Option: Private Tour: Keo Pagoda & Tam Chuc Pagoda

Begin your private tour with a visit to Keo Pagoda, a place steeped in legend. According to local lore, a humble fisherman in the 11th century achieved enlightenment as a Buddhist monk and could fly through the air, walk on water, and tame snakes and tigers. The holy man, Duong Khong Lo, secured his name in history when he used his magic powers to cure King Le Thanh Tong of a terrible disease.

Over 900 years later, residents of Vu Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province still honour the Buddhist hero with a festival as mystical as the legend it recognises. Keo Pagoda is architecturally unique and stands at a scenic spot on the Red River Delta.

The pagoda also has valuable antiques including a pair of candlesticks from the Mac Dynasty, pottery ware and altars from the Le Dynasty, imperial boats and more, which are all as well preserved now as they were during the time of the Le Trung Hung Dynasty in the 16th century.

Next, discover the Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex, the largest pagoda complex in the world. Located in Ba Sao Town, Kim Bang District, Ha Nam Province, this site is an attractive destination for many visitors and Buddhist followers. Admire the pagoda’s unique location, with its back leaning on the mountain and face overlooking the lake, creating a poetic scenery like a fairyland.

Learn about the legend of 'Tien Luc Nhac - Hau That Tinh' meaning “Six music bells in front – Seven stars after”. Explore the current Tam Chuc Pagoda Complex, built on the foundation of the ancient Tam Chuc Pagoda and inaugurated in May 2019. The pagoda overlooks Tam Chuc Lake (also known as Luc Nhac Lake), with constructions such as the interior Tam Quan (Three-entrance) Gate, Sutra Pillar Garden, Quan Am (Kwan Yin) Temple, Phap Chu Temple, Tam The Temple, and Ngoc (Ruby) Pagoda.

Admire the impressive architectural works that blend seamlessly with the breathtaking natural landscapes. The complex was constructed by many skilled Vietnamese and foreign artisans, including craftsmen of Buddhism, Hinduism, and Islam.

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. 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 centre of the village and see how locals make incense on the artisanal, family scale. Meet a family who specialises in dyeing incense sticks and take in the colourful bundles of incense.

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