Bat trang ceramic village and But Thap pagoda (full day)

08:00 Departure to the ancient ceramic village Bat Trang, about 12 km to the north-west from Hanoi, on the edge of Red river, renowned for centuries for its products in traditional porcelain with blue decoration.

Arrive at Bat Trang at around 08:45. Visit a local market where you can shop to make offerings to the temple (flowers, fruits, incense sticks, votive papers, betel …) or to buy the ingredients to make nem ( rice papers, transparent vermicelli, black mushrooms, fragrant mushrooms …). You will also have the opportunity to get to know the Vietnamese language by meeting the locals at the market.

Then you will visit a ceramics factory specialized for antique reproduction where you can learn the ceramic production process and know the life and work of young workers.

Continue discovering the ancient village of Bat Trang by traveling through narrow lanes, with many workshops and family temples. Visit the temple dedicated to the Mother Protector of the village where you can practice offerings and burn votive paper as the Vietnamese do. Stop in a small workshop of young painters who decorate vases by hand and meet a family that produces small paintings on ceramics. You will also go to greet a family where you will have the opportunity to admire a beautiful courtyard decorated with original way by the broken ceramics gathered in the village. Then visit the old town hall dedicated to the Genius Protector of the village and the centennial oven “Lo Bau”. At last, you can watch the demonstration of a craftsman who can turn a piece of clay into many different products with his very capable hands. You can, if you wish, try crafting something of your very own.

You will be welcomed by one familly for lunch in their old house in the village.

After lunch, free time for shopping at Bat Trang ceramic market. Then continue to Bac Ninh province to visit the But Thap pagoda (about 20 kilometers from Bat Trang village). The sanctuary will bring to visitors peace and comfort right from the gate leading to pagoda which is shaded by ancient giant banyan tree lines. The pagoda was constructed in the 13th century during the Tran Dynasty and rebuilt in the 17th century during the Ly Dynasty. This is one of the most popular pagodas in the north of Vietnam and is known as the center of Buddhism.

Step in the pagoda, passing the three-entrance gate and an eight-roof bell tower, visitors will reach the main temple complex. Inside the temple are more than 50 statues. The most remarkable is the thousand-handed and thousand-eyed Guanyin, which is described as a sculptural masterpiece of Vietnam. But Thap pagoda has been recognized as a national cultural historic relic, which makes it an important place for pilgrims and also a tourist attraction.

Transfer back to Hanoi. The tour ends at about 5 PM.

Bat Trang village: https://www.flickr.com/photos/tonkintravelvietnam/albums/72157670840251836