Explore the artistic traditions of rural Vietnam on this private tour around the countryside near Hanoi. A knowledgeable guide takes you to villages famed for their pottery, wood block prints, wood carvings, and woven rattan crafts.
In the morning, get picked up by your guide and drive out into the lush countryside that surrounds Hanoi City. Stop in the centuries-old village of Bat Trang, which is famous for its exquisite, hand-crafted ceramic products. As you wander the narrow streets, pass by skilled pottery masters as they shape clay into sophisticated dinnerware pieces and ornaments. Stop by a workshop to watch craftsmen paint intricate details on each piece, giving them unique character that comes to life when fired.
After browsing the impressive range of pottery in the town, continue on to the painting village of Dong Ho. Here, visit the home of one of the few remaining craftsmen of wood block prints and watch the painstaking process of creating each intricate work. Following a short break for lunch, your guide leads you to Dong Ky, where skilled carvers create hardwood furniture by hand.
Your last stop is at Phu Vinh, whose artisans specialise in the unique art of rattan weaving. Thin strips of wood are laced together to create light yet sturdy baskets, hats, vases, and even artistic panels. Admire the weavers' hard work before your tour comes to an end as you head back to Hanoi.