The heart and soul of Vietnam's culture, the capital of Hanoi is an alluring amalgamation of East and West, tradition and modernity. With our insider contacts, this Cultural Hanoi Vietnam tour goes beyond normal touring to bring you face-to-face with Hanoi natives to experience the authentic way of local life. Savor a traditional Vietnamese meal in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter in the home of a renowned culinary expert. Meet with respected local nobility for lunch in his family home and hear from him a personal account of Vietnamese history.

To show you Vietnam's rich traditions in performing arts, this Vietnam tour takes you to a local theatre to watch an enthralling show of tuong, ca tru or water puppetry. Tuong is a type of classical opera that combines singing, dancing and miming. Ca Tru is an ancient genre of chamber music featuring female vocalists, and water puppetry, a unique Vietnamese art-form with origins in local folk traditions. A fascinating tour of Hanoi's art spaces, from the quirky galleries to creative people, will show you what makes this city an emerging art capital.

At one of Hanoi's oldest temples, partake in a unique Tai Chi session under the tutelage of an acclaimed master. Meet with a local expert and practitioner of traditional Vietnamese medicine, and receive a diagnosis based on ancient Eastern techniques. A walk through Hanoi's traditional medicine street will unveil an incredible variety of herbs and spices on offer.

This Vietnam package tour features excursions to ancient villages, picturesque pagodas and famous relics in the countryside to show you the rural agricultural lifestyles. In Hanoi's outskirts, a trip to handicraft villages specializing in single-commodity production offers you a chance to witness how artisans make conical hats, bird cages and pottery with their skilful hands.

Discover the vibrancy of Vietnam's past and the dynamism of its present in this amazing tour. After this in-depth Hanoi cultural journey, complete your travel in Vietnam with an overnight cruise in Halong Bay or a tour of Ho Chi Minh City in the south.

Upon arrival in Hanoi, your guide and private car will meet you and transfer you to your hotel for check-in. Depending on your arrival time, visit the Ethnology Museum (closed on Mondays) to learn about Vietnam's diverse culture and ethnic groups. This evening, watch a traditional performance of Tuong, Ca Tru or water puppetry. Enjoy your dinner in the heart of Hanoi's Old Quarter in the home of a Hanoian culinary expert.

Overnight in Hanoi

Rise early today and head to one of Hanoi's oldest temples for a 1-hour Tai Chi session with an acclaimed master. Return to your hotel for breakfast before departing for the countryside around Hanoi. Visit the ancient village of Duong Lam with a local-style lunch in a century-old house. This afternoon, drive to the surrounding areas to explore famous temple sites, including Mia Pagoda, Ngo Quyen and Phung Hung temples, and Tay Phuong Pagoda. Drive back to Hanoi for dinner at a restored villa restaurant.  

Overnight in Hanoi

This morning, travel just outside of the busy capital for a tour of single-commodity villages to meet local artisans and observe handicraft-making. Head back to Hanoi for lunch and this afternoon, visit Dr Huong, a traditional medicine expert and practitioner. Then visit the traditional medicine street and browse the variety of herbs and spices on offer. You are free to spend this evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

This morning, an insider tour of Hanoi's art scene with your knowledgeable guide will show you the city's quirky galleries, artists' hang-outs and hidden places. For lunch, step into the home of one of Hanoi's most respected and oldest families and enjoy a cosy lunch amid the antiques, artefacts and family photographs. (Note: this home visit can accommodate a maximum 8 persons; a restaurant will be used instead for group sizes larger than 8.) Spend the rest of this afternoon and evening at leisure.

Overnight in Hanoi

Enjoy your day at leisure until your transfer to the airport for your onward flight.