Leave Hanoi centre and drive to the west of the city for about 35 minutes where you will meet your guide. Explore a famous local market with many traditional items for sale that has been in operation since the Le King Dynasty of 1428. On market day (two or three times per week), see how people from all the surrounding villages come to trade dogs, cats, pigs, chickens, ducks, and bamboo baskets. Watch the old women chew betel and areca nut whilst blacksmiths work hard with their bright braziers. If your visit takes place not on the market day, visit another nice market with local produce such as fish, vegetable, fruits, and meat, where you can chat with the locals.

After the market, visit some vegetable farms right next door. Walk around the fields growing bitter melon, corn, cauliflower, cabbage, tomatoes, green peas, and soya bean. See the fruit gardens with oranges, pomelos, papayas, guavas, and bananas. Take the chance to chat with a working farmer and ask them about their cultivation techniques and lifestyle.

Following this, travel to a local home and learn how to cook some delicious traditional dishes. Enjoy local fresh vegetables, fruit, tea, and traditional cake as you learn about Vietnamese family life and customs.