4 Day Vietnam Exploration – Art, Crafts, and Ethnic Villages

SKU: HVNVI-CL-04C Categories: April, August, Day Experiences, December, February, Ha Noi, January, July, June, March, May, November, October, Private Tours (can be customised for Solo, Couples, Families), Season/Month, September, Sightseeing

Itinerary

4 Days 3 Nights | From Hanoi to Sapa
An immersive cultural journey through Vietnam’s art, heritage and ethnic diversity.

Day 1: Hanoi – Discover the Soul of Vietnamese Art

Begin your journey in the capital city of Hanoi with a curated introduction to its vibrant art and culture scene. Your first stop is the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, home to centuries of artistic expression, from ancient sculptures to contemporary post-war works.

Continue to Craft Link Handicraft Bazaar, a fair-trade shop supporting local artisans and ethnic minorities. Explore intricate traditional Vietnamese crafts such as textiles, embroidery, and handwoven items.

After lunch, step back in time at the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university dating back to the 11th century. Then take a guided walk through the atmospheric Old Quarter, where French colonial charm meets old-world Vietnamese traditions.

In the evening, enjoy a live Water Puppetry performance – an enchanting form of folk theatre that brings Vietnamese mythology and daily life to the stage… on water.

Meals: Lunch | Guide

Day 2: Van Phuc Silk Village & Lacquer Art Workshop

After breakfast, travel to Van Phuc Village, one of the oldest silk weaving villages in Vietnam. Learn about the traditional silk-making process, from cocoon to loom, and witness how this ancient craft has been preserved across generations.

Then, take part in a hands-on workshop at VUN Art, where you’ll spend 90 minutes creating your own silk collage on a tote bag or small canvas – a truly personalised souvenir.

In the afternoon, continue to Tay Ho Lacquer School and meet artist Tran Anh Tuan. Discover the refined art of Vietnamese lacquer painting, and try the technique yourself under expert guidance. The workshop offers insight into materials, layering techniques, and traditional aesthetics.

Return to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Guide

Day 3: Ethnic Market Experience – Journey to Sapa

Leave Hanoi early and head north to one of Vietnam’s colourful ethnic markets (market day varies by location and week). These lively gatherings are where minority groups such as the Hmong, Dao, and Tay people come together to trade goods, food, and stories.

Walk among stalls filled with handmade crafts, brocades, herbal medicines, and local produce. This is a rare chance to observe authentic daily life and traditional attire in action.

After the market, continue your journey through scenic mountain roads to reach Sapa, nestled in the highlands near Mount Fansipan. Check in to your mountain lodge surrounded by terraced rice fields and cloud-covered peaks.

Evening at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch | Guide

Day 4: Relax in Sapa – Return to Hanoi

Enjoy a leisurely morning in Sapa, with the option to explore nearby villages or simply take in the stunning natural landscape. You might choose to visit local Hmong or Dao communities, learn about their customs, or enjoy traditional herbal baths and local food.

After lunch, transfer back to Hanoi by private vehicle or sleeper train, depending on your travel plan.

Meals: Breakfast | Driver

Price

TBC

Inclusions

TBC

Exclusions

TBC

Hotel List

TBC

Tour FAQs

What is Craft Link Handicraft Bazaar?

A not-for-profit organization supporting local handicraft producers in Vietnam.

What is the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum known for?

It offers an overview of Vietnamese art history, including prehistoric, feudal, and post-war modern art such as paintings, ceramics, and lacquers.

What is special about the Temple of Literature?

It is Vietnam’s first university, dating back to the 11th century.

What is the Old Quarter known for?

Its vibrant, bustling atmosphere with French colonial architecture, pagodas, tube houses, and modern buildings.

What is included in the cyclo ride?

A guided tour through Hanoi’s architectural mix, including colonial, Chinese, and modern styles.

What can we expect from the Water Puppetry performance?

A unique northern Vietnamese art form offering a light-hearted introduction to rural culture.

Can I take photos at the sites?

Photography is generally allowed, but some places may have restrictions; please check with your guide.

What should I pack?

Comfortable clothing, camera, sun protection, and personal items.

Who is the guide?

A knowledgeable local guide accompanies you throughout.

Is this a private or group tour?

This is a private tour, designed for a personalized and flexible experience. You can explore at your own pace, with fewer people around, ensuring greater comfort and privacy. Enjoy direct, uninterrupted access to your guide, allowing for deeper insights into the destination.

How physically demanding is this tour?

There’s no intense hiking or trekking, and most transport is handled for you. If you have any mobility concerns, you will need to manage walking through markets and museum grounds, but overall, it's quite manageable.

What are the main highlights of the tour?

Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum: A deep dive into Vietnamese art history, from prehistoric times to post-war modern art.
Temple of Literature: Vietnam’s first university, dating back to the 11th century.
Ethnology Museum: Insight into Vietnam’s 54 ethnic groups.
Old Quarter & Hoan Kiem Lake: A mix of French colonial architecture, social realism, and traditional Vietnamese styles.
Cyclo Ride: A relaxing way to experience Hanoi’s historic streets.
Water Puppetry Show: A unique, traditional Northern Vietnamese art form.

What are the main Traditional Craft Experiences of this tour?

Van Phuc Silk Village: Learning about silk weaving and dyeing traditions.
VUN Art Workshop: Create your own silk-grafted artwork while supporting a social enterprise for people with disabilities.
Tay Ho Lacquer Art Workshop: Hands-on experience with Vietnam’s famous lacquer painting technique.
Ethnic Minority Market Visit: An authentic experience to see local trading, customs, and colorful traditional dress.
Scenic Mountain Drive to Sapa: Stunning landscapes on the way to this famous hill station.
Overnight Train Experience: A classic way to travel between Hanoi and Lao Cai.

Is travel insurance required?

Yes, it is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers health, accidents, and trip cancellations. It is important to check that the policy covers all activities included in the tour.

Do I need a visa to travel to Vietnam?

Most travellers will need a visa to enter Vietnam. We can help with obtaining your visa either in advance or on arrival, depending on your nationality. Please ensure your passport has at least six months of validity from the date of your arrival into Vietnam.

Tour Map

Begin your Vietnam art and culture tour in Hanoi, where the city’s rich artistic heritage comes to life. Your journey starts with a visit to the Vietnam National Fine Arts Museum, home to a remarkable collection of artwork spanning from prehistoric sculptures to post-war modern pieces. This cultural gem offers an insightful introduction to Vietnam’s artistic evolution.

Continue your day at Craft Link Handicraft Bazaar, a non-profit organisation dedicated to preserving traditional Vietnamese crafts. Here, you’ll find beautiful handmade textiles, ceramics, and woodwork created by ethnic minority artisans across the country.

Next, step into Vietnam’s scholarly past at the Temple of Literature, the country’s first national university built in the 11th century. Then stroll through the Old Quarter of Hanoi, a vibrant maze of narrow streets where French colonial architecture meets traditional Vietnamese design. To conclude the day, enjoy a performance of traditional water puppetry – a centuries-old folk art that combines music, storytelling, and puppets gliding across water.

The next day, travel to Van Phuc Silk Village, one of Vietnam’s most renowned silk weaving villages. Learn about the intricate silk-making process that has been handed down through generations, and join a hands-on workshop at VUN Art. During this 90-minute creative session, you can craft your own silk-grafted artwork or tote bag – a meaningful keepsake from your journey.

Continue your exploration of traditional Vietnamese arts at the Tay Ho Lacquer School, where you’ll be introduced to the complex world of lacquer painting. Guided by artist Tran Anh Tuan, you’ll discover how natural materials and layered techniques come together to create this uniquely Vietnamese form of art. You’ll also have the opportunity to try it yourself, making the experience both immersive and inspiring.

Your cultural journey then takes you north to one of Vietnam’s vibrant ethnic markets, where minority communities gather to trade goods, exchange stories, and celebrate their heritage. Surrounded by colourful costumes and traditional crafts, you’ll witness authentic cultural expressions that have remained unchanged for generations.

Finally, head into the mountains towards Sapa, a picturesque town nestled beneath Mount Fansipan – the highest peak in Vietnam. This region is known for its striking terraced rice fields, cool mountain air, and deep-rooted ethnic traditions. Stay overnight in a peaceful mountain lodge, where you can unwind and take in the natural beauty of northern Vietnam before returning to Hanoi.

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