Embark on a 2-Day Adventure through Ninh Binh: Ancient History, Natural Wonders & Unforgettable Views (NB-260)

7:30 AM – Departure from Hanoi: Your journey begins with a comfortable pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Settle in as your guide and driver take you on a scenic 2.5-hour drive to Ninh Binh, a region rich in history and natural beauty. On the way, you’ll pass lush rice fields and traditional villages, giving you a taste of rural Vietnam.

9:15 AM – Quick Refreshment Break: A 15-20 minute stop will give you the chance to stretch your legs and grab a quick snack before you continue your adventure into the heart of Ninh Binh.

10:30 AM – Hoa Lu: The Ancient Capital of Vietnam: Arriving at Hoa Lu, you’ll step back in time to explore Vietnam’s former capital, which served as the political and cultural hub from 968 to 1010 AD. As you wander through the temples of Dinh King and Le King, you’ll learn about the fascinating dynasties that shaped Vietnam’s history. Surrounded by limestone peaks, Hoa Lu is an idyllic place to absorb the ancient spirit of this historical site.

11:15 AM – Optional Cycling Activity: After exploring the temples, you can choose to embark on a 30-minute cycling ride around the surrounding countryside. Pedal through tranquil villages, past serene lakes, waterfalls, and lush valleys. Alternatively, you can relax in the restaurant’s peaceful setting and enjoy the views as you unwind.

12:00 PM – Buffet Lunch: At Trang An Heritage Garden, a peaceful retreat surrounded by nature, you’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch. Feast on a variety of local specialties, including flavorful goat meat and fried rice. Vegetarian options are also available to cater to all dietary preferences.

1:30 PM – Trang An: UNESCO World Heritage Site: Next, it’s time to discover the beauty of Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 2014. Known for its complex system of caves and waterways, Trang An offers a peaceful boat ride through stunning landscapes. As you glide through tunnels and caves like Light Cave (Sang Cave) and Cooking Wine Cave (Nau Ruou Cave), you’ll be mesmerized by the lush greenery and towering limestone mountains. If it looks familiar, that’s because it was featured in the 2016 movie Kong: Skull Island.

3:30 PM – Mua Cave: Climb to the “Dragon’s Backbone”: Your next stop is Mua Cave, where a rewarding 500-step climb leads to a panoramic view of Tam Coc, often called the “Halong Bay on land.” From the top, you’ll be treated to sweeping vistas of winding rivers, rice fields, and limestone peaks—a scene that seems to come straight out of a painting.

5:00 PM – Return to Trang An Heritage Garden: After conquering Mua Cave, it’s time to head back to Trang An Heritage Garden. Check-in to your cozy room, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil surroundings. In the summer months, take a refreshing dip in the pool to unwind.

7:00 PM – Dinner & Overnight at Trang An Heritage Garden: Indulge in a tasty dinner at the restaurant, where you’ll savor local flavors and unwind after a day of exploration. Then, enjoy a peaceful night at your hotel, surrounded by the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.

7:00 AM – Breakfast: Start your second day with a hearty breakfast at the hotel. Fuel up for the exciting nature adventure that awaits.

8:15 AM – Check-out & Departure to Cuc Phuong National Park: After breakfast, check out and meet your guide for a short drive to Cuc Phuong National Park, about 1.5 hours away. This 22,000-hectare park is Vietnam’s oldest national park and is home to incredible biodiversity, including rare primates and exotic wildlife.

9:15 AM – Endangered Primate Rescue Center & Turtle Conservation Center: Upon arrival, your first stop is the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where you’ll get a chance to see some of Vietnam’s most endangered species. The Turtle Conservation Center is also a must-see, dedicated to protecting and rehabilitating native turtle species.

11:00 AM – Exploring the Heart of the Park: Take a 20-minute minivan ride through the lush primary forest to the center of the park. Here, you’ll embark on a scenic trek, visiting the iconic 1000-Year-Old Tree and Ancient Tree, two magnificent natural wonders that have stood the test of time.

12:00 PM – Lunch in the Heart of the Park: Enjoy a local Vietnamese lunch in the park, where fresh, authentic dishes await. Relish the flavors of the countryside while surrounded by the serene beauty of Cuc Phuong.

1:00 PM – Trekking in Cuc Phuong: After lunch, take a trek into the heart of the park for a deeper immersion into its biodiversity. Your guide will point out unique flora and fauna that call the park home, giving you an insight into the ecological richness of Vietnam’s oldest forest.

2:30 PM – Cave of Prehistoric Man: Next, visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man, an archaeological site that provides a glimpse into ancient human history in Vietnam. The cave is filled with historical significance, offering a sense of connection to Vietnam’s distant past.

3:30 PM – Return to Hanoi: After an enriching experience in Cuc Phuong National Park, it’s time to head back to Hanoi.

5:00 PM – Departure for Hanoi: Your minivan will take you back to the bustling streets of Hanoi, where you’ll arrive by 7:30 PM, completing a journey full of history, culture, and nature.