Leave the busy city center behind for a half-day tour through the suburbs of Hanoi that shows you the area's unique traditions and history. Visit a village famous for its ceramic and pottery crafts, see an ancient citadel, and get an unforgettable look at the scenery from a local train.

Meet your driver and guide at your hotel lobby for a half-hour drive to Bat Trang Ceramic Village, a destination famous for quality ceramic and pottery products that have been exported worldwide. You can meet workers who make the village's products, and get a chance to try your hand at the craft.

Next, ride to the ancient Co Loa Citadel, which dates back more than 2,000 years and boasts impressive towers, relics, and ruins. The site consists of 2 outer walls, which still stand up to 40 feet (12 m) in height, and hosts a number of ancient Bronze Age relics and pottery that have attracted attention from all over Asia.

From here, a ride on the wooden seats of a local train can take you back into Hanoi. The view along the tracks offers you a great look at local people's lives, from rice farmers working on their fields to children riding bicycles to school and even daily communal gatherings. Stop in to visit a local family before your lunch at a scenic location with a view of the Red River.