Day 1: Hanoi – Phat Diem – Tam Coc
Depart from Hanoi in the morning and travel south towards Ninh Binh, one of Northern Vietnam’s most scenic countryside destinations. Your first stop is Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, an impressive architectural landmark that beautifully combines Vietnamese and European design. The visit offers an interesting insight into the history, culture and spiritual life of the local Catholic community.
Continue to Tam Coc, famous for its limestone karsts, peaceful rivers and green rice fields. Enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant before starting your afternoon discovery.
Board a sampan boat for a relaxing cruise along the Ngo Dong River. Drift through three natural caves and admire the quiet rural scenery on both sides of the river. After the boat trip, enjoy a gentle cycling experience through nearby villages and farmlands, giving you a closer look at local life in Ninh Binh.
Later in the afternoon, transfer to your eco resort in Tam Coc for check-in. Enjoy the peaceful countryside setting, fresh air and relaxing atmosphere surrounded by limestone mountains and rice fields. Dinner is served at the resort or a local restaurant. Overnight in Tam Coc.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Eco resort in Tam Coc
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle, sampan boat, bicycle
Guide: English-speaking tour guide
Day 2: Tam Coc – Cuc Phuong National Park – Hanoi
After breakfast, check out from your eco resort and depart for Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s first and oldest national park. Upon arrival, visit the Prehistoric Man Cave, an important archaeological site where ancient tools and traces of early human life have been discovered.
Continue deeper into the heart of the park and begin a forest trek along shaded trails beneath the tropical canopy. Depending on your preference and fitness level, you may choose a shorter or longer trekking route. Both options offer a wonderful chance to discover Cuc Phuong’s rich biodiversity, ancient trees and peaceful forest landscape.
After the trek, enjoy lunch at the park’s restaurant before visiting two important conservation centres: the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre and the Turtle Conservation Centre. These centres play an important role in protecting Vietnam’s rare and endangered wildlife.
In the late afternoon, leave Cuc Phuong and drive back to Hanoi. Your 2-day Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong adventure ends upon arrival in the city.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Accommodation: Not included
Transport: Private air-conditioned vehicle
Guide: English-speaking tour guide