Tho Ha Village Day Trip : Explore Rustic Landscapes, Historic Alleys & Village Life

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1 Day Trip From HANOI
Private Tour
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Overview

Tour Map
Start/End: Hanoi/ Hanoi
Route: Hanoi- Tho Ha Village - Do Temple - Hanoi
Duration: 1 Day - Private Tour
Tour guide in: English

Trip Highlights

Tho Ha Village Day Tour:Experience Authentic Countryside & Friendly Locals

Tho Ha Village, located in Bac Ninh Province just a short drive from Hanoi, is a hidden gem offering a fascinating glimpse into rural Vietnamese life. Famous for its centuries-old pottery tradition, the village also stands out for its unique architecture, with houses constructed from broken terracotta vases. Tho Ha is renowned for its rice paper & pancake production, a craft that has been passed down through generations. Strolling through its narrow alleys, reminiscent of Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoi An’s ancient town, you’ll encounter friendly locals, explore centuries-old pagodas, and immerse yourself in the tranquil charm of this traditional village. A day trip to Tho Ha offers a rich cultural experience, with highlights including visits to the village’s ancient gate, communal house, its beautiful old banyan trees & Do temple for your great insights of Ly dynasty between 10th & 13th century. This peaceful village excursion is sure to be a memorable part of your Vietnam holiday

Tho Ha pottery village day trip - market

                               Having a local taste in Tho Ha Village          

Highlights of Tho Ha Pottery Village Day Trip

  • Discover the charm of a traditional Red River Delta village, renowned for its handicrafts and unique cultural symbols.
  • Engage in meaningful conversations and enjoy folk songs with a local host, offering a deeper insight into the village’s rich culture.
  • Try your hand at making rice paper and savor a delicious homemade lunch prepared by the host.
  • Visit Do Temple, where you’ll learn about the Ly dynasty and its important role in shaping Vietnam’s early history.

Itinerary

7:00 AM – Departure from Hanoi

Your private guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi. As we head towards Tho Ha Pottery Village, we’ll pass through the bustling streets of Hanoi and the industrial areas of Bac Ninh City.

8:30 AM – Arrival at Tho Ha Pottery Village

Upon reaching the village, we’ll take a local ferry across the Cau River to the heart of Tho Ha Village. Our first stop is the morning market, where you’ll immerse yourself in the vibrant daily life of the locals. This is the perfect opportunity to sample authentic local dishes and interact with the villagers.

9:15 AM – Visit to Mr. Viet’s Home

Next, we’ll take a short walk to the home of Mr. Viet, a long-time resident of Tho Ha. Over a cup of green tea or local rice wine, he will share stories about his family and the history of the village. Mr. Viet has a passion for music and collects traditional instruments. He’ll not only perform but also teach you how to play some of these instruments, accompanied by the region’s famous Quan Ho folk songs.

10:30 AM – Exploring the Village

After the musical experience, we’ll explore the village, where you’ll find unique homes made from terracotta vases and broken coffins. As we walk, you’ll see rice paper production in action, a craft practiced by nearly every family in the village. We’ll also visit a 500-year-old pagodathe village gate, and the communal house. Your guide will share fascinating stories about the village’s culture, traditions, and history, giving you deeper insights into the life of the locals.

12:00 PM – Rice Paper Making & Lunch at Mr. Viet’s Home

We’ll return to Mr. Viet’s home, where you’ll have a hands-on experience making rice paper with his guidance. Afterward, enjoy a home-cooked lunch featuring local dishes like spring rolls, roasted meats, and fried chicken, all paired with a glass of rice wine. You’ll enjoy good food and conversation with Mr. Viet and his family.

2:00 PM – Visit to Do Temple

After lunch, we’ll head to Do Temple, built in the 11th century to honor the kings of the Ly dynasty. Here, you’ll learn about the historical significance of Ly Cong Uan’s decision to move the capital from Hoa Lu to Hanoi in 1010.

3:00 PM – Return to Hanoi

We’ll drive back to Hanoi, with the day trip concluding around 3:45 PM when our driver drops you off at your hotel.

The Trip’s Inclusions :

  • Private car transfer with driver
  • English speaking tour guide
  • Ferry ticket
  • Vietnamese lunch of local dishes
  • A bottle of mineral water

The Trip’s Exclusions :

  • Drinks
  • Tips to guide & driver
  • Travel Insurance
  • Personal expenses & things not stated in the inclusions…..

Price

Group size Price / person Action
1 people 120 USD / person Book Now
2 people 70 USD / person Book Now
3 people 62 USD / person Book Now
4 people 54 USD / person Book Now
5 people 46 USD / person Book Now
6 people 42 USD / person Book Now
7 people 38 USD / person Book Now

Important information

Children Policy

  • Infants under 5 years old can join the tour free of charge. Any additional expenses incurred during the trip will be the responsibility of the parents.
  • Children from 5 to 8 years old are charged 75% of the adult rate.
  • Children aged 9 years and above are charged at the full adult rate.
  • Policy applies to 1 child sharing services with 2 adults. From the second child onward, 50% of the adult price will be applied.

Notes

  • Guests are recommended to bring personal essentials such as cash, mobile phone, camera, sunscreen, raincoat or umbrella, and suitable clothing depending on weather conditions and tour activities. Comfortable trekking shoes are advised for hiking activities, while long-sleeved clothing and long pants are recommended when visiting temples or religious sites.
  • Tour timing may be adjusted slightly due to traffic, weather, or actual operating conditions.
  • The itinerary sequence may be changed by the tour guide for the best operational arrangement while ensuring all attractions are covered.
  • If you have any medical conditions, food allergies, or special requests, please inform us before the departure date.
  • Pick-up and drop-off services are available from hotels located within Hanoi city center

Frequently Asked Questions

Tho Ha is world-renowned for its “terracotta walls.” In the past, the village was a major pottery hub. Instead of discarding broken ceramic pieces or failed kiln batches, locals used them as building materials. Today, walking through the narrow, zigzagging alleys, you will see ancient houses constructed from broken terracotta vases and earthen tiles, creating a rustic, reddish-brown aesthetic found nowhere else in the world.

While Tho Ha was one of the three oldest pottery centers in Northern Vietnam (alongside Bat Trang and Phu Lang) starting from the 12th century, the pottery craft largely ceased in the 1980s. However, the legacy remains in the village’s architecture and the Tho Ha Communal House, a masterpiece of 17th-century woodcarving. Today, the village has successfully transitioned into the “kingdom of rice paper.”

On sunny days, the village transforms into a giant outdoor gallery. Thousands of bamboo racks covered in thin, white rice paper are placed everywhere—along the riverbanks, in narrow alleys, and even on rooftops. Visitors can watch the delicate process of steaming the batter over wood fires and drying it under the morning dew to capture a natural fragrance.

 

The tour features several significant landmarks, including the Tho Ha Village Gate (a classic symbol of Northern Vietnamese culture), the ancient banyan trees, and the Tho Ha Communal House, which was built in 1692. Many itineraries also include a visit to the nearby Do Temple, dedicated to the eight emperors of the Ly Dynasty, providing deep insights into Vietnam’s medieval history.

Because the village is nestled on a peninsula surrounded by the Cau River, the final leg of the journey requires a local ferry crossing. Golden Holiday Travel provides private A/C car transfers from Hanoi to the ferry wharf. The short boat ride offers a beautiful vantage point to see the village’s ancient rooftops and the daily life of fishermen on the river.

 

Absolutely. One of the highlights of a trip with Golden Holiday Travel is the hands-on rice paper making experience. You can visit a local family workshop to learn the traditional techniques of spreading the rice batter and drying the sheets. Afterward, you’ll enjoy a home-cooked Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties like Banh Da Nem (spring rolls) made with the very paper you saw being crafted.

Good to Know

Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.

Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.

If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.

Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:

  • Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
  • Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
  • All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions

We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.

Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.

ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.

Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.

Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.

As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:

  • Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
  • Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
  • Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.

We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.

International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.

For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.

If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.

For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.

Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.

Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.

Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.

If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:

  • Collect your checked luggage after landing.
  • Complete immigration and customs procedures.
  • Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
  • Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.

Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes

This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.

Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

There are currently no compulsory vaccinations required for travelers entering Vietnam. However, depending on the length of your stay and the areas you plan to visit, several vaccinations are commonly recommended by health professionals, particularly for rural or remote travel.

Recommended vaccinations may include:

  • Hepatitis A & B
  • Typhoid
  • Tetanus, diphtheria & pertussis (booster shots advised)
  • Rabies (recommended for extended stays or frequent contact with animals)

If you take regular medication, we strongly advise bringing an adequate supply to cover your entire trip, as certain medicines may not be easily available locally.

Please also carry your medical prescription, ideally translated into English, to assist with customs procedures or in case medical attention is needed during your stay.

Upon your arrival in Vietnam, our driver will be waiting for you at the airport arrival exit according to your flight number and landing time. The driver will be holding a welcome sign displaying: “Golden Holiday Travel – [Your Name]”

Please take a moment to carefully look for your name among the signs at the arrival area. In case you cannot locate our driver immediately, kindly stay near the meeting point and contact our 24/7 support team for quick assistance:

Hotline / WhatsApp: +84 988 451 530

Useful Tip: We recommend activating international roaming or ensuring internet access on your phone upon arrival so we can easily communicate if necessary.

Important Note:At busy airports, many drivers may be waiting in the same area. If you do not see our representative right away, please do not leave the arrival hall – simply contact us and our team will assist you promptly.

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