Le Mat Village in Hanoi: Snake Tasting & Unique Snake Festival

Vietnam is not only famous for its diverse and healthy cuisine but also for its quirky and a little scary dishes. If you love adventure, take a ride to Le Mat Village in Hanoi to enjoy the exotic snake menu. 

le mat village

You can also see firsthand the snake farm of local people as well as how they turn snake meat into luxury dishes in Vietnam. Participating in this half-day tour in Le Mat Village, you will understand about the local daily life in Vietnam.

1. The Tradition of Catching and Snake Farming in Le Mat Village

About 7 kilometers from Hanoi, Le Mat Village is famous for its tradition of catching and processing snake specialties. This village is probably home to a greater number of snake-catching people than anywhere in the Northern Delta region. This risky job requires a “secret” that passed down from generation to generation.

le mat village

From the 1960s to 1990s, Le Mat people caught snakes for providing restaurants or pharmaceutical purposes. In 1993, Vietnam imposed the international convention on the snake-breeding industry and some restrictions to protect the wildlife. After that, snake dishes have been completely eliminated. In 2007, Vietnamese authorities granted Le Mat a ‘craft village’ status as they understand the negative repercussions on the local dining economy. The reconciliation plans between raising snake and meat production are applied to increase the experience for visitors when visiting this village.

2. How to get to Le Mat Village

Traveling by bus is a convenient way to get to Le Mat Village (Bus No 10 to Long Bien Bus Station) for 30 minutes. After that, you can take a walk about a few hundred meters to this village. Besides, you can ask for help from a travel agent to have more enjoyable experiences during your journey to find out the most authentic things in Hanoi.

“With 15 years of experience, Asianway Travel is one of the most prestigious inbound travel agents in Vietnam. Our team comprises of experienced and dedicated travel specialist, tour operators and tour guides who will be by your side during your traveling in Vietnam and Indochina.”

3. Unique Snake Tasting in Le Mat Village

Nowadays, there are nearly 100 snake-farming households. 400 employees in Le Mat village and two large farms specialize to breed snakes and produce snake meat. Local people said that the origin of snakes in Vietnamese dishes began with blood. Snake blood is believed to heal headaches and cure sore throats and bone problems. Besides, snake meat is good for men to boost strength and virility. This quirky specialty attracts over 1000 domestic and foreign visitors to come to Le Mat Village. 

le mat village

Coming to local restaurants, you meet the owners whose arms are filled with many scars made by this dangerous reptile. Snake meat can be processed into 12 different traditional dishes or made based on the customer’s requests. Don’t worry! Local chefs dispel your fear with lots of delicious snake dishes mixing with seasonings and typical herbal leaves. Some appealing dishes you can look for trying that are snake soup meat, crispy snake meat, especially grilled snake skin.

4. Le Mat Village Festival

This village festival happens annually from March 20 to 24 of the lunar calendar which worships the Imperial Citadel of Le Mat village. It is the chance for children and grandchildren to gather and express their gratitude to their ancestors. The descendants take responsibility for offering gifts from the capital to Le Mat village communal house to attend the festival.

le mat festival

Participating in the unique festival, you have a chance to admire the special bamboo snake dancing in the legend associated with the origin of this village. Besides, local people also share their secrets of catching, breeding, treating venomous snakes as well as processing specialties about snake meat.

 

Discover The Oldest Van Phuc Silk Village in Hanoi

There is no doubt that the traditional silk product in Van Phuc village has become a world-famous national brand. Vietnamese silk went into poetry, music as a unique cultural symbol of Vietnam. Van Phuc silk village enchants visitors with distinctive embroidery lines and decorative patterns.

van phuc silk village

For many years, local people always invent new weaving techniques to create premium silk products. It makes Van Phuc silk village become one of the most visited Vietnamese traditional villages. Finding a peaceful getaway escape from your chaotic life and learning about the typical Vietnamese village life, Van Phuc village is the best place to go.

1. The history of Hanoi Van Phuc Silk Village

Between 1931 and 1932, Van Phuc gained popularity during an international silk exhibition at the Marseille Fair thanks to its smooth and lightweight silk products. Van Phuc Silk Village is regarded as the cradle of the Vietnamese silk-making industry for over two thousand years. Experiencing the ups and downs of long-lasting history, Van Phuc silk has been asserting increasingly their foothold in both domestic and international markets.

van phuc silk village

Legend said that Ms. La Thi Nuong lived in Cao Bang province who was a famous person with skillful weaving. She shared her Chinese weaving silk secrets with local people living in the village. She was worshipped as a tutelary deity after she passed away. There are nearly 90 percent of local households which join in silk production with over 1000 textile machinery. Every year, this village creates more than two million meters of silk for the Vietnamese silk-making industry.

2. The characteristics of Van Phuc Silk

For previous centuries, silk has been regarded as an extremely precious commodity representing the aristocracy, the richest, most powerful people. Nowadays, this village has become more crowded with colorful shops stretching out along the street. 

van phuc silk village

This village’s silk is notable across the world because of its natural materials, smooth, various colors, and reputation for durability. Additionally, the decorative patterns are always symmetric, decorative lines are not frizzy that can reach the perfect. To meet the changes and tastes of customers, local people are developing their silk and garment repertoire such as embroidered silks, wrinkled silks, diverse colors, hues as well as updating new techniques in dying and thermo-processing the threads.

3. Experience your half-day tour in Van Phuc Village

Van Phuc Village is suitable for a short trip of your day. It takes about three hours to stroll through the various stalls and stores. Upon arrival, you have an opportunity to explore the working steps to create the premium silks from planting mulberry trees to the processing of silk thread taken from boiled cocoons. Local people will show you how to spin, glue to weave silks and finish the silk wares.

van phuc silk village

Established over 100 years ago, this peaceful village still preserves its typical features of Vietnamese countryside such as massive banyan trees, wells, communal houses, and traditional fabric looms. Stepping into the ancient Vietnamese village, you feel like being back in time and escaping from the rush of daily life.

 

All You Need To Know Before Visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Your Hanoi trip cannot be complete if you do not visit Vietnamese traditional villages, especially Bat Trang Ceramic Village. The village’s products are highly appreciated in both the domestic and international markets. 

bat trang ceramic village

What’s more, this village also has lots of amazing activities that are waiting for you and your family to explore. Here is some useful information about one of the oldest Vietnamese pottery villages that we want to share with you. Enjoy reading!

Introduction of Bat Trang Ceramic Village

If you love discovering Vietnam, I believe that you know about the famous Bat Trang Ceramic Products which have been exported in the world.  About 13 kilometers from Hanoi, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is the ancient tranquil village that has existed for over 500 years in the Ly dynasty. 

bat trang ceramic village

Along with making a national brand, Bat Trang Village has been experiencing the ups and downs of Vietnamese history as well as preserving the culturally national spirits. Become a real artisan in one day, why not? Let’s discover more with us below.

History of Bat Trang Ceramic Village

In some historical documents, Bat Trang Ceramic Village appeared on the 14th or 15th of the Ly dynasty. Local people often tell two stories related to the village’s origin. It is said that three Chinese scholars brought their pottery products into Vietnam and taught how to create premium products for local people. 

Another story said that many potters and crafters from different areas, especially the Nguyen Ninh Trang family, took advantage of lots of white clay in Bat Trang Village and built the kilns. As time went by, Bat Trang Ceramic Products have been gradually developing until now thanks to its high quality, various styles, and glaze. Bat Trang ceramic products are often daily household use such as cups, plates, pots, worshipping, or decoration. This village’s potters also customize their ceramic products fit with the aristocratic families and religious needs for oversea countries. 

Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 20:00

Location: Bat Trang, Gia Lam District, Hanoi City

Some Activities You Can Experience In Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Coming to this ancient village, you will be impressed with a vast selection of colorful items displaying along the alleyways. Have you ever been curious about the production process of beautiful porcelain artworks?

  • Participating in the pottery workshop: You not only see the skilled hands and meticulousness of local craftsmen but also have your hands-on experience in creating your own real ceramic piece with the dedicated guidance from local artisans. bat trang ceramic villageThis experience costs nearly VND 10,000, plus VND 50,000 for the artisans to help your ceramic artwork dry, decorate, and glaze as a real Bat Trang product. 
  • Visit the Ceramic Village and Van Van House: This place is filled with more than 400 precious pottery products from the 15th to the 19th century. 
  • Stroll through or join a buffalo tour: bat trang ceramic villageThis special transportation will bring you amazing experiences when going sightseeing.

Last but not least, the village’s products are also meaningful souvenirs for your loved ones.

Do not hesitate anymore! Let’s explore some our Bat Trang Ceramic Village tour!

> Best Day Trips & Excursion from Hanoi

> Hanoi – Cycling to Countryside

Amazing Things To Do To Get The Best Hanoi Food Experices

Established over 1000 years ago, the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hanoi, is rich in a unique blend of the East and West cultures with French influence. If you know about Vietnam, you probably know how diverse Vietnamese cuisine is.

food experiences in Hanoi

You can absolutely search for these quintessential flavors in some narrow Hanoi alleyways without visiting the world-class restaurants. Here are some food experiences that you can go and see for yourself! 

1. Dinner with a local family (Hanoi-an family)

This authentic experience is a perfect way to not only help you understand eating etiquette in the daily meals of Vietnamese people but also to enjoy the delicious and healthy Vietnamese dishes. Don’t hesitate to tell if you have a special food request! 

Dinner with a local family (Hanoi-an family) - hanoi food

The friendly owner of the house also shares with you some interesting stories about Vietnamese history, lifestyle, economy, social issues, and some fun Vietnam facts. Besides, you also see how the typical house in Hanoi is designed. 

2. Eggs coffee workshop

Strolling through every Hanoi street, you easily recognize that and Vietnamese people are caffein lovers. More than a normal dripping coffee, egg coffee is the Hanoi specialty in which a creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee.

egg coffee workshop - hanoi food

This workshop introduces you from the egg coffee’s origin to its formative process to create a special taste. After that, you enjoy your own cup of egg coffee made by yourself and get your certification. You also receive a special gift made by Bat Trang Ceramics from the organizer.

3. Walking foodie tour

Your Hanoi trip will not complete without enjoying a wide variety of Hanoi street foods. Here is a food list that you must try during your walking foodie tour:

3.1. Phở (Vietnamese Noodle Soup)

Vietnamese street food is one of the healthiest cuisines in the world because of its fresh, light, and gluten-free. Pho is regarded as the “ideal” option for your breakfast or lunch. This iconic soup may be the “unofficial” national dish thanks to its delicious broth that is made from an exclusive blend of herbs.

 

3.2. Bún Chả (Grilled Pork with Noodles)

Have you ever been curious about the savory scent emanating from the clouds of smoke rising from charcoal grills all around the city? This attractive dish comprises charring fatty pork to be served in a broth with white rice noodles, herbs, which was praised by President Barack Obama and Anthony Bourdain.

bun cha - hanoi food

3.3. Gỏi Cuốn (Vietnamese Spring Rolls)

Spring roll is a widely common dish of Vietnamese food that can be found in every Hanoi street. It can also be fried, called “Deep Fried Spring Rolls”, is one of the most favorite dishes on special occasions such as Tet and other family festivities. 

spring rolls - hanoi food

3.4. Bánh Tôm (Shrimp Cakes)

Both overlooking Hanoi’s peaceful West Lake and enjoying the crispy shrimp cakes will be your intriguing Hanoi food experience. Generated in the 1930s, this dish linked to the memories of the old-time and nostalgia when local people have to go with a torch at night-time just to manually catch every single shrimp. This simple recipe has just consisted of freshwater crayfish or shrimp, flour, and sweet potato.

shrimp cakes - hanoi food

Wanting to get a real Hanoi food experience and more, please accompany us to experience our best private food tours. 

Read more:  Hanoi – Cooking & Street Food Tour Full Day

Explore The Very Best of Hanoi: Try The TOP 5 Greatest Experiences!

Hanoi is renowned for its own charms with the old-world nostalgia and modern development. This destination is intriguing for both your short or long trip to Northern Vietnam. From a cup of intoxicated coffee to fast-paced life in every Hanoi corner, you will feel a separate breath in Hanoi that is different from other destinations.

the best of Hanoi

Are you ready to pack your luggage and start off your trip? Some suggestions below will help you get all the best of Hanoi from sights, sounds, and delectable tastes.

1. Cooking class by cyclo

More than a normal cooking class, you also have a chance to see the bustling Vietnamese local markets run every day by cyclo. Our cooking class is organized at Duong Restaurant situated near a number of famous spots such as Hanoi Old Quarter, Hoan Kiem Lake, and Dong Xuan market.  

Cooking class by cyclo - the best of Hanoi

This class is run by Chef Duong, one of the most well-known Vietnamese chefs. He stands the 3rd in Top Chef Vietnam as well as has also been a familiar face on Iron Chef Vietnam. He will teach you his unique cooking recipes and the outstanding blend of spices in Hanoi dishes. 

2. Motorbike/ Cycling trip

The best way to feel the heartbeat of Hanoi is to immerse in the labyrinth of alleys and back streets that cars and buses cannot approach. Escaping from the narrow space, you are able to breathe fresh air, tap into the tranquil life outside, and the idyllic natural scenery in the Vietnamese countryside.

Motorbike/ Cycling trip - The best of Hanoi

Along with a fleet of brand new scooters and comprehensive travel insurance, we always focus on inspecting and maintaining motorbikes to ensure your safety. Besides, our professional and experienced tour guides will accompany you every mile and deliver you unforgettable memories throughout your trip.

3. DIY leather workshop

Established in 2014, this cozy workshop allows everyone to experience, to share, and know how to make creative handicrafts. Creating your own heaps of leather stuff for your loved ones as a souvenir, why not? 

For a beginner, it takes about 2-3 hours to complete one small product such as a phone case, passport holder, tote bag, and so on. The friendly staff will instruct you dedicatedly to help you make your DIY leatherwork by yourself.

4. Egg coffee workshop

The morning cup of coffee with Vietnamese Noodles became an indispensable habit of local people in particular and Vietnamese people in general. Particularly, egg coffee is the Hanoi specialty in which a creamy soft, meringue-like egg white foam is perched on dense Vietnamese coffee.

Egg coffee workshop - The best of Hanoi

This workshop introduces you to the origin of egg coffee, its formative process in creating a special taste. After that, you enjoy your own cup of egg coffee made by yourself and get your certification. Besides, you also receives a special gift made by Bat Trang Ceramics from the organizer.

5. Morning flower market

About 5 kilometers from the center of Hanoi, Quang Ba Flower Market is an amazing spot for buying a variety of flowers and discovering the working life of flower sellers at night. Previously, this local flower market was established spontaneously because of the self-sufficient needs of local people. After 1996, the market transferred to the current location, which is one of the largest night flower markets in the Northern part of Vietnam.

Morning flower market - the best of Hanoi

When everyone falls asleep, you can see this flower market “wake up”. Let’s get lost in the strange and colorful beauty of this unique “flower garden”! Purchasing flowers at night sounds weird, right? Don’t worry, we believe you will love it!

Don’t hesitate anymore! Take some notes, save these great experiences in Hanoi for your upcoming trip, why not? Want more things to do in Hanoi than just a city tour and tasting street food?

>> Find more at:

  1. 1. Hanoi – Cycling to Countryside
  2. 2. How to Make a Perfect Trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Vietnam

Things to do in Hanoi for a week – Suggested One week Itinerary in Hanoi

Hanoi – the capital of Vietnam has so many things to offer, from cultural experience to tasteful streetfood, to stunning landscape.  There are many unforgettable experience awaiting you to explore. In the article, we will help you find out what’s the best things to do in Hanoi in a week and some suggested itineraries for you to choose.

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What to do in Hanoi for 4 days

5 Best tour packages for 7 days in Vietnam

Option 1:  Hanoi – Halong – Sapa 7 days

  • Best for: Suitable for all kind of visitors: family, couples, etc. It is easiest itineray for one week in Hanoi yet including the most desired destination in the North of Vietnam. 
  • Style: Classic
  • Best in : May/ September, November to March
  • Brief itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi Arrival

Explore Hanoi Old Quarter – Hanoi Ancient House – Enjoy Hanoi Streetfood

Day 2: Hanoi city Tour

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – One Pillar Pagoda – Temple of Literature – Museum of Ethnology – Hanoi Puppet Show or Hanoi Foody Tour by motobike

Signature coconut coffee in Hanoi
Signature coconut coffee in Hanoi

Day 3: Hanoi – Halong Bay by shuttle bus – overnight in Halong

After having breakfast and checking out, we were picked up by a shuttle to head over to the cruise centre, head to Halong Bay by shuttle bus.

Embarking on a 2D1N cruise tour, we travelled towards Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The rock formations surrounding us were a truly spectacular sight, and everyone got on the cruise’s upper deck to snap photos as keepsakes.

Allow your eyes to swim through the azure waters of this magical place, where thousands of sculpted limestone and islands rise from the water like gigantic teeth of dragons.

Enjoys Sunset party while our cruise sailing to the overnight anchorage. In the evening, free time for joining games, you may also try your luck with squid fishing.

For Halong Bay cruise, you can either choose Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long route if you want to visit less-touristy places yet wonderful.

Day 4: Halong Bay to Hanoi by Shuttle bus – Night Train to Sapa

After a night’s sleep swaying with the ocean’s waves,  a pearl farm, where the farmers extracted pearls from oysters to crafted into jewellery. This was followed by a Vietnamese spring roll making class back at the cruise. On a side note, I find a one-day cruise to be sufficient for seeing the wonders of Ha Long Bay.

Back to Hanoi around 3pm in the afternoon and settle at a coffee house in Hanoi Old Quarter.

In the evening, catch a night train or bus to Sapa.

Day 5: Sapa – Ta Van Village

If you catch a night train, you will wake up in Lao Cai station around 5:30am, then hop on a bus or hire taxi to drive up to Sapa about 30 minutes.

Visit Ta Van Village. Ta Van village is hidden in the foggy cloud, far away from Sapa busy streets. All its natural beauty are well reserved by over 110 households living in this village. Though you can definitely to get there and back in a day, many choose to stay overnight at the homestay in Ta Van village to fully experience a day with the minorities groups culture other than H’mong, one of the most popular minorities group in Sapa region.

This afternoon, l explore some of the neighboring villages on foot, passing through picturesque scenery as you walk. Visits between May and October coincide with the planting and harvesting season, a chance to see local farmers in action.

Stunning Golden Terraced Field in May/ October
Stunning Golden Terraced Field in May/ October

Overnight in Sapa

Day 6: Sapa – Hanoi 

Day 7: Hanoi Departure

Option 2:  Hanoi – Puluong – Ninh Binh – Halong – Hanoi

  • Style: Mix of classic and adventure/ off-the beaten-path
  • Best in : May/ September, November to March
  • Brief itinerary:

Day 1: Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi full day city tour
Day 3: Hanoi – Pu Luong

Remote, rustic and supremely beautiful, Pu Luong might be one of the last places in Vietnam where you can truly unplug.  Pu Luong Nature Reserve (Khu bảo tồn Thiên nhiên Pù Luông) was established in 1999 to protect the area’s biodiversity. Inside the reserve, you’ll find a mix of pristine forest and cultivated rice terraces.  It’s a perfect landscape for trekking, and multi-day hikes are a favourite activity.

Puluong

Day 4: Pu Luong – Trang An – Mua Caves

Trang An

Day 5: Ninh Binh – Ha Long overnight cruise

Day 6: Ha Long – Hanoi

Day 7: Hanoi Departure

Option 4: Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Perfume Pagoda – Halong Bay – Bat Trang Ceramic – Hanoi Departure

  • Style: Family, culture
  • Best in :
  • Brief itinerary:

Day 1:  Hanoi arrival
Day 2: Hanoi city tour
Day 3:  Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hanoi
Day 4:  Hanoi – Huong Perfume Pagoda – Hanoi
Day 5: Hanoi – Halong bay – Hanoi
Day 6: Hanoi – Bat Trang Ceramic Village 
Day 7:  Depart Hanoi

Bat Trang Ceramic Village  is a 14th century porcelain and pottery village near Hanoi, housing local artisans who combine both traditional and modern techniques to create beautiful porcelain artworks. Not only are you able to purchase some of the finest handmade ceramic products in Vietnam, you can also see them made right before your eyes during your visit.

Chrilden learn to make pottery in Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Chrilden learn to make pottery in Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Huong Perfume Pagoda is a complex of temples scattering from the foot to the peak of Huong Tich Mountain is one of the alluring spiritual tourist attractions in Hanoi.

Option 5: Hanoi – Ninh Binh – Sapa – Can Cau Market – Gian Ta Phin – Mu Cang Trai

Best in May and September

Day 1 : Hanoi Arrival
Day 2: Hanoi City Tour
Day 3 Hanoi – Ninh Binh -Night train to Sapa
Day 4: Sapa – Can Cau Market
Day 5: Sapa – Ban Khoang – Giang Ta Phin
Day 6: Sapa – La Pan Tan – Mu Cang Chai
Day 7: Mu Cang Chai Trekking – Mam Xoi – Hanoi

Mu Cang Chai Vietnam  is one of the most amazing landscapes of rice-terraced fields in Vietnam.

Mu Cang Chai is famous for the stretch of hazardous roads spreading out for tens kilometers of infinite and primeval landscapes, grandiose ranges of mountains and the peaceful and poetic picture of ethnics’ houses covered by terrace fields.

Can cau market is remarkable market where Hmong, Tay and Ha Ninh ethic people exchanging goods for their daily life. The market is organized on a high land with lush forests mingling wonderful wavy terraces from afar. Here, tourists will find easy to catch a colorful upland fair in the costume of young girls of Hoa (Chinese) Hmong, Tay or Ha Nhi ethnic groups. Exploring Can Cau Market is one of things to do in Sapatourism. Going to Can Cau Market in Sapa travel, tourists have a chance to much more soak up the vivid upland fair; simultaneously, ascertain about the daily life of the locals. The market  usually held on every Saturday and holidays during the year.

Can Cau market
Can Cau market

Tips for things to do in Hanoi for one week

Hanoi is an extremely crowded city, so traversing using cars is still a good choice but not the optimal one. For traveling in the city, some of the best choices would be bicycle, motorbike, or Xe Om (motorbike-taxi). With the appearance of Grab (Uber for motorbikes) getting around the city will be much easier for tourists.

Hanoi Street Food 2020 How to Make the Most Out Of It

Hanoi is famous for its unique cultural feature, everyone know this. Hanoi is also famous for Hanoi street food, most of the people know this too. However, what to eat and where to find the best of Vietnam cuisine, only a few have the list. We’re not saying we have the best list out there, but as local experts and food lovers, you take in our consideration the safety factor and provide the best options for an exciting Hanoi street food tour. Continue reading “Hanoi Street Food 2020 How to Make the Most Out Of It”

When is the best time to visit Hanoi | Hanoi Weather Guide

what to do in hanoi for 4 days

Hanoi is always among top places to see in Vietnam for its incredible beauties and lively nightlife scene. Know when is the best time to visit Hanoi to make your trip a memorable experience.

You might think that Hanoi belong to a tropical country so you can wear sleeveless t-shirts and tank tops in any month. Surprisingly, Hanoi has four seasons of which a winter with temperature constantly drops below 15 degree Celsius. Hanoi as well as other destinations in northern Vietnam has the most complicated and unpredictable weather patterns. Continue reading “When is the best time to visit Hanoi | Hanoi Weather Guide”