In the morning by 08:30, you will be picked up by our guide and driver for a journey to the west of Hanoi, visiting the non –touristy ancient village of Duong Lam. Here, from the 16th century, the houses and walls are made of unprocessed Laterite blocks. The long-standing community has a dense population and houses nestle cozily next to one another. The stone of which they are built appears everywhere, both under and above ground. Tramping down quiet country lanes where to each side moss-grown Laterite walls and closed gates create a thoughtfully poetic atmosphere, we gradually recognize the value and the unique beauty of Duong Lam commune.

After tea with a local family, we then continue our trip to Mia Pagoda, known as the Museum of Buddhist Statues, due to the 287 relics on display.

Leaving Duong Lam, we take another drive to Thay (Master) Pagoda, which is a large relic complex of high artistic and architecture values with scenic landscape. Thay pagoda worships the Venerable Bonze Tu Dao Hanh who lives four lives combined into one – Bonze, the king Ly Than Tong, Buddha and Originator of the Vietnamese Water Puppetry. Water puppetry performances take place here at festival time, particularly in the third lunar month where pilgrims rush in additionally, two ancient roofed bridges over the pond built in 1602 increase the natural beauty of the combination.