6:30 AM: Depart from Hanoi. You will be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi by a car. The journey to Tho Ha village will take about 1.5 hours.
8:00 AM: Arrive at Tho Ha village, nestled on a small peninsula embraced by the Cau River. This picturesque village, with a history dating back to the 14th century, was once one of the three major pottery centers in northern Vietnam, alongside Bat Trang and Phu Lang.
Step Back in Time: Wander through the narrow lanes, lined with ancient houses built from laterite and tiled roofs. Observe the remnants of the old village gate, a testament to Tho Ha’s historical significance.
Communal Houses: Visit the communal houses (Đình Làng) dedicated to the village’s guardian spirits. These structures are adorned with intricate wood carvings and are important centers of social and religious life.
The Art of Rice Paper: Delve into the heart of Tho Ha’s craft by visiting a family workshop. Witness the meticulous process of creating rice paper: from soaking and grinding the rice to steaming the delicate paste and drying it into thin, translucent sheets. Don’t miss the chance to try making your own!
9:30 AM: Depart from Tho Ha village and head to Bo Da Pagoda.
10:00 AM: Arrive at Bo Da Pagoda. This ancient pagoda is located on a mountain and offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Explore the pagoda grounds and admire the beautiful architecture.
Learn about the history of the pagoda and its significance in Vietnamese Buddhism.
11:30 AM: Depart from Bo Da Pagoda and head to Tu Son town for lunch.
12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Tu Son, savoring some of Bắc Ninh’s regional specialties.
1:30 PM: Depart from Tu Son and head to Phu Lang pottery village.
2:00 PM: Arrive at Phu Lang pottery village, another gem of Bac Ninh province. Situated along the scenic Cau River, Phu Lang is renowned for its distinctive pottery, characterized by its reddish-brown hue and simple, elegant forms.
A Village of Craftspeople: Explore the village and observe the age-old techniques passed down through generations. Phu Lang pottery stands out for its unique clay, which allows for intricate designs and a beautiful finish without the need for glaze.
From Clay to Creation: Visit a workshop to witness the entire pottery-making process: from preparing the clay to shaping it on a potter’s wheel, adding delicate details, and firing the pieces in kilns. Try your hand at the wheel and create your own masterpiece!
Pottery Treasures: Browse the village shops and discover a wide array of pottery, from traditional household items to decorative pieces and artistic creations. Find the perfect souvenir to take home.
4:00 PM: Depart from Phu Lang pottery village and head back to Hanoi.
5:00 PM: Arrive in Hanoi. You will be dropped off at your hotel.
This expanded itinerary provides a richer experience, highlighting the unique history, architecture, and craftsmanship of these two fascinating villages.
