Vietnam Art Heritage In 11 Days

To truly experience the richness of Vietnamese culture, it's important to connect with the locals who have a deep-rooted passion for their traditional craft. Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, has witnessed the country's cultural evolution over the past 4000 years, making it the perfect destination to delve into the preservation of historical values, art, and culture.

Today, you will have the rare opportunity to visit the home of Mr. Liem, a seventh-generation puppet maker and performer who has dedicated his life to this ancient art. As a pioneer in modernizing the traditional craft, he has created mobile theaters and new puppet designs that have captured the hearts of both locals and tourists.

During your visit, Mr. Liem will share his personal story and explain how his love for this traditional art has grown over the years. You will also get to watch a private show in his small theater and learn the basic techniques of using bamboo rods to move puppets through the water. This experience will give you a deeper appreciation for the skill and dedication required to keep this traditional art form alive. A delicious lunch will be served before returning to your hotel.

Escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and immerse yourself in the tranquility of the rural Red River Delta, the largest rice paddies in North Vietnam. Travel to Dong Ho village in Bac Ninh province, known for its 300-year-old woodblock folk paintings created on "zo" tree bark paper. As you wander through the village, witness the art form's sophistication and the locals' dedicated efforts to preserve its soulful essence. Visit an elder craftsman and his family to listen to stories about their generations keeping the tradition alive.

After breakfast at your accommodation, take some time to relax in the charming capital before being transferred to the airport for your flight to Hue. Once the formal imperial capital of Vietnam, Hue was home to 13 Nguyen emperors. Art was extensively used in the past to decorate tombs and other structures, employing sophisticated art forms such as Phap Lam. Phap Lam is unique for its copper base, which is then layered with colorful enamel paint. Despite seeming to have disappeared after the last dynasty ended, thanks to passionate artisans, the art form has been revived. Visit a workshop where an artisan will instruct you to create your own product.

Today we will continue our exploration of Hue, the former imperial capital of Vietnam, a city that never fails to surprise visitors with its delightful contrasts. One of the most fascinating art forms that thrived during the Nguyen Dynasty is Vietnamese folk painting, an intricate craft that utilizes natural materials such as red earth, seashells, and bamboo leaves. Our expert guide will introduce you to a master artisan who has dedicated a lifetime to preserving this mythical art and will share with you stories and memories of the noble past. We will then cycle through the idyllic countryside to the charming village of Thanh Tien, where we will witness the creation of flower paper, a long-established craft mainly used for ancestor altars. In the humble home of a local artisan, you will learn about the process of making this delicate paper and even have a chance to create your own.

After enjoying a relaxing morning in Hue, we will depart for Hoi An, a picturesque town nestled on both banks of the Thu Bon River and renowned for its iconic lanterns that are integral to the local culture. Our private driver will accompany you on the 3-hour journey to Hoi An, where you will have ample time to appreciate the town's enchanting ambiance. Upon arrival, we will meet our guide who will take us on a leisurely bicycle ride through the charming streets of Hoi An to a local craftsman's home. Here, you will gain insight into the history and significance of lanterns in Hoi An and witness a demonstration of the lantern-making process. You will even have the opportunity to create your own unique lantern as a cherished souvenir of your time in this ancient town.

Hoi An was once a bustling Asian port in the 10th century and located on the Maritime Silk Road. Nowadays, Hoi An preserves nearly all of its historical values, including its architecture, cultures, and landscapes. The outskirts of Hoi An boast several outstanding craft villages, such as Thanh Ha pottery village, known for producing bricks, tiles, and floor slabs for building. During your visit to this village, you will witness the creation of amazing pottery products firsthand. You will also have the opportunity to visit the home of an artisan who specializes in making bamboo products with practical designs.

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your accommodation before we transfer you to Da Nang Airport for your flight to Ho Chi Minh City. Despite being a bustling and vibrant city, you'll be amazed to find over 100-year-old French colonial constructions that still exist. This dynamic city is also home to burgeoning contemporary art with diverse concepts. Follow our tour guide to the Fine Art Museum and an artist's studio to witness the unique art scene of the city.

Embark on a journey to the fertile Mekong Delta - the largest rice basket in Vietnam - formed by the silt deposition of the Mekong River. This area is known for its friendly locals, and you'll have a chance to interact with them during your visit. Our first stop will be the "Binh An Drum" village in Long An, where unique drums made of buffalo skin are produced. We'll then delve deeper into the Mekong Delta and visit a mat-weaving village, where skilled artisans meticulously weave handicrafts.

Overnight in Can Tho.

Witness the vibrant floating market in the early morning, which is a hallmark of the Mekong Delta's culture and local community. Observe the traders selling various products such as fruits and meals from their colorful boats on the mighty Mekong River. We'll then visit Binh Thuy Ancient House, which features both Western and Oriental architectural elements. Before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, we'll stop at the Pitu Kho Rangsay Pagoda - a Khmer temple in the Mekong Delta.

Savor a nutritious breakfast on the last day of your trip. After checking out of your hotel, you can explore the local markets and purchase souvenirs for your loved ones. Later, we'll transfer you to the airport for your flight back home.

End of the Trip.