2-Day Ninh Bình Culture and Nature Escape from Hanoi with Tam Cốc

2 Days Round trip from Hanoi Easy pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Explore Quang Phu Cau Incense Village and discover the traditional craft behind Vietnam's colorful incense-making culture
02 Admire So Kien Basilica and Chau Son Monastery, two distinctive religious landmarks in the countryside
03 Discover Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, where Vietnamese and European architectural influences meet
04 Shop at a local market and prepare regional dishes during a hands-on Vietnamese cooking experience
05 Cruise through Tam Coc by traditional sampan, surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts and peaceful waterways

Discover the cultural heritage and scenic beauty of Northern Vietnam on this two-day small group journey from Hanoi. Visit the colorful Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, admire historic churches and the peaceful Chau Son Monastery, and experience the unique heritage of Phat Diem. Meet local vendors at a traditional market, learn to prepare regional dishes in a hands-on cooking experience, and finish with a scenic sampan boat ride through the limestone landscapes of Tam Coc.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Included · Luxury

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Tam Cốc-Bích Động

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Hanoi to Quang Phu Cau, Basilicas, and Phat Diem

Pick-up: Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter between 07:30 and 08:00 and begin your journey south into the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta.

Incense Village: Visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, walk among vibrant incense-drying yards, meet local artisans, and discover the traditional craft behind Vietnam's colorful incense-making culture.

So Kien Basilica: Continue to So Kien Basilica and admire its impressive architecture while learning about the history of Catholicism in Northern Vietnam.

Lunch: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near Van Long Nature Reserve, with time to relax before continuing the journey.

Chau Son Monastery: Visit Chau Son Monastery, known for its striking red-brick Gothic-style architecture, peaceful surroundings, and beautifully maintained gardens.

Phat Diem: Travel onward to Phat Diem and check in at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel, your base for the night.

Dinner: Enjoy dinner at the hotel and relax after a day exploring the cultural and rural landscapes of Northern Vietnam.

Day 02

Phat Diem Market, Cooking Experience, and Tam Coc

Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before visiting the remarkable Phat Diem Stone Cathedral.

Phat Diem Cathedral: Built in the late 19th century, this unique complex blends traditional Vietnamese architectural elements with European Gothic influences.

Local Market: Visit a nearby local market with your guide, browse fresh produce, herbs, and local ingredients, and help select the ingredients for your cooking experience.

Cooking Experience: Return to the hotel for a hands-on Vietnamese cooking experience and learn how to prepare traditional regional dishes using the fresh ingredients selected at the market.

Lunch: Enjoy the dishes you have prepared yourself for lunch.

Check-out: After lunch, check out of the hotel and continue to Tam Coc.

Boat Trip: Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride through peaceful waterways surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts, emerald rice fields, and natural caves.

Return to Hanoi: After the Tam Coc boat trip, depart for Hanoi and enjoy a comfortable transfer back to the city.

Drop-off: Arrive in Hanoi and be dropped off at your hotel in the Old Quarter or a convenient nearby location.

End: This marks the end of your tour and our services.

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

Transportation by premium air-conditioned limousine
English-speaking guide
One night at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel
Meals as specified (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner)
Vietnamese cooking experience
Traditional sampan boat ride in Tam Coc
All sightseeing entrance fees
Complimentary bottled water during the tour

What's Not Included

Travel insurance
Beverages
Personal expenses and tips

What to bring

Valid passport
Comfortable walking shoes
Light and respectful clothing for visiting religious sites
Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat
Light jacket or raincoat, depending on the weather
Camera or smartphone
Personal medication and essential items

Know before you go

Pick-up: Hotel pick-up in Hanoi's Old Quarter is scheduled between 07:30 and 08:00. Please be ready in your hotel lobby at the designated time.
Itinerary: The order and timing of activities may be adjusted depending on local traffic, weather, and operating conditions.
Walking: Some walking is required during visits to cultural sites and local attractions. Comfortable footwear is recommended.
Religious Sites: Please wear respectful clothing when visiting churches and monasteries. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Hotel Check-in: A valid passport may be required for hotel check-in.

Logistics