HANOI COUNTRYSIDE AND PAGODAS Tour Code: VDE-DL/01     Journey Map Feel bored with hustle and bustle Hanoi Old Quarter, we can take a longer drive to the outskirts, which provides a spectacular countryside scenery, meditative quietness or just a thick blanket of red soil as well as chance to explore Vietnamese religion and culture. TOUR HIGHTLIGHTS    Enjoy a spectacular country landscape    Learn about Vietnamese religion at Thay Pagoda, Tay Phuong pagoda    Walk around the unique and non –touristy Duong Lam Ancient Village    Visit local pagodas, explore the history and have lunch with the local Itinerary: In the morning by 08:00, you will be picked up at your hotel and depart for Ha Tay province (40km). Visit 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. Drive to Tay Phuong pagoda where 76 Buddha sculptured statues since 17th & 18th centuries have been kept and famous for the statues it contains, magnificent wooden sculptures representing Buddhas as well as Vajrapanis (Kim Cuong) and Arhats (La Han) who are middle-ranking Buddhist deities. Tay Phuong Pagoda is not only an historical site with valuable architecture, but also a scenic spot in Hanoi. Leaving the pilgrimage places, we transfer straight to 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 cosily 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. Have some talks with the locals in their ancient houses by visiting the ancient houses. Enjoy your special lunch with Vietnamese foods in an ancient house. After tea with the host, we continue our trip to Mia Pagoda, known as the Museum of Buddhist Statues, due to the 287 relics on display. Then visit Ngo Quyen temple and Phung Hung temple, places dedicated to two national heroes Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung. Driving back Hanoi in the late afternoon. INCLUSIVE: Private air-con transportation English speaking guide Lunch with the local family Entrance fees and permits where applicable 01 bottle of mineral water EXCLUSIVE: Personal expenses Travel insurance Tips, donation PRICING: Price per person in USD 2 PAX 3 - 5 Pax Single Supplement Private tour 0 0 0.0000 *The above prices are based on the group from 4 - 6pax and valid until Sep, 2008. All prices might be changed subject to your group size and travel period. Some tours have Deluxe Option available. Please contact us for further information. Note:    All visitors required to wear long trousers (below the knees) and shirt/blouse (cover the shoulders) whilst visiting Pagoda    We will pick you up and drop you off at your hotel and set a schedule at your convenience    This tour must be booked at least 48 hours in advance of your travel date