Memories of Thang Long via trade villages

Ben Thanh Tourist is offering a four-day and three-night tour to Hanoi and Halong every Thursday in a series of special tours to celebrate 1,000 years of Thang Long- Hanoi.
Thang Long, the former name of the Vietnamese capital from the Ly Dynasty, was founded in 1010 when Ly Thai To relocated the royal court. The Dai La Citadel, as it was originally known, subsequently changed its name to Thang Long and then Hanoi.
Half of the tour is for visiting attractions in Hanoi and neighboring provinces, especially Bat Trang Pottery Village, Dong Ho Folk Painting Village and Dong Ky Carpentry Village for tourists to witness the skills of the craftsmen.
Of the villages, Bat Trang is the most popular attraction. Located by the Red River, the village is popular for being an ancient pottery handicraft village and for retaining unique Vietnamese culture in the 21st century.
Most of Bat Trang’s pottery products are produced the same way they were 700 years ago. The products of the village are not only famous in the country but also in Japan, Korea, Australia and Europe.
The tour includes visiting Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province, a one night stay at the Tuan Chau Resort and a trip to visit other attractions in Hanoi. The tour takes in most of the major sites in the capital, including Hoan Kiem Lake, Van Mieu-Quoc Tu Giam (Temple of Literature), the National University, Dong Xuan Market, Quan Thanh Temple, West Lake, Tran Quoc Pagoda and One Pillar Pagoda.
The tour is VND2.85 million per Vietnamese and VND3.05 million per foreigner, not including air tickets.
Contact the company at 86 Ly Tu Trong Street, District 1, HCMC, tel: 08 3520 2020, fax: 08 3829 6269, email: domestic@benthanhtourist.com.vn or website: travel.benthanhtourist.com.vn.