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. 

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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. 

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. This 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: This 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

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.

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! 

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

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