Private Hanoi: Northern Villages of Nam Dinh tour
Hanoi, Vietnam
From USD 145.00
Office phone number: +84 (0) 904 193 308
Private Hanoi: Northern Villages of Nam Dinh tour
Hanoi, Vietnam
Culture shock rating
Worried we’re going to shock your senses? Relax! We believe part of the fun of travel is immersing yourself in the destination and its culture, meeting the people, and learning what makes the place tick. We’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The cultural shock rating ranks how different the experience is from most Western cultures. But no matter the level, don’t worry, you’ll have a local, in-the-know guide with you every step of the way.
Low
Consider these tours your 101 intro to a place. Transportation might be private or a very comfortable public option, and the activities are usually visits to iconic sites and locations that are familiar to most Western cultures – but that will still give you fantastic insight into a destination.
Medium
Expect to rough it for parts of this tour, whether that’s on a packed public bus or in a local market off the tourist trail. There might be a few language barriers or unfamiliar cultural customs, and you’ll get an experience different from what you're used to at home.
High
You're out there in the global community! We’re going to take you down streets you’d rarely explore on your own, introduce you to local customs and languages, and take you for a ride in whatever transport is available. Get ready to take it as it comes, whatever comes. There might be a shock, but oh man, it’s worth it.
Physical rating
Worried our tours are too tough? Relax! From leisurely strolls to muscle-burning treks, we’ve got a wide range of tours with something for everybody. The physical grading gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the tour.
Low
Slow and steady is all you need here. These tours have very limited physical activity, such as walking relatively flat streets, sites, or markets, and climbing in and out of the transport provided.
Medium
Not too hard, not too soft, these tours are just right! You can expect a bit of physical activity, but nothing overly challenging – perhaps walking up and down hills, riding a bike for up to 30 kilometers along mostly flat terrain, or jumping in a kayak for a gentle paddle on flat water.
High
Get ready for a workout! These tours are our most challenging and involve intense walking, hiking, kayaking, swimming, or bike riding. You could be making steep climbs by foot or pedal, or working your core in the water. We recommend you have a good level of fitness to join this tour.
-
Tour snapshot
Leave hectic Hanoi behind and discover the northern villages of Nam Dinh on a half-day adventure alongside a local guide. Take a scenic bike ride through the Vietnamese countryside, visit a local market and an artist’s home, take in a mini water puppet show, and enjoy a cooking demonstration before tucking into a tasty local dish – all of which combine for an unforgettable experience in Vietnam.
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
-
Highlights
- Admire the skilled craftspeople of Vietnam’s Red River Delta and visit the home of a local artist
- Get a hands-on lesson in making a water puppet and enjoy a mini water puppet show
- Enjoy a bike ride through the beautiful Vietnamese countryside
- See a cooking demonstration of a traditional dish you’ll then get to enjoy in a pretty garden setting
- Visit a village market and stop for a snack among locals
Local Impact: How you will help the local community by joining this tour:
- During your tour, you will have the chance to interact with locals and by joining the tour, some of your fee goes towards supporting a local family in the village.
- All of the food you enjoy on this tour has been produced or grown in the area.
-
Schedule details
- Duration: 10-11 hours
- Meeting point:
Meet at the front entrance of Hanoi Opera House, 1 Trang Tien Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi.
View on Google maps.
- Find the exact meeting point with what3words:
- Starting time: 7.30 AM
- Ending point:
Drop off will be at centrally located hotels in Hanoi.
Language: English
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, return transfers, all entrance fees, lunch and cooking demonstration, welcome drink, 1 snack, water refills, finger food or tropical fruit at local market, bike rental and helmet.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide, travel insurance.
Our journey begins with a 2 ½ hour drive from the hectic capital of Hanoi to beautiful Nam Dinh. On the way, we’ll visit Hong Quang, a village well known for water puppetry. We will have a chance to learn about the process of creating a puppet and how to use it, as well as enjoy a mini water puppet show in the village.
Upon arrival at our main destination, we’ll start with a welcome drink along with a local snack. Then it’s time to relax and enjoy an orientation walk around a local home to learn about these old houses typical of northern Vietnam. You will also see the garden and learn about the different types of trees grown there, including peach blossom, persimmons, grapefruit, and different kinds of bonsai.
If you happen to be getting hungry by this point, we have you covered. Lunch is next and comes in the form of a cooking demonstration of a traditional Nam Dinh dish which you’ll then enjoy inside or out in the garden, depending on the weather.
After lunch, it’s time to hop on our bikes following a short safety briefing. As we cycle, we’ll be passing by the unique architecture and beautiful scenery of the Vietnam countryside, making it a relaxing ride that’s also easy on the eyes. We’ll make a stop at a local market to see villagers going about their day and to have a snack of seasonal fruit or local cake.
Our cycling route continues past Pham Phao Church which was built in 1908. Pham Phao villagers are known as true farmer artists and we will visit the home of a local artist. He is a fourth-generation craftsman known for his brass instruments. The family has practiced this craft for decades and he is famous for repairing and making brass instruments as well as playing them.
After a full day packed with memories, tasty local food, and unforgettable experiences we’ll make our way back to Hanoi where you’ll be dropped off at your accommodations.
(If you’d prefer to travel as part of a regular group experience, please book our Northern Villages of Nam Dinh group tour).
This tour is priced for a minimum group size of two travellers. A solo traveller may still book this private experience but will be charged the base rate for two travellers.
-
Additional information
Inclusions: Local English-speaking guide, return transfers, all entrance fees, lunch and cooking demonstration, welcome drink, 1 snack, water refills, finger food or tropical fruit at local market, bike rental and helmet.
Exclusions: Additional food and drinks, souvenirs and personal shopping, tips/gratuities for your guide, travel insurance.
Dress standard: Loose, lightweight clothing and comfortable shoes for a 15-kilometre cycle are recommended.
Confirmation of booking: If you have your voucher, your booking is confirmed. We'll see you at the start point. Get in touch if you have any concerns or require more information via the email address or phone number (business hours only) on your voucher.
Additional Information: We highly recommend you bring a reusable water bottle to re-fill on the tour as we are on the way to reducing single-use plastic bottles. Opportunities to fill your reusable water bottle are provided during the bike ride and at lunchtime.
Closure of sites: Please note that this tour visits independent, family-owned businesses whose operating schedules may change. Therefore, the tour program will be adjusted on the spot if necessary.
Child Policy: Children under the age of 12 are not permitted to join this tour.
-
Dietary Notes
We can accommodate vegetarians and other dietary restrictions. Please notify us in advance if you have any dietary requests. You can do so in the ‘Additional information’ box at checkout, or by emailing us at info@hanoiurbanadventures.com
-
Local contact
Office phone number: +84 (0) 904 193 308
Email address: info@hanoiurbanadventures.com
BACK TO TOP