Hanoi Old Quarter (Google Map)
7 Hours Before Start
Bedrooms
Bathrooms
DAY 1: HANOI – SO KIEN CATHEDRAL – HOA LU – TAM COC/TRANG AN – BICH DONG – PHAT DIEM
07:00 – Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter
Depart for Ninh Binh through the peaceful countryside of the Red River Delta.
08:30 – So Kien Cathedral (Sở Kiện)
Visit one of Vietnam’s earliest Catholic centers, featuring soaring bell towers, arched corridors, and classic Gothic façades. Blending European style with Vietnamese craftsmanship, the cathedral exudes serene dignity amid quiet rice fields — a timeless window into early Catholic heritage in northern Vietnam.
10:00 – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Explore the remnants of Vietnam’s 10th-century royal seat, visiting the Dinh and Le temples dedicated to the first kings who unified the nation.
11:30 – Lunch at Local Restaurant
Enjoy regional Ninh Binh cuisine with fresh, traditional flavors.
13:00 – Tam Coc or Trang An Boat Trip
Choose between:
15:00 – Bich Dong Pagoda
Built in the 15th century, Bich Dong Pagoda forms a three-tiered complex seamlessly integrated into the mountain. Its wooden halls, ancient stone steps, and cave sanctuaries reflect traditional Buddhist architecture in its purest form — a serene ascent from the Lower to the Upper Pagoda where nature and spirituality meet.
17:00 – Phat Diem Cathedral
Admire the iconic stone cathedral blending Eastern pagoda roofs with Western basilica structure — a rare and harmonious fusion of cultures and faith.
18:00 – Hotel Check-in (Phat Diem Plaza Hotel 4-star hotel)
Relax after a full day of heritage and nature.
19:00 – Dinner & Overnight in Ninh Binh
DAY 2: PHAT DIEM – LOCAL MARKET – COOKING CLASS – TU THUC CAVE – HANOI
07:30 – Breakfast at Hotel
08:15 – Phat Diem Cathedral
Admire Vietnam’s most distinctive Catholic architecture — stone chapels, wooden roofs, ancient bell towers, and a symbolic fusion of Eastern and Western artistry.
09:30 – Local Market Experience
Walk through a traditional countryside market, observe local lifestyles, and select ingredients for your cooking class.
11:00 – Cooking Class with Professional Chef
Learn traditional cooking techniques and make signature Vietnamese dishes.
12:30 – Enjoy Your Homemade Lunch
Enjoy your homemade lunch — a flavorful reward crafted from your own hands after learning authentic Vietnamese techniques with a professional chef. This satisfying moment completes a memorable culinary experience filled with creativity, culture, and pride.
13:30 – Relax & Check-out
14:30 – Tu Thuc Cave
Explore a legendary cave adorned with natural formations tied to the romantic myth of Tu Thuc and the fairy Giang Huong.
16:00 – Return to Hanoi
19:00 – Drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter
End of services — carrying with you the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ninh Binh.
