• Vietnam Creative Travel - A private guide and driver will greet the operator at their hotel in Hanoi. They will board a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle to embark on a journey to the tranquil Thay Pagoda, situated approximately 25 kilometers southwest of the city.
• Thay Pagoda - The Thay Pagoda is a beautiful and serene Buddhist temple constructed in the 11th century during the Ly dynasty. Located at the base of Sai Son Mountain, this pagoda is dedicated to Tu Dao Hanh, a Buddhist monk renowned for his contributions to water puppetry and medicine.
  • Discover the three main sections: the Ha Pagoda (lower temple), the Trung Pagoda (middle temple), and the Thuong Pagoda (upper temple) on the mountain.
  • Visit the unique ancient water puppet theater by the lake, showcasing Tu Dao Hanh’s influence.
  • Stroll around Long Tri Lake and enjoy the tranquil surroundings, with views of nearby caves and small pagodas.
• Duong Lam Ancient Village - Following the visit to Thay Pagoda, proceed to Duong Lam Ancient Village, one of Vietnam’s best-preserved traditional villages. The journey provides glimpses of the Vietnamese countryside, with rice fields and small villages along the way.
  11:30 AM - Arrive at Duong Lam Ancient Village
  Duong Lam is a historical village over 1,200 years old, celebrated for its ancient architecture, laterite stone houses, and traditional lifestyle. The village is often called the “Land of Two Kings” as it is the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen.
  • Begin the exploration by visiting the Mong Phu Temple, a communal house serving as the village’s spiritual center.
  • Meander through narrow, rustic alleys, admiring the ancient laterite stone homes.
  • Visit the traditional homes of local residents, some centuries old, and learn about the village’s rich history and customs.
• Duong Lam Ancient Village - Relish a traditional Vietnamese lunch in one of the centuries-old houses in Duong Lam Village. This meal offers a unique chance to savor authentic local cuisine while experiencing life in a historic home. Traditional dishes include grilled pork wrapped in fig leaves, che lam (a local sweet), and sticky rice.
• Chùa Mía - After lunch, continue exploring Duong Lam. The village features several significant historical and religious sites:
  • Visit the Mia Pagoda (Sugarcane Pagoda), which houses 287 Buddha statues, including renowned sculptures like the statues of Buddha in meditation and the Eight Vajra Deities.
  • See the Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temples, which honor the two great kings born in the village.
  If feeling adventurous, take a bicycle ride through the quiet village streets, passing by rice fields and charming local homes. Alternatively, enjoy a leisurely walk, soaking in the peaceful rural atmosphere.

• Private air-conditioned vehicle and driver
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Sightseeing tickets and entry fees
• Bicycle rental (optional)
• Complimentary mineral water
• Lunch at a traditional ancient house in Duong Lam

• Personal expenses
• Gratuities for guide and driver

The Duong Lam Ancient Village & Thay Pagoda Day Trip provides an exceptional mix of history, culture, and spirituality. Discover the historic Thay Pagoda, renowned as the origin of Vietnamese water puppetry, set in a tranquil mountain environment. Following this, explore Duong Lam Ancient Village, a 1,200-year-old settlement featuring traditional laterite stone homes, offering a glimpse into genuine rural life. Uncover the village’s rich heritage as the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings and savor a traditional meal in a house that has stood for centuries.

• The Remaining time: Private car transfer from Hanoi to Thay Pagoda then to Duong Lam Ancient village , transfer back to Hanoi

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.