4 Days / 3 Nights
Buon Ma Thuot
Overview
The many years of warfare that blighted Vietnam destroyed much of its artwork, as well as its skilled workers. Since peacetime, the arts have begun to flourish, and Vietnam is once more considered a centre for beautiful craftsmanship. On this trip, see the country alive with diverse types of traditional visual arts to specially handmade crafts
Trip Highlights
Meet a celebrated art scholar
With a lifelong commitment to Vietnam’s art scene, get to interact with this celebrated art scholar and learn about the arts’ development after the war.
In-depth understanding of worship traditions
Head to a local village outside of Hanoi to learn about handmade paper offerings that have been passed down for generations.
Make traditional Hoi An lanterns
Meet a paper mask artist at his workshop and enjoy making traditional Hoi An lanterns in a cozy atmosphere.
Itinerary
1
Arrival Hanoi
Noi Bai airport - Hanoi (38km): 40min
Upon arrival, be greeted by a private guide and car outside and be transferred to the hotel for check-in.
Remarks: normal check-in time at all hotels is 14:00, check out time is 12:00. Early check-in and late check out are subjected to availability or surcharge will be applied if requested.
Overnight in Ha Noi
2
Hanoi
Hanoi Morning Hideaway (traditional musical family visit)
This tour starts at 07:30. Follow the tour guide to discover a unique local perspective of Hanoi. Walk around Hoan Kiem Lake to enjoy its peaceful ambiance before the city bursts at the seams with life. Stop at a famous corner where locals still keep their early morning habit for generations by catching up on the local news at the ‘standing newspapers.’ Learn how newspapers were delivered to Hanoians, even through economic hardships of the Vietnam War.
Continue exploring the city’s unique vibes and marvel at its chaotic-yet-efficient traffic patterns which have rightfully become legendary. Then, stop for a visit at a small tea shop and enjoy a brief introduction to tea making and learn about the importance of drinking tea in Vietnamese society.
Next, escape the bustling streets and find a hidden alley in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Visit the tiny home of a musician and a family who have dedicated their lives to the single-string dan bau. Hear their life stories and discover a love for their traditional music that goes back generations.
Interaction with Art Scholar for the development of Vietnam contemporary art
Later this afternoon about 15:00, drive out of the city center to the private residence of the celebrated Art Scholar, Suzanne Lecht who will share the story of the development of Vietnam art. It is as dramatic and transformative as the recent history of the country itself. Living and working in Asia since 1984 with a lifelong commitment to working in the arts worldwide, she is recognised as the leading authority on bringing global attention to the local art scene. She discovers and promotes exceptional artists who are singular and passionate in their expression.
Overnight in Hanoi
3
Hanoi handicraft village
Hand-made paper folk offerings and spirit ritual costumes
In Vietnam, followers of Folk Religion worship Gods and Spirits who range from bygone national heroes and natural deities, to simply ancestors. On special occasions, the followers still do offerings with their full respect. Today, get away from the hustle and bustle of the city, head to the village on the outskirts of Hanoi where local farmers hand make offerings from spendings like gold bars to transportation like horse to daily essentials like clothes. All is made from paper! Get an in-depth understanding of the worship traditions as well as this handcraft.
Then drive to a nearby village of tailor-making special costumes for an age-old Spirit Possession Ritual called Hầu Đồng which has just been recognized as Unesco intangible cultural heritage. It is the ritual of the spiritual medium of the Mother Religion believing in The Mother Goddess who brings about favorable weather, happiness and fullness to people. Let’s talk with locals to learn how belief influences to their life and what people do to preserve the tradition.
Return to hotel around noon.
Hanoi city highlight
Embark on a quick city tour to get a glimpse of the city historic landmarks. Visit the Temple of Literature. Explore the incredible compound which was constructed in 1076. Hear stories of the buildings’ history, getting a glimpse into the past when it served as a university and temple. Remainder of the afternoon is free at leisure.
Overnight in Hanoi
4
Hanoi – Hue
Hue – Hue’s Airport (20km): 40 minutes
Transfer back to Hanoi airport to take the morning flight to Hue. On arrival, be welcomed by the guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.
Hue city tour and private artifact museum
In the afternoon, visit the Imperial Citadel where the Nguyen Dynasty ruled between 1802 and 1945. Then, hop on a 15-min cyclo ride to Tran Dinh Son museum, the first private museum in Hue, right at a “nha ruong” - traditional Royal house, once belonged to the Mandarin of King Minh Mang to contemplate his grandson’s valued collection of daily used items.
Overnight in Hue
5
Hue
Traditional craft and Innovative paper art scene
Bamboo is engraved in Vietnamese culture and daily life, providing protection and representing resiliency. In the countryside, bamboo is used for everything- from daily used items to musical instruments to ornaments. Drive 20-min north of the Citadel to visit a lesser-known village Bao La where locals still keep the traditional craft from bamboo down generations. Then head to a workshop in the city and meet with an artisan who has integrated bamboo with traditional handicrafts to create revolutionary new art in Vietnam, that’s so-called Truc Chi art. Truc means bamboo and Chi means paper. Learn how the artisans use Truc Chi to create handicraft items with the cultural characteristics of Hue.
Spend the remaining of the day at leisure.
Overnight in Hue.
6
Hue - Hoi An
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and then take a 14:30 transfer to Hue via Hai Van Pass. Despite the passing of 200 years and the ravages of weather and war, the center of Hoi An remains much the same as it was in its heyday.
Hoi An city tour
A walking tour is the best way to see this marvelous town. Visit the former merchants’ homes, the 400-year-old Japanese Covered Bridge and the colourful market. Take a walk through the ancient town, seeing remarkably well-preserved traditional houses that have withstood 200 years of weather and war. The tour today is more than a visual impression. Hoi An people is well-known for skilled tailors and leather craftsmen.
Overnight in Hoi An
7
Hoi An
Paper mask & lantern making with artist
Begin with a walk through Hoi An Ancient Town to meet a paper mask artist at his workshop. His craft is steadily disappearing as newer forms of entertainment have gradually taken over. Learn how this artist contributes to the effort of preserving his craft for future generations.
Next, enjoy the process of making lanterns in the cozy atmosphere. This hands-on experience offers a fun time together to gain knowledge and also get in touch with making a traditional Vietnamese lantern as a souvenir to bring home.
Spend the afternoon at leisure to explore hidden corners of the ancient town independently.
Overnight in Hoi An
8
Departure Danang
Danang airport – Hoi An (40Km) : 50 minutes
Free at leisure until transfer to Danang airport for the onward flight. (The check-out time is at 14:00).
Important Information
Inclusions
Notes
OUR SERVICES INCLUDE:
- Accommodation in a shared TWN/DBL room
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (excludes drinks) (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- Local English speaking guide during tour & transfer
- Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
- All admission fees at attractions mentioned in the itinerary
- Transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
- Bottled water during tours and transfers
OUR SERVICES DO NOT INCLUDE:
- Drinks and other meals not mentioned
- Domestic & international flights if not mentioned in inclusions
- Price extra for Camera / Video
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Tips, Travel insurance
- Visa & Visa stamping fee to Vietnam
- Gratuities to guides, drivers, boats staff, servants…
- Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, …)
- Any services not mentioned in the itinerary
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