
easy
10 hours
Suitable for anyone in decent general health; involves short bicycle rides and light walking over mostly flat terrain
Leave Hanoi’s traffic behind for a day among artisans: ride quiet lanes past incense yards, watch conical hats take shape, and cycle the centuries-old alleys of Duong Lam Ancient Village. This private tour blends hands-on craft demonstrations with easy cycling and a local lunch.
The minivan slips out of Hanoi before sunrise and the city’s noise thins into long ribboned fields. Rice paddies mirror a pale sky while the guide sketches the day ahead: a loop through Chuong’s hat workshops, Quang Phu Cau’s incense yards, and the weathered lanes of Duong Lam Ancient Village. By the time the first village gate appears, you are already away from the blink-and-you-miss-it frenzy of the capital and into a quieter rhythm governed by craft and tradition.

Departures beat midday heat — morning light makes village visits and photos far more comfortable.
Temples and communal houses expect respectful coverage — pack a lightweight scarf or sleeve cover.
Workshops are cash-friendly for souvenirs; ATMs are limited in villages.
Paved streets give way to packed-earth alleys — low-profile hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers work best.
Duong Lam is one of Vietnam’s few surviving ancient villages with houses and family records dating back several centuries; Quang Phu Cau’s incense craft expanded during the colonial era into a village economy.
These villages face pressure from modernization and tourism; support local workshops directly and avoid single-use plastics to minimize impact.
You’ll bike short stretches between sites; use the supplied bike or bring your own for comfort.
Two bottles are provided but a refillable bottle keeps you hydrated through hot afternoons.
summer specific
Open fields and midday cycling expose you to direct sun.
summer specific
Useful for temple visits and sudden breeze across the delta in cooler months.