Ninh Binh Culture & Heritage Escape 2 Days 1 Night

08:00 – 08:30: 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 Kim Son District 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, it beautifully blends traditional Vietnamese architecture with European Gothic influences.

Continue to a nearby local market with your guide to experience everyday local life. Browse fresh produce, fragrant herbs, and traditional ingredients before selecting the items for your cooking class.

Return to the hotel for a hands-on Vietnamese Cooking Class. Learn authentic cooking techniques, prepare a few traditional Vietnamese dishes, and enjoy the delicious lunch you have created.

After lunch, check out and travel to Perfume Pagoda, Vietnam's most famous Buddhist pilgrimage site.

Upon arrival, enjoy a relaxing boat trip along Yen Stream, passing peaceful rice fields and dramatic limestone mountains before reaching the pagoda complex. Explore the sacred temples and beautiful natural surroundings, where centuries-old religious traditions blend with spectacular scenery.

In the late afternoon, begin the journey back to Hanoi.

Expected arrival at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter is around 19:00-19:30, depending on traffic conditions, marking the end of your cultural, culinary, and spiritual journey through Northern Vietnam.

ℹ️ Please Note: Visiting Perfume Pagoda involves climbing several hundred stone steps. Guests who prefer not to walk may take the optional cable car at their own expense.