Hanoi: Day Trip to Bamboo Fish Trap & Soy Sauce Villages

Planning a trip to Hanoi and craving a taste of authentic Vietnamese traditions? This day-long tour offers a glimpse into villages where ancient crafts are still alive—well, at least for now. If you’re looking for a mix of hands-on culture, photo opportunities, and delicious local flavors, this journey might be just what you need.

What makes this tour stand out? We love the chance to see real craftsmen at work, the intimate setting that encourages genuine interaction, and the opportunity to learn about disappearing trades. But, as with any experience, there’s a flip side—some might find the price a bit steep for what’s mainly a short glimpse into two villages. Still, if you’re into authentic, off-the-beaten-path cultural moments with good guides, this trip offers plenty of charm.

This experience is best suited for photographers, culture enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to see a side of Vietnam that few get to witness firsthand. Just be prepared for a busy day with some travel time between sites, and keep your expectations realistic—it’s about appreciating craftsmanship, not necessarily in-depth workshops or extensive explanations.

Key Points

• Authentic Village Visits: Experience fish trap crafting in Hung Yen and soy sauce production in Ban Yen Nhan.
• Photo Opportunities: Capture the intricate bamboo designs and traditional settings with guided assistance.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides like Paul and Phong are praised for their friendliness and expertise.
• Limited Time in Villages: Expect about 1.5 hours at each village—enough for an overview, but not exhaustive.
• Cultural Insight: Learn about Vietnamese fishing techniques and soy sauce heritage passed down through generations.
• Price and Value: At $168 per person, the tour offers a curated experience but may feel pricey compared to what you get.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Honest Look at the Experience

If you’re heading out from Hanoi with a desire to see traditional Vietnamese crafts, this tour promises a glimpse into two fascinating villages—Hung Yen for its fish trap craftsmanship and Ban Yen Nhan for its soy sauce making. The tour’s structure is designed to balance sightseeing, photography, and cultural learning, all wrapped up in a full-day itinerary.

Starting from Hanoi’s Old Quarter

You’ll be picked up from your hotel, usually about 30 minutes before departure, and then transported by bus for approximately two hours to the first village. This transit time isn’t just a ride—it’s a chance to chat with your guide or enjoy the scenery passing by. The guide’s role is crucial; they’re the ones providing context, answering questions, and ensuring you get the most out of each stop.

Hung Yen: Fish Trap Crafting

Once there, you’ll visit a small, intimate setting that showcases the art of fish trap making—a craft that has been perfected over centuries but is now on the brink of disappearing. Expect to see craftsmen working with bamboo and natural materials, creating traps used historically in rice fields for catching fish and crabs.

One traveler mentioned how the tour “taught us about how they make fish traps used in rice fields in the past,” with the guide explaining techniques and functions. The setting is simple but photogenic—think rustic courtyards, bamboo structures, and traditional houses that serve as authentic backdrops for photos. If capturing Vietnamese rural life is your goal, you’ll enjoy the opportunity here.

The downside? The visit is relatively brief—about 1.5 hours—so don’t expect an in-depth workshop. Instead, it’s more of a visual and informational overview. That said, many reviewers appreciated the friendly guides and the chance to ask questions, which made the experience more personal.

Lunch Break

Next up is a traditional Vietnamese meal, often at a local family’s home or a modest restaurant. The included lunch features staples like spring rolls, chicken, beef, pate, salad, rice, and some rice wine, followed by tea and fruit. Reviewers have described it as hearty and authentic, offering a genuine taste of Vietnamese home cooking. It’s a good chance to relax and reflect on the morning before heading to the second village.

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Ban Yen Nhan: Soy Sauce Village

After about an hour on the bus, you arrive at Ban Yen Nhan, where soy sauce-making has been a village tradition for generations. The process involves ingredients and techniques handed down over time, and while there are no active workers visible during the tour, the guide explains the process and ingredients involved in producing this vital Vietnamese condiment.

One reviewer, Carina, highlighted how she “learned what ingredients were used, the process, and even got to stir the soy sauce,” which shows the level of hands-on involvement some visitors experience. You’ll also see clay pots and traditional fermentation methods that visually tell the story of this culinary staple.

However, some visitors felt disappointed because there wasn’t a significant demonstration or explanation of how soy sauce is made today; instead, it felt like a courtyard visit with limited interaction. But the guide’s enthusiasm and knowledge helped fill in gaps, making it a worthwhile cultural snapshot.

Return to Hanoi

After about 1.5 hours exploring and photographing, you’ll head back by bus for roughly 75 minutes, ending the day back in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The timing allows for reflection, photo review, or just relaxing after a busy day.

Practical Details & Tips

Transportation: Comfortable bus rides are included, with pickup and drop-off at your hotel or a nearby meeting point. The total travel time is approximately 3 hours round-trip, so plan accordingly.

Group Size: The tour is operated as a private experience, which generally means a smaller, more personalized group. This allows the guides to focus on your questions and photography needs.

Price & Value: At $168 per person, the tour isn’t cheap, but it covers transportation, lunch, guide services, and the village visits. For those interested in Vietnamese crafts and culture, the price reflects a curated experience rather than a generic sightseeing trip.

Photography: Cameras are not included, so bring your own to capture the bamboo crafts, village scenes, and candid moments. The tour’s guides are helpful in suggesting the best angles and lighting.

Suitability: Not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven paths and rural settings. The day is long and busy, so be prepared for a full schedule.

Authenticity and Reviews

While reviews are mixed, the majority praise the knowledgeable guides, especially Paul and Phong, who are described as friendly, attentive, and eager to share stories. Carina’s review highlights the personal storytelling and the opportunity to “ask questions about Vietnam, religion, history, and traditions,” elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing.

On the flip side, a reviewer named Robert felt the experience was overpriced and lacked depth—mentioning that the fish trap courtyard was underwhelming and that no active workers were present at the soy sauce village. This points to the importance of managing expectations and understanding that the tour offers a brief cultural glimpse rather than an immersive workshop.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for photographers eager to capture Vietnamese rural crafts, culture buffs interested in traditional trades, or anyone seeking a short, meaningful insight into local industries on the verge of extinction. It’s also suitable for those who appreciate guided commentary and small-group intimacy.

If your goal is to experience Vietnam’s bustling city life or dive deep into its history, you might find this tour somewhat limited in scope. But for a taste of authenticity and a chance to see crafts that are fading, it’s a compelling choice.

The Sum Up

This Hanoi day trip offers a quick but captivating peek into two villages that showcase Vietnam’s craftsmanship and culinary heritage. The guides’ knowledge and friendly approach make the visits engaging, even if the time is limited. The inclusion of a local lunch adds an authentic flavor, and the photo opportunities are plentiful—especially for those eager to document traditional Vietnamese life.

While it’s not a bargain at $168, the experience is valuable for those who want a curated, cultural escape from the city’s hustle. Just keep in mind that it’s a snapshot, not a comprehensive workshop, and come with realistic expectations.

This tour is ideal if you’re passionate about photography, culture, and heritage and want to support local artisans—however briefly. It’s a wonderful way to connect with Vietnam’s fading traditions before they disappear entirely.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
The total duration is approximately one day, including pickup, travel, village visits, and return to Hanoi.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers hotel pickup and drop-off, unlimited water, a traditional Vietnamese lunch, and the services of a knowledgeable tour guide.

Are cameras allowed?
Cameras are not included in the tour, but you are welcome to bring your own to capture the villages and crafts.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?
It’s a private group experience, but not suitable for wheelchair users due to the rural paths and uneven terrain.

How much time do I spend at each village?
Expect about 1.5 hours at each village—enough for photos and overview but not for an in-depth workshop.

Can I learn how to make fish traps or soy sauce?
The tour provides explanations and some hands-on moments like stirring soy sauce, but it’s mainly an overview rather than a full craft workshop.

Is the tour good for photography?
Yes, guides are helpful in suggesting photo angles, and the villages offer authentic scenes perfect for capturing traditional craftsmanship.

What should I bring?
Bring your camera, comfortable shoes, and an open mind. Water and lunch are included, but extra snacks or drinks are optional.

You can check availability for your dates here: