What to do around Hanoi ?
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a must during a trip to Vietnam. But sometimes, we forget that its surroundings are worth a visit. Around the capital, many sites exist for those who want to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city. Small picturesque villages, traditional craft villages and ancient pagodas.
You are in Hanoi and you want to escape from the capital for a day? Here are some ideas of visits around Hanoi. They are mainly beautiful villages and pagodas to discover near the city.
1. The ancient village of Duong Lam
One and a half hours west of Hanoi is the village of Duong Lam, a typical village in the countryside of northern Vietnam. Listed as a national heritage site, this village still preserves the characteristics of an ancient Vietnamese village such as the banyan tree (sacred tree of Buddhism), the well, the common house and the old laterite houses. A walk or a bike ride around the village allows you to discover the peaceful rural life of the locals.
2. Bat Trang pottery village
Less than an hour south of Hanoi, be sure to visit the pottery village of Bat Trang. This village has long been renowned for the originality, quality and beauty of its pottery. Visitors can learn more about the complex process of making pottery. In particular, you can make your own pottery to give to your family and friends.
3. Silk village of Van Phuc
Silk lovers, this walk around Hanoi is made for you! Van Phuc, located about 10 km west of downtown Hanoi, is indeed known for the quality of its silk. The products at Van Phuc silk village are various, such as scarf, bag, clothes … When you arrive at the village, you can not only see and buy products, but also discover the manufacturing process.
4. Kieu Ky village
About 20 km from downtown Hanoi is Kieu Ky, an ancient gold and silver leaf making village. The precious gold and silver leaf of Kieu Ky village is well known and used for gilding works related to spiritual life such as parallel sentences (good omen formulas written on red paper with gold or silver leaf), transverse panels of pagodas, statues of pagodas, temples, palaces… all over the country. Nothing better than to visit this village to understand the daily life of the inhabitants and the process of manufacture of the gold sheets.
5. Perfume Pagoda
Located about 60 km southwest of Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda is an important Buddhist pilgrimage site in the country. It is a group of temples and pagodas located on the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain (Mountain of Smell Imprint), Huong Son Commune, My Duc District. By visiting this pagoda, you can enjoy the sugarloaf landscape and make interesting cultural discoveries about Vietnamese Buddhism. We recommend you to go there outside the festival to appreciate the harmony and tranquility of this place.
6. Thay pagoda
Located about 30 km from the heart of Hanoi, Thay Pagoda (Master Pagoda) is famous not only for its traditional architecture but also for its surrounding landscape. This pagoda was built during the reign of King Ly Nhan Tong to pay homage to the monk Tu Dao Hanh, the founder of Vietnamese water puppetry. The pagoda is composed of three buildings: Ha pagoda, Trung pagoda and Thuong pagoda. In the middle of the lake is a pavilion on stilts, the oldest water puppet theater of the 17th century.
7. Tay Phuong pagoda
Tay Phuong Pagoda (Western Pagoda) is located in the suburban district of Thach That, 35 km from central Hanoi. It is one of the oldest pagodas in Vietnam. It is famous for its collection of 62 jackfruit wood sculptures, masterpieces of the 18th century. In 1962, this pagoda became a national historical and cultural site. As the pride of Vietnamese Buddhist art, the pagoda attracts a large number of pilgrims, international Buddhist delegations and foreign tourists every year.
8. But Thap pagoda
A short hour east of Hanoi, in Thuan Thanh district, Bac Ninh province, is the But Thap (Brush-shaped Tower) pagoda. It presents the quintessence of Vietnamese Buddhist art. You can find architectural and sculptural works that reflect the skills of Vietnamese craftsmen in the 17th century. This pagoda attracts many pilgrims interested in discovering the origin of Buddhism and its original architecture.
You now know where to go to escape from the capital during your stay in Hanoi !
