This trip is about 60 Kms out of Hanoi so the day starts at around 8.30 am and you get back around 4.30 to 5.00....Read more
This trip is about 60 Kms out of Hanoi so the day starts at around 8.30 am and you get back around 4.30 to 5.00. I can't remember the cost because I have several tours with David and we were a group of four and we paid for all our tours as a lump sum. But it is something like $65.00. This includes transport in a 16 seater mini bus with driver, english speaking tour guide, village entrance,bicycle hire, and lunch.
On your way out of Hanoi if your staying in the old quarter you get to drive past the ceramic wall murals that line the highway. These are interesting. Make sure you have your camera out on the way to and From the Ancient Village. As you should have a collection of at least 20 amazing motorcycles photos and the uses they are put to, by the time you return to Hanoi.
The village itself was great. It is exactly the reason why I travel as I am not a monuments person. I mean you have to do a day tour around Hanoi with David because he can get it over with quickly. And you really have to see all that stuff. But Uncle Ho (looking very well I might add.) and Old jails, monuments and museums are not my favorite thing. More something I have to see to put the good stuff in context. Like study in a way. Anyway back to the village this for me was the best part of the Hanoi visit. We got to see and meet people doing their normal rice harvesting, soya harvesting, etc. Cycle round the village, there are no cars.
The house we had lunch in predates white settlement in Australia. The husband is a Journalist and the wife a teacher and one of them is a photographer I forget which one. We were able to discuss their daily lives and business through David who interpreted for us. This couple also do soya bean fermenting as well a tradition that has been in their family for generations. So they are quite interesting as they have about x income streams. Photography, teaching, journalism, the soya beans, bicycle hire, and of course lunches for tourists.
Without a doubt the home cooked food we had in the Ancient village beat all other vietnamese food we had on our tour hands down. It was delicious.
Great tour, nice people great lunch great tour guide. I Recommend it. I also highly recommend using David for transfers and city tours. I think he is also doing halong bay now as well.
Cheers
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