Convert

Lands of Skillful Fingers - 11 days 10 nights

An 11-day program will bring you to villages and art centers where the villagers and artists either make handicrafts or do paintings to satisfy their indulgence and earn their livings. You will see the procedure of making a pottery item or a traditional lantern... All will fill your trip with newfangled and interesting memories. Meet and talk to local people as much as you wish to learn more on their daily life.
 
Key Highlights:
  • Visit local handicraft villages and interact with local artists
  • Explore the beauty of ancient Duong Lam Village
  • Interact with contemporary artists in Saigon

Available Itinerary

Day 1: Hanoi arrival

Arrival flight information (own ticket, flight information to be advised)
Upon arrival, when you leave the airport terminal please look for 4U Tours’ guide displaying a welcome signboard with your name on it. Transfer to your hotel.
 
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and the second largest city, is a fascinating blend which combines traditional Sino-Vietnamese motifs with French flair, of the East and West. The fact that it was largely unscathed in the decades of war and is now going through a building boom makes it a rapidly developing city in Southeast Asia.
 
Dinner is served at Ly Club Restaurant. Set in a French colonial building which was the former residence of the Governor of Indochina in the 19th century, Ly Club is an elegant setting for enjoying delightful Vietnamese cuisine and live traditional Northern folk opera music performance.
 
Accommodation: Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (5-star)
Luxury Room
Address: 15 Ngo Quyen Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi
Tel: (+84 4) 3826 6919
 
Hotel Information:
Step back into history at Hanoi’s most storied 5-star hotel. A Grand Dame of Southeast Asia Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoï welcomes guests to experience her colonial grandeur and timeless elegance. Located steps from the Opera House in Hanoï's French Quarter, this legendary property brings guests into intimate contact with the opulence of another era. Surround yourself in heritage as you stroll by stately corridors and explore a dramatic past.

Day 2: Hanoi Handicraft Villages

Meet 4U Tours guide at your hotel and enjoy a 30-minute drive to the rural outskirts of Hanoi.
 
Stop at the picturesque Ha Thai Village, where generations of families have been engaged in lacquer ware making. The wide range of available quality products is a testament to the skills and dedication of the villagers. 
 
Stroll around the village to admire the craftsmanship and make a stop at a studio.
 
Afterwards, continue to Ninh So Village, known as wood carving village as well as the cradle of rattan and bamboo products. The villagers produce a variety of items - handbags, baskets, lampshades and furniture. You name it and they have it.
 
Lastly, drive to Nhi Khe Village where most of the households here are involved in turning wood, horn and bone into practical and beautiful items such as musical instruments, jewelry or ornaments.
 
Return to Hanoi in mid-afternoon.
 
Lunch will be at Press Club Restaurant for French cuisine.

Day 3: Hanoi Ancient Villages

Meet 4U Tours guide at your hotel and depart for a 1.5-hour drive to the ancient village of Duong Lam, a typical agricultural village in the north of the Red River Delta which is home of around 300 houses built three or four centuries ago. Wander along Duong Lam’s narrow alleyways to explore Vietnamese rural life and ancient architecture.
 
Visit Mong Phu Communal House, which is a gathering place of the villagers for cultural activities.
 
Lunch is served at a local house.
 
In the afternoon, continue your trip to Mia Pagoda (a hamlet in Duong Lam Village), which was built in 15th century and admire 287 statues of all sizes, among which are famous sculptures such as the statue of Buddha in the Himalayas and the statues of the Eight Vajra Deities.
 
Then visit Ngo QuyenTemple and Phung Hung Temple, places dedicated to two national heroes.
 
Finish your tour at an ancient house where you can have a chat with the friendly owners and share their life experiences.
 
Drive back to Hanoi.

Day 4: Hanoi - Fly to Hue

This morning, transfer to Hanoi airport for your flight to Hue.
 
Domestic flight Hanoi – Hue is on Vietnam Airlines (economy class).
 
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your guide and transferred to town.
 
Lunch is served at Y Thao Restaurant. Located near the Imperial Citadel, Y Thao restaurant is a small complex of traditional Hue-style house. The family members offer Hue cuisine – especially Royal dishes with its typical art of food preparation such as spring rolls in a royal peacock shape and lotus steamed rice.
 
In the afternoon, visit the Citadel Complex of Hue, set up by Nguyen Dynasty from 1805 to 1945, is now one amongst the relics of the Hue Ancient Capital – the World Cultural Heritage, capturing much of tourists’ attention. They are Hue Capital Citadel, Royal Citadel and Forbidden Citadel.
 
Accommodation:  La Residence Hotel & Spa (4- star)
Deluxe Riverview Room
Address: 5 Le Loi Street, Hue
Tel: (+84 54) 3837 475
 
Hotel information:
Step back in time. Indulge serenity. A member of the Mgallery collection of memorable hotels by Accor, La Résidence Hue Hotel & Spa is an enchanting boutique hotel on the banks of the fabled Perfume River overlooking the former Imperial Citadel – once home of Emperors and now preserved as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 

Day 5: Hue – Danang – Hoi An

This morning, visit King Khai Dinh’s Tomb, the last Mausoleum built during the Nguyen Dynasty.  It is perhaps the most beautiful one of all the royal tombs. Situated on one of the Chau Mountains, amidst pine, cassava and sugarcane, King Khai Dinh’s Tomb is surrounded by natural beauty. Its architecture is a blend of East and West.
 
Continue with Thien Mu Pagoda, which is considered as the symbol of Hue. Built in 1844 by Emperor Thieu Tri, it features golden Buddha images at the base, along with a big bell casted in 1710, and a stone turtle holding a marble stele inscribed in the 17th century.
 
Lunch is served at Ancient Hue Restaurant. This fine restaurant is a collection of original Hue ancient royal houses.  The decors evokes authentic ambiance of a Royal Palace. Delicate sweet and spicy flavors and an abundance of fresh produce and seafood characterize Hue cuisine; Ancient Hue showcases the best authentic dishes from the region, as well as a wide range of innovative fusion cuisine.
 
After lunch, drive 3 hours to Hoi An over the scenic Hai Van Pass – meaning Pass of the Ocean Clouds – which boasts a spectacular panoramic view of the central coastline from the summit.
 
En route, stop to visit the Marble Mountains and Non Nuoc Fine Arts Village, a small village lies beneath Stone Marble, where nationwide and worldwide famous marble handicraft works are produced. Visiting the village of stone, you will not be able to hold admiration before the artwork made from stone, each work shows how talented and subtle the craftsmen are.
 
Transfer to your resort for relaxing on the beautiful beach.
 
Dinner today is on your own.
 
Accommodation:  The Nam Hai Hoi An (5-star)
One-bedroom Villa
Address: Hamlet 1 Dien Duong Village, Dien Ban District, Hoi An
Tel: (+84 510) 394 0000
 
Hotel information:
The stunning all villa resort located on pristine Hoi An Beach features sixty one-bedroom retreats as well as forty privately owned two-to-five bedroom residences each with a private infinity pool. Resort guests and residence owners at this award winning property enjoy impeccable service amid lush landscaping and unobstructed views of the sea.  The unique and gracious culture of Central Vietnam combines with The Nam Hai’s unprecedented splendor to deliver one of the world’s foremost luxury experiences.  
 

Day 6: Hoi An – Thanh Ha Pottery Village and Walking Tour

After breakfast at the hotel, you will visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village. Upon arrival at the village, visit a local house to see artisans shaping utensils. Continue to Nam Dieu Temple of the founder of the potters (stop of Minh Mang King). Try making a whistle with clay on your own.
 
After the visit, enjoy a boat trip on Thu Bon River to see the beautiful sights along the river and back to Hoi An Town.
 
Lunch is served at Ancient Faifo Restaurant, which is set in an ancient house that once inhabited and inspired two generations of prominent Hoi An artisans. The restaurant offers sensational Vietnamese cuisine in a delightful presentation. Combining elements of art, music and history, it is an ideal choice for dining or just sipping a cocktail.
 
In the afternoon, visit Phung Hung Ancient House, which used to be a shop-house of the formers merchants as well as a city house of special value built in the middle of the 19th century; Museum of Hoi An, a harmonious cultures combination of Vietnam, Japan & China; Kwan Kung Temple.
 
Continue to visit Japanese Covered Bridge, which was built in the 16th century, consisting a Japanese pagoda to protect the sailors on the northern side, the statues of two dogs at the western end, and two monkeys at the eastern end; Hoi An Market, and Workshop of Traditional Handicrafts
 
Hoi An Town is also famous for instant tailor shops for vest, dress, Viet Nam Traditional Ao Dai which you can have within 24 hours after the order.
 
Dinner is on your own.

Day 7: Free day

Today, you are free at leisure to enjoy the beauty of Hoi An Beach and the charming resort

Day 8: Danang – Saigon

This morning, you will be transferred to Danang airport to take the flight to Saigon.
 
Domestic flight Danang – Saigon is on Vietnam Airlines (economy class).
 
Upon arrival, you will be welcomed by your private English speaking guide and transferred to town.
This evening, transfer to Ly Club Restaurant for dinner. Set in a classic French colonial-era villa, The Ly Club Saigon is surrounded by a garden and fountains. The menu features innovative Western and Vietnamese dishes which can be enjoyed at the al-fresco area or inside the wonderfully decorated private dining rooms.
 
Accommodation:  Park Hyatt Saigon (5-star)
Park Room
Address: 02 Lam Son, District 1, Ho Chi Minh city
Tel: (+84 8) 3824 1234
 
Hotel Information:
Our grand hotel in Saigon majestically rises nine stories above District 1, steps from the elegant Opera House, Notre Dame Cathedral, Reunification Palace, Ben Thanh Market, and other Saigon main tourist attractions, the exhibition center and business district. Hyatt’s 244 rooms & suites redefine urban luxury, blending sophisticated design and décor with the latest modern comforts as the leading Saigon hotel.

Day 9: A Day with Local Artists

Saigon is the country’s commercial center and, with over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, a city that never sleeps. Despite the well-documented hustle and bustle, Saigon retains its connections with the past.
 
This morning, drive to visit Notre Dame Cathedral, General Post Office and the former Presidential Palace.
 
Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires based on the original construction from Paris.
 
Central Post Office, designed by the French architect, Gustav Eiffel, before he had risen to fame for the Eiffel Tower.
 
The former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American war, is a short drive away and reveals the history of Saigon during its turbulent recent past.
 
Then visit the KuJean Gallery and have a talk with designer Chuong Dang, who is famous for his re-made jeans and Ao Dai designs. You are welcomed to try his jeans as well as Ao Dai designs and take some photos.
 
Continue with Ru. Pho Bar within some steps, Chuong Dang will make you surprise when being a talented chef. Enjoy the cooking show and learn how to cook some Vietnamese dishes with him.
 
Enjoy your lunch with what you have cooked.
 
After lunch, drive to Minh Phuong Lacquer-ware Showroom, where you can see various kinds of products from lacquer ware.
 
You will be instructed to make a product by yourself that you can bring home as a souvenir.
 
Vietnam has become one of the biggest rice exporters. For centuries, rice is not only related to farm work but also the cultural and spiritual life. Born in Mekong Delta, the young artist Quynh Vy breathes art into rice grains. Rice was selected and meticulously preserved in the right techniques. After having been treated with heat to natural-colored, rice are arranged on a wooden frame. Pay a visit to Vy’s small home studio. Have a chat with her to get an insight of the soul of each picture that her artisans created. With your patience, you might want to try your hand using tweezers to put rice grains into an artwork of your way.
 
Dinner today is on your own.

Day 10: Day trip to Mekong Delta

This morning depart for 2.5-hour drive to Cai Be located in Tien Giang Province.
 
On arrival, board the local motor-boat Mekong Travel to visit Cai Be Floating Market and experience the agricultural river activities. Then take the rowing boat to go deeper inside the maze of small & quiet canals. Chances to see traditional houses made of wood and palm leaves, learn how local farmers catch fishes or pick up fruits by ancestral ways in Mekong Delta. Then cruise further 45 minutes to An Binh Island in Vinh Long.
 
 Enjoy lunch with Mekong Delta specialties at Ut Trinh Home’s Restaurant.
 
Walk around the family’s garden seeing many kinds of vegetables and fruits. Then sit down for a cup of tea while enjoying the traditional folk music of Mekong Delta.
 
Get back to your boat and cruise to visit the brick kilns to see how the local people create lovely potteries from clay and how bricks are burned. Continue to visit the rustic workshop of Viet Artisans. Set in peaceful scenery, the non-profit project Viet Artisans helps unemployed women in the rural of Mekong Delta how to make culturally-meaningful handicrafts. You might want to buy some souvenirs as a way to support them.
 
Cruise back to the pier in Vinh Long where your car is waiting for a 3-hour drive back to Saigon.
 
Dinner is on your own.

Day 11: Saigon Departure

Breakfast at hotel
 
Today, you are free until being transferred to the airport for your departure flight home (air ticket is on your own).

4U NOTE:
  • Tour cost is in US dollars and based on the above suggested hotels & room categories. It is subject to change due to hotel availability and increase in airfare upon confirmation.
  • Quoted program prices are per person, based on group of 2 persons, double / twin share. 
What to be Included?:

Activities

  • 10-night accommodation as indicated in the program
    • 3 nights at Sofitel Legend Metropole – Luxury Room                                              
    • 1 night at La Residence Hue – Deluxe Riverview Room                                                        
    • 3 nights at The Nam Hai – One bedroom Villa
    • 3 night at Park Hyatt Saigon – Park Room                                                  
  • Interaction with local people at the local villages
  • Interaction with fashion designer Chuong Dang
  • Interaction with Ms. Quynh Vy, rice painting artist
  • Meals as indicated in the program
  • Admission fees as per itinerary
  • Private air-conditioned transportation
  • Regional English speaking guides during the program
  • Bottled water and wet tissues during transfers
Not to be Included:
  • Visa to Vietnam
  • Airport Assistance Service
  • International flight tickets & Airport tax
  • Domestic flight tickets & Airport tax
  • Meals not mentioned in the itinerary and drinks during meals
  • Drinks / water at included lunches and dinners
  • Hotel early check-in / Late check-out
  • Overweight luggage
  • Travel & Trip insurance
  • Other expenses which are not clearly mentioned in inclusive services
  • Gratuities to guides and drivers (suggested USD 10 / person / day)
Airfare Hanoi – Hue; Danang – Saigon: USD 230 / ticket (on Economy class, inclusive of airport tax)
**Airfare is subject to change by the airlines without prior notice.
 
4U NOTE:
Tour cost is in US dollars and based on the above suggested hotels & room categories. It is subject to change due to hotel availability and increase in airfare upon confirmation.
 

Booking

Lands of Skillful Fingers

Package price: USD 3,974 per person



: USD 7,949



ajax loader