. Enjoy a five course culinary experience at the chef's house, blending traditional northern Vietnamese cuisine with a contemporary twist. The day concludes with a delightful dinner that the chef has prepared during the demonstration. Finally, you'll transfer back to the hotel after a long day. You'll want to wear comfortable walking shoes for today's activities.

• Van Phuc Silk Village Tour

  This morning, you'll take a 45-minute private transfer to Van Phuc Silk Village, renowned for its traditional silk weaving craft. As one of the oldest silk villages in Vietnam, Van Phuc has a history dating back more than a thousand years. The village is recognized for its high-quality silk products, particularly the delicate silk items produced by skilled artisans. You'll have the opportunity to stroll through the village, and take in the sights and sounds of northern Vietnamese village. Your local guide will provide insights into the history and evolution of Van Phuc, especially its handcrafted silk production. You'll learn about the various stages involved in making silk products, from spinning and gluing to weaving and the final completion of silk wares.

  08:00· 120 min· Van Phuc
• Vụn Art Cooperative & Silk Fabric Workshop

  Afterwards, you'll take short walk over to Vụn Art Cooperative for a hands on silk fabric Workshop. Traditional craftsmanship meets environmental sustainability at Vun Art Cooperative. This social enterprise empowers individuals with disabilities by training and employing them to create unique handicrafts and apparel from discarded silk fragments. Van Phuc discards around 10,000 kilograms of silk scraps monthly, a challenge Vun Art addresses creatively. The cooperative repurposes these fragments into various items, including handicrafts, postcards, paintings, wallets, and t-shirts, featuring Vietnamese folk-painting designs. You'll get to work with the local instructors to learn how to create your own works of art with the silk scraps and get to take home a unique souvenir. Beyond environmental impact, Vun Art focuses on enhancing the lives of its team members, providing them with meaningful work, artistic expression, and the opportunity to live independently. The cooperative's success not only preserves traditional art forms, but also serves as a model for breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity for individuals with disabilities in Vietnam. After the workshop, you'll take a 45-minute transfer back to the hotel in Hanoi.

  10:00· 90 min· Van Phuc
• Flavors of Northern Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration

  In the early evening, you'll be picked up from the hotel for a 20-minute private transfer to the chef's house for a cooking demonstration. Embark on a flavorful culinary journey with a five course Northern Vietnamese cooking demonstration, blending traditional northern Vietnamese cuisine with a fusion twist. Begin with learning how to make a trio of appetizers, featuring fresh spring rolls, pickled vegetables, and prawn crackers. The chef will then teach you how to make a refreshing Pomelo salad, paired with flambéed rum prawns. Indulge in the savory goodness of stir-fried garlic chives with pork and fresh mushrooms, showcasing the region's culinary expertise. The main course takes you to Kinh Ky-style grilled fish, offering a perfect balance of flavors. Conclude the course with a unique four-flavor egg coffee, combining the richness of coffee, matcha, cocoa, and mocha for a sweet and satisfying dessert that captures the essence of Northern Vietnamese cuisine in a contemporary and creative manner.

  17:00· 120 min· Hanoi

In the morning, workshop space is available for rent upon request. Around midday, you'll transfer to a local restaurant for lunch. Following lunch, embark on a creative journey with a transfer to a lacquer painting class. Delve into the world of local lacquer painters, savoring a cup of tea while exploring the rich history, techniques, and cultural significance of "sơn mài." Guided by a skilled artist, unleash your creativity as you paint your unique lacquer piece. The day concludes with a transfer back to the hotel. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon and evening at leisure for personal exploration.

• Lacquer Painting Class

  After lunch, you'll take a 25-minute private transfer to a lacquer painting class. Lacquerware, known as "sơn mài" in Vietnam, represents a traditional and intricate form of art. In this class, immerse yourself in the world of local lacquer painters as you share a cup of tea and delve into the rich history of this ancient art form. Gain insights into the techniques, symbolism, and cultural significance embedded in lacquerware. Then, channel your creativity as you paint your very own lacquer piece under the guidance of a skilled artist. This hands-on experience allows you to not only appreciate the beauty of lacquer art but also to actively participate in its creation, making for a memorable and personalized encounter with Vietnamese artistic heritage. After class, take a 25-minute private transfer back to the hotel.

  14:00· 180 min· Hanoi

In the morning, workshop space is available for rent upon request. On your last full day in Hanoi, you'll take a short transfer to a tea house where the tea master preserves the traditional tea culture of Vietnam. Enjoy the tea with some snacks while a calligraphy master presents to you the history of Vietnamese calligraphy and teaches you how to draw your own calligraphy art.

• Tea Ceremory & Calligraphy Class

  From the hotel, take a 15-minute private transfer to experience the tranquility of a traditional tea house, where a tea master passionately preserves Vietnam's rich tea culture. Immerse yourself in the local life of Hanoians, as you learn the profound meaning behind tea ceremonies, allowing your soul to find calm in this cultural ritual. Savor the tea alongside delightful snacks, while a calligraphy master shares the captivating history of Vietnamese calligraphy. Vietnamese calligraphy tools typically include specialized brushes crafted from animal hair, such as goat or wolf, which vary in size and flexibility to achieve different strokes. Ink, often in solid form or as a liquid, is meticulously ground on an inkstone, and high-quality rice paper serves as the canvas for creating intricate and expressive Vietnamese calligraphy. Engage in a hands-on experience, step by step, as you create your own calligraphy art, adding a personalized touch to this immersive exploration of Hanoi's cultural heritage.

  14:00· 180 min· Hanoi

All good things must come to an end, but only until your next adventure! Enjoy a final breakfast and then make your own way onward. If departing directly from the hotel, we recommend flying out of the Noi Bai International Airport (HAN).