Ninh Binh Culture & Nature Escape 2 Days 1 Night

07:30 – 08:00: Hotel pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Your journey begins with a morning departure from Hanoi, traveling south into the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta.

The first stop is Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, one of Northern Vietnam's most colorful and photogenic traditional craft villages. Walk among vibrant incense-drying yards, meet local artisans, and discover the centuries-old craft of incense making while capturing unforgettable photographs.

Continue to So Kien Basilica, one of Vietnam's oldest and most historically significant Catholic churches. Admire its impressive architecture and learn about the important role it has played in the history of Catholicism in Northern Vietnam.

Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant near the Van Long Nature Reserve before continuing to the peaceful Chau Son Monastery. Surrounded by lush countryside, this hidden gem is renowned for its striking Gothic-style red-brick architecture, tranquil atmosphere, and beautiful gardens, offering visitors a quiet retreat away from the crowds.

In the late afternoon, travel to Phat Diem Commune in Ninh Binh Province and check in at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax or enjoy a leisurely stroll through the charming town.

Dinner is served at the hotel restaurant.

Overnight at Phat Diem Plaza Hotel.

After breakfast, visit the remarkable Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, one of Vietnam's most extraordinary religious landmarks. Built in the late 19th century, the cathedral beautifully blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with European Gothic influences, creating a truly unique masterpiece.

Continue to a nearby local market with your guide and experience the lively atmosphere of everyday life in Phat Diem. Browse fresh seasonal produce, fragrant herbs, and traditional ingredients, and select what you will use to prepare your lunch.

Return to the hotel for an authentic hands-on Vietnamese cooking experience. Guided by local cooks, you will learn to prepare a selection of traditional regional dishes using the fresh ingredients you have just chosen at the market. Roll up your sleeves, discover local cooking techniques, and enjoy the delicious dishes you have prepared yourself for lunch.

After lunch, check out of the hotel and travel to Tam Coc, one of Northern Vietnam's most iconic natural landscapes.

Upon arrival, enjoy a traditional sampan boat ride along peaceful waterways surrounded by dramatic limestone karsts, emerald rice fields, and natural caves. Often referred to as "Halong Bay on Land," Tam Coc offers some of the most breathtaking scenery in Northern Vietnam.

In the afternoon, 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 cultural adventure through Northern Vietnam comes to a close.

(B: breakfast, L: lunch, D: dinner)