Ninh Binh 2-Day Tour: Culture & Nature Escape

07:30–08:00 – Pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter

Meet your guide and leave Hanoi in the morning, traveling south through the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Visit Quang Phu Cau, a traditional craft village known for its colorful incense-drying yards. Walk through the village, observe local incense-making traditions, meet artisans, and experience an authentic rural community away from the busy streets of Hanoi.

So Kien Basilica

Continue to So Kien Basilica and discover one of the important historic Catholic landmarks in Northern Vietnam. Take time to admire the architecture and learn about the religious heritage of the region.

Lunch & Chau Son Monastery

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Van Long Nature Reserve before continuing to Chau Son Monastery. Surrounded by green countryside, the monastery is known for its distinctive red-brick architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and beautiful gardens.

Late Afternoon – Phat Diem

Continue to Phat Diem in Kim Son District and check in at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel. The rest of the afternoon is free to relax or take a leisurely walk around the local area.

Enjoy dinner at the hotel and spend the night at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel.

Morning – Phat Diem Stone Cathedral

After breakfast, visit Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, a remarkable religious landmark in Northern Vietnam. Built in the late 19th century, the cathedral combines traditional Vietnamese architectural elements with European Gothic influences, creating a distinctive and memorable cultural site.

Local Market Visit

Continue with your guide to a nearby local market and experience the atmosphere of everyday life in Phat Diem. Explore seasonal produce, fresh herbs, and traditional ingredients while learning more about the food and cooking traditions of the area.

Vietnamese Cooking Experience

Return to the hotel for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking experience. With guidance from local cooks, learn how to prepare a selection of traditional regional dishes using the ingredients chosen at the market. After cooking, enjoy the dishes you have prepared together for lunch.

Afternoon – Tam Coc Sampan Boat Ride

After lunch, check out of the hotel and travel to Tam Coc. Enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride along peaceful waterways surrounded by limestone karsts, rice fields, and natural caves. Take time to appreciate the scenery and experience the tranquil countryside of Ninh Binh from the water.

Return to Hanoi

In the afternoon, leave Tam Coc and begin the journey back to Hanoi. Expected arrival at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter is around 18:00–18:30, depending on traffic conditions.

Your two-day Ninh Binh journey comes to an end after a day combining cultural heritage, local food, hands-on experiences, and the scenic landscapes of Tam Coc.

(B = breakfast | L = lunch | D = dinner)