Quang Phu Cau and Ninh Binh from Hanoi Private Day Tour

Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Duration13h
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Private tourOnly your group will participate
Pickup offeredSee the meeting and pickup details below

Overview

Experience a captivating private day tour from Hanoi combining culture, craft, and natural beauty. Begin your journey at the vibrant Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, where generations of artisans create colorful incense sticks by hand. Wander through picturesque courtyards filled with bright red bundles drying in the sun, offering incredible photo opportunities and insight into traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Continue to Ninh Binh, often called “Halong Bay on land,” known for its dramatic limestone karsts and peaceful countryside. Enjoy a relaxing boat ride through the scenic waterways of Tam Coc, passing rice fields and hidden caves. Visit ancient temples or climb to panoramic viewpoints before returning to Hanoi. This private tour offers a perfect blend of culture, nature, and authentic local experiences.

What's included

  • Drinking water
  • All entrance fees
  • Lunch
  • Private car
  • Private boat
  • Private English tour guide
  • Private bikes
  • Other drinks
  • Personal expenses

What to expect

  1. Hanoi
    1h
    Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi, depart for Ninh Binh:
    Today, at the hotel in Hanoi, meet your guide and depart by private vehicle for a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land” thanks to its dramatic limestone karst landscapes and peaceful countryside.
  2. 1h
    Visit Quang Phu Cau incense village. Take photos and explore the colorful incense-making village - Continue driving to Ninh Binh:
    On the way to Ninh Binh, you will stop at Quang Phu Cau, a traditional village famous for its vibrant incense production. Here, you can walk through small family workshops, observe how locals skillfully dye, dry, and bundle incense sticks, and capture stunning photos of bright red, pink, and yellow incense arranged in beautiful patterns. It’s a short but unique cultural experience that offers a glimpse into local craftsmanship and daily life in rural Vietnam.
  3. Ninh Binh
    2h
    After visit Quang Phu Cau, continue your journey to Ninh Binh.
  4. Mua Caves
    1h
    Upon arrival in Ninh Binh, begin your exploration at Mua Cave. Climb the stone steps to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain for a breathtaking panoramic view over rice fields and winding rivers surrounded by towering limestone peaks - a perfect photo opportunity.
  5. Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng
    2h
    After that the 8 of you will go down and have lunch at Tam Coc.
  6. Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng
    2h
    Boat ride in Tam Coc. Enjoy the peaceful river scenery and limestone mountains:
    Continue to Tam Coc for a relaxing sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. As you glide through tranquil waters, pass beneath natural caves and admire the serene rural scenery with lush paddies and karst formations rising dramatically on both sides.
  7. Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng
    30m
    Biking around Tam Coc village:
    From 15:00 to 15:30, your team will enjoy a relaxing bike ride around the peaceful countryside of Tam Coc. Cycling through quiet village roads, you’ll pass lush rice fields, limestone mountains, and small local houses, offering an authentic glimpse into rural life in Ninh Binh. This gentle activity is a perfect way to slow down after the boat trip, take in the fresh air, and appreciate the natural beauty at your own pace.
  8. Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
    1h
    Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital - the historic heart of Vietnam dating back to the 10th century:
    You will spend about 40 minutes to 1 hour visiting 02 King Temples in Hoa Lu that are dedicated to Emperor Dinh Tien Hoang of the Dinh Dynasty (968-80), and Emperor Le Dai Hanh of the Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient Hoa Lu Citadel (most of which has since been ruined) once covered an area of three square kilometers. The guide will explain more about the Kings' history. Walking through this area not only brings history to life, but also provides a calm and scenic end to your day in Ninh Binh.
  9. Hanoi
    2h
    Drive back to Hanoi - Drop off at hotel

Meeting and pickup

Pickup details

We can pick up all travelers from your hotel in Hanoi. We will pick you up in your hotel lobby. The driver will wait for you and contact you via phone (or WhatsApp) to describe the car so you can identify it.

Additional information

  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
From
$125.00 per person
Check availability & book
  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
More activities in Northern Vietnam
From
$125.00 per person
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