08:00 – 08:30 | Private Pickup in Hanoi Your day begins with a private car and professional guide picking you up directly from your hotel or a selected address in central Hanoi. After a short briefing about the day’s itinerary, depart Hanoi heading west toward the peaceful countryside of Son Tay. During the drive, your guide will introduce you to the history of Duong Lam, its cultural significance, and daily rural life in Northern Vietnam.

09:30 | Arrival at Duong Lam Ancient Village Arrive at Duong Lam Ancient Village, one of the oldest preserved villages in Vietnam. Step through the ancient village gate, marking the transition from modern life to a centuries-old rural setting. Take a short break before starting the walking tour.

09:45 – 11:30 | Guided Walking Tour of the Village Begin a leisurely guided walk through narrow laterite-brick lanes lined with traditional houses, banyan trees, village wells, and communal yards. Key visits include:

• Ancient laterite houses (some over 300 years old), where you’ll learn about traditional architecture, family structures, and ancestral worship

• Village communal areas such as wells, courtyards, and local gathering spaces

• Interaction with local residents to gain insight into farming life, customs, and village traditions Your guide will explain why laterite stone was used, how houses were built to adapt to the climate, and how village life has changed over generations.

11:30 – 12:15 | Spiritual & Historical Sites Continue to visit important cultural and spiritual landmarks within the village:

• Local temples and pagodas, reflecting Vietnamese beliefs and village spirituality

• Historical sites connected to Duong Lam’s reputation as the “Land of Two Kings”, highlighting its role in Vietnamese history This portion of the tour offers a deeper understanding of the village’s historical importance beyond its architecture.

12:30 – 13:30 | Traditional Countryside Lunch Enjoy a home-style Vietnamese lunch at a local house or countryside restaurant. The meal features regional specialties prepared with fresh local ingredients, offering an authentic taste of rural Northern Vietnam. Dietary requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

13:30 – 15:00 | Leisure Time & Photography After lunch, enjoy free time to:

• Walk around the village at your own pace

• Take photos of village life, ancient houses, and rural landscapes

• Relax under banyan trees or observe daily activities such as farming, food preparation, or local conversations This is the most peaceful part of the tour, perfect for travelers who appreciate slow travel, cultural immersion, and photography.

15:00 – 15:30 | Farewell to Duong Lam Regroup with your guide and say goodbye to the village. Take final photos and prepare for the return journey.

15:30 – 17:00 | Return to Hanoi Travel back to Hanoi by private car. Enjoy views of the countryside along the way and reflect on the cultural experiences of the day.

17:00 – 17:30 | Tour Ends in Hanoi Arrive back in Hanoi and be dropped off at your hotel or preferred