With quirky cafes, markets, gardens, an insight into contemporary life in suburban Hanoi and a visit to one of the most important pagodas in the country, this trip has a lot of action packed into full day tour. Travelling west along the Red River dyke road out of Hanoi you will visit Chem Temple and learn about how traditional Tonkinese communities lived. After relaxing at a hidden café owned by a local sculptor the tour continues through the rich farm lands of the Day river visiting its rice paddies and market gardens full of flowers and vegetables bound for Hanoi tables. During summer months there is an option of a swim at the end of the morning’s ride. At the main destination of the 11th Century Chua Thay Pagoda you will get lunch in an upmarket restaurant and a guided tour of the complex with an optional climb to the complex famous cave. A shorter ride will take you back to Hanoi via quiet country villages that slowly merge together as we approach Hanoi and our West Lake shop.