Depart from Hanoi this morning at 08.00. Transfer by vehicle across the river to start the cycling adventure (Note: for those who wish the cycling can start from the downtown Hanoi over the Long Bien Bridge). Travel along the Duong riverside to But Thap pagoda. The name of the Duong River sounds intimately in the heart of every Vietnamese because of the charming and peaceful countryside the river meanders through. The numerous pagodas bordering the Duong River through history have added a major attraction to the Kinh Bac (northern) region.

Cross through some small villages before arriving at But Thap Pagoda in time for lunch at a delicious local restaurant.

The name "But Thap" (Pen Stupa) was given by King Tu Duc in 1876 when, in Kinh Bac, he saw the beautiful stone stupa shaped like a pen at this pagoda, which had previously been known as Ninh Phuc Tu (Pagoda of Peace and Happiness). Visit the But Thap pagoda before continuing on to Dong Ho.

You can choose to either cycle or drive the 8km to Dong Ho village, which is known for its traditional wooden block printing. Today though, just two families are engaged in this painstaking craft while the rest of the village has turned to a more lucrative pursuit, turning out paper votive offerings. Once in the village a visit will be made at craftsman Nguyen Dang Che's house who is renowned for his traditional paintings. Late this afternoon, transfer back to Hanoi by vehicle.