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Hanoi City Tour - Bat Trang Village & Ceramics
The day begins with a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Complex and Ba Dinh Square, a site of profound historical and cultural importance for the Vietnamese people. This serene, traffic-free area is surrounded by lush gardens, monuments, memorials, and pagodas. Key landmarks within the complex include the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (viewed from the outside), the Presidential Palace, Ho Chi Minh’s Stilt House, and the Ho Chi Minh Museum. Step back in time as you explore the modest stilt house where Ho Chi Minh lived and worked during his early revolutionary years. Just a short walk away is the One Pillar Pagoda, a stunning 11th-century Buddhist structure. Rising from the center of a lotus-shaped pond, it is supported by a single stone pillar, symbolizing purity and enlightenment. Next, visit the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, founded in 1070 by the Ly Dynasty to honor Confucius, esteemed scholars, and distinguished Vietnamese intellectuals. This historic site highlights the country’s deep respect for education and learning. After exploring the temple, take a leisurely walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, famous for its narrow, lively streets that reflect the essence of traditional Vietnamese crafts and culture. Then head out to Bat Trang Pottery Village, located along the Red River southeast of Hanoi. This village, known for its rich ceramic-making history dating back to the 14th century, remains a center of traditional pottery craftsmanship. You can watch artisans at work, shaping and carving clay pots, dishes, and vases; you'll gain insight into the intricate process of creating these exquisite pieces, from molding the clay to firing them in kilns. You can craft your own pottery under the guidance of local artisans. Shape, carve, and bake your creation to take home as a unique memento. Before departing, there will be time to browse the local shops offering a variety of beautifully crafted ceramics—perfect for souvenirs or gifts.