Your private guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi. Board a comfortable air-conditioned car, and begin your journey to the serene Thay Pagoda, located about 25 kilometers southwest of the city.

The Thay Pagoda is a stunning, tranquil Buddhist temple built during the 11th century under the Ly dynasty. Nestled at the foot of Sai Son Mountain, this pagoda is dedicated to Tu Dao Hanh, a Buddhist monk known for his contributions to the arts of water puppetry and medicine. • Explore the three main sections: the Ha Pagoda (lower temple), the Trung Pagoda (middle temple), and the Thuong Pagoda (upper temple) set on the mountain. • Visit the unique ancient water puppet theater located by the lake, a testament to Tu Dao Hanh's influence. • Walk around the Long Tri Lake and enjoy the peaceful surroundings, with views of nearby caves and small pagodas.

After your visit to Thay Pagoda, head towards Duong Lam Ancient Village, one of the most well-preserved traditional villages in Vietnam. The journey offers glimpses of the Vietnamese countryside, with rice paddies and small villages passing by. 11:30 AM - Arrive at Duong Lam Ancient Village Duong Lam is a historical village over 1,200 years old, known for its ancient architecture, laterite stone houses, and traditional way of life. The village is often referred to as the "Land of Two Kings" because it is the birthplace of two Vietnamese kings, Phung Hung and Ngo Quyen. • Start your exploration by visiting the Mong Phu Temple, a communal house that serves as the spiritual center of the village. • Wander through narrow, rustic alleys, and take in the sights of ancient laterite stone homes. • Visit the traditional homes of local residents, some of which are hundreds of years old, and learn about the village’s rich history and local customs.

Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch in one of the centuries-old houses in Duong Lam Village. The meal offers a unique opportunity to sample authentic local cuisine while experiencing life in a historic home. Traditional dishes include grilled pork wrapped in fig leaves, che lam (a local sweet), and sticky rice.

After lunch, continue your exploration of Duong Lam. The village offers several important historical and religious sites: • Visit the Mia Pagoda (Sugarcane Pagoda), which houses 287 Buddha statues, including famous sculptures like the statues of Buddha in meditation and the Eight Vajra Deities. • See the Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temples, which honor the two great kings born in the village. If you're feeling adventurous, take a bicycle ride through the quiet village streets, passing by rice fields and quaint local homes. Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing walk, taking in the peaceful rural atmosphere.