Arrivals to Hanoi - Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi, Vietnam

NOTE we will collect you from the airport whatever time you arrive

Our hotel is in the Old City not far from Hoàn Kiếm Lake, try and fit in at least one 6.30 am walk to the lake – this is optional, but it is the best time of the day at the Lake.

All the locals are doing Tai Chi, dancing and having fun, go the first day and you will be hooked.

Breakfast.

We'll start with a planning session for what we want to do during the tour. 

We have a simple jacket shape that is easy to make and an excellent showcase for textile panels you might like to use for your jacket. For tricky patterns and you may need to finish at home.

Off to the Ethnological Museum to whet your appetite for Vietnamese Textiles.

After lunch we will there are a few cloth markets that need our attention. 

Welcome Dinner in the evening, let's celebrate our coming  journey.

B,L,D

Leaving Hanoi we head North West to Bac Ha today, 

We will go for a village walk this afternoon, choosing a fairly flat path through rice fields, goats and buffalo grazing and villages going about their daily chores. 

We can hope to find the old women home at the house that makes Firewater getting supplies ready for tomroows regional market.

In Bac Ha itself after we book into our hotel  it is interesting to wander through town, check out the Ginseng shop and other local supplies.

We know a great textile dealer - she often has amazing old pices and rollls of newly woven cloths.

We can take a bit of time with Gillain to work on our Textile Journals tonight.

B,L,D

Sunday market!

Up early to watch it all unfold, take your time, bargain for a treasure Or simply watch the locals. 

Buy some moonshine or just watch the old guys sampling the wares as Mum works. Their cheeks get rosier and some slowly drift sideways- haha.

We'll meet up for lunch and head back to Hanoi.

Evening free.

B,L

Heading out to Mai Chou today, Mai Chou is a White Thai Minority area, you'll see lovely wooden stilt house and beautiful rice fields all around.

We are going to visit a Women's Self-Help group today, use their tables to cut out of jackets and getting sewing.

A short walk from our hotel is another dealer of vintage textiles- always interesting to see what she has.

B,L,D

So much to do in this heavenly place!

Sunrise walk is very special amongst the rice paddies, optional but worth it.

First off we are heading over the hill to a Green H'mong village for a workshop using batik and indigo.

A delicious home cooked lunch and  then back to the workshop to finish off our jackets and work on our journals.

B,L,D

We'll start the day with a walk through some of the surrounding villages, you'll see the mulberry trees from silk production [ although I think there are more trees than production these days] fences with dragon fruit climbing along them and all the trappings of a vibrant village. Paths limed with bamboo, a beautiful morning walk.

Lunch time we will have lunch and head back into Hanoi.

Free evening.

B,L

Cultural Day - visiting some of the surrounding craft villages.

Meet some inspiring women who produce silk or create stitched pictures in silk.

The Women's Museum is also a must visit- it showcases the grit and determination of Vietnamese Women throughout the countries turbulent past.

A visit to the delightdul Water Puppets tonight.

B,L

Stay on a Boat on Ha Long Bay

Enchanting scenery of World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay, 

Time to work on your textile journals, add stitch to0 your jackets or just chill out soaking up the view.

B,L,D

We are visiting a grotto this morning, you have a choice of paddle yourself kayaks or a bigger boat and be rowed, always a fun experience.

Return to Hanoi and a free afternoon, 

Final session with Gillian before our Farewell Dinner.

B,L,D

We will drop you to the airport Noi Bai International Airport, Hanoi.

B

Suggested Materials List coming soon.

Prepare for Gentle Walking

The walk will involve gentle terrain, with distances of up to 15km.

About half a day of walking at a relaxed pace on fairly level terrtaine.

6.30am walks are rather brisk where ever we are staying - not on the boat though!

Footwear

• Good, worn-in, and comfortable walking shoes are essential. WORN IN or much bigger chance of blisters.
• We will suggest recommended shoe brands later, but focus on comfort, support, and durability.
• good socks- merino, toe socks? it will be part of your research whilst you build up or check your endurance.

Test Yourself Before the Trip

Practice walking similar distances at home, ideally for several consecutive days, to build stamina and ensure you can handle the terrain comfortably.

Rain Gear

Bring a rain poncho or jacket, just in case of inclement weather.

Refillable 1 litre water bottle

There are places along the way to refill.

Stay hydrated!

Lightweight 15 litre rucksack for the day - luggage will be moved for us to the nights rest location.