Exploring the cultural and natural wonders of northern Vietnam, the Private Incense Village & Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi promises an immersive one-day experience. Visitors will witness the centuries-old craft of incense making, discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, and marvel at the stunning Trang An landscape. With a range of activities and a 5-star rating, this tour offers an enriching journey that’s sure to captivate those seeking a glimpse into Vietnam’s vibrant heritage. What secrets might this tour unveil about the country’s past and present?
Key Points
- This private 1-day tour from Hanoi takes you to the Incense Village and the Ninh Binh region, featuring historical sites, boat trips, and cultural experiences.
- The tour includes hotel pickup in Hanoi, a 45-minute cycling tour, a buffet lunch, and exploration of Trang An’s cave system and Mua Cave.
- Pricing is $137.96 per person, with cancellation allowed up to 24 hours prior for a full refund and spot reservation available without upfront payment.
- The tour is rated 5/5 based on customer feedback, which highlights the tour’s intensity, cultural insights, and well-rounded experience.
- Additional language guide surcharges may apply, and the pricing structure could benefit from more clarity, as suggested in the customer feedback.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The private Incense Village & Ninh Binh Tour is priced at $137.96 per person and lasts for 1 day.
The private Incense Village & Ninh Binh Tour is priced at $137.96 per person and lasts for 1 day.
Clients can cancel up to 24 hours prior for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour offers an English-speaking guide, with surcharges for other language options.
Highlights include visiting the incense-making village, exploring Hoa Lu ancient capital, and touring the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape complex.
The tour includes transportation, entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and tips.
Customers have rated the tour 5/5 based on one review, praising its intensity and travel.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary Highlights
Starting at 7:00 AM, the tour begins with pickup from hotels in Hanoi, located about 40 km and a 1-hour drive away.
The first stop is Quang Phu Cau village, known for over 100 years of incense production. Visitors can walk through the village and observe family-scale incense making.
Next, the group tours the largest incense factory.
Then, they explore Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, visiting 17th-century temples of King Dinh and King Le. The ancient atmosphere is palpable.
After lunch, the tour heads to the UNESCO-listed Trang An, where a boat trip navigates the tunnel cave system featured in "Kong: Skull Island."
Activities and Experiences
After exploring the historical sites, the tour offers a 45-minute cycling tour around the village to discover local life.
Guests can then enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine like goat meat, fried rice, and vegetarian options.
The tour continues to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An, where visitors take a boat trip through the tunnel cave system featured in "Kong: Skull Island".
Afterward, they’ll explore the Sang, Toi, and Nau Ruou Caves before climbing ~500 steps to the Mua Cave (Dancing Cave) and Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views of Tam Coc.
Inclusions
Although the tour price includes an English-speaking guide, there’s a surcharge for guides in other languages.
The tour also covers entrance fees and boat trips, as well as the use of bicycles for a 45-minute cycling tour around the village.
A local lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine, including options for vegetarians, is provided.
Transportation by bus from and to Hanoi’s Old Quarter is included, along with tips and any surcharges for holidays.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Feedback
According to the customer feedback, the overall rating for the Private Incense Village & Ninh Binh Tour is 5/5 based on a single review.
The reviewer, Laurence from France, provided positive feedback on the tour’s intensity and road travel. However, they suggested clearer pricing on language guide surcharges.
The feedback indicates the tour offers a well-rounded experience, though the pricing structure could use additional clarity.
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Quang Phu Cau Village: Incense Production
The tour begins with a visit to Quang Phu Cau village, an incense-making community that has been in operation for over a century.
Visitors can walk through the village and observe the family-scale production of incense. The tour includes a visit to the largest incense factory, providing an in-depth look at the manufacturing process.
Guests can expect to witness the meticulous handcrafting techniques passed down through generations, from drying the incense sticks to carefully packaging the final products.
This unique experience offers a glimpse into the rich cultural heritage and traditional skills of the local community.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
After visiting the incense-making village, the tour proceeds to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
This site was the first capital of Vietnam, established in the 10th century. Visitors explore the temples of King Dinh and King Le, built in the 17th century. These structures offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history and culture.
The ancient atmosphere envelops the site, transporting guests back in time. Travelers can wander the grounds, imagining the bustling activity that once filled these halls.
This stop provides a fascinating look at Vietnam’s storied past and the enduring legacy of its early dynasties.
Trang An: UNESCO World Heritage Site
Following the tour of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the next stop is Trang An – a UNESCO World Heritage Site designated in 2014.
Trang An is a landscape of limestone karsts, rivers, and caves. Visitors will take a boat trip through the tunnel cave system, which was featured in the film "Kong: Skull Island".
Travelers can also explore the Sang, Toi, and Nau Ruou Caves. The highlight is the Mua Cave, where guests can climb approximately 500 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views of the Tam Coc region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the Tour Be Customized to My Specific Interests?
The tour can be customized to the traveler’s specific interests. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing guests to adjust the itinerary and activities to suit their preferences and ensure a personalized experience.
Is There an Option to Book the Tour in My Native Language?
Yes, the tour can be booked in the guest’s native language. According to the details, the tour offers live tour guides available in English, Japanese, French, Chinese, German, and Italian at an additional surcharge.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Group Bookings?
The tour operator offers group discounts, but the specific percentage off is not listed. Customers should inquire about group pricing when booking to see if they qualify for any savings.
Can I Bring Extra Luggage on the Tour Bus?
Travelers can bring extra luggage on the tour bus, but it’s recommended to keep it to a minimum for ease of movement. The tour provider can accommodate reasonable amounts of additional baggage during the trip.
What Should I Wear and Bring for the Best Experience?
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing to explore the village and hike. Bring sun protection, water, and a small backpack to carry personal items. Pack light, as the bus has limited space for extra luggage.
The Sum Up
The Private Incense Village & Ninh Binh Tour from Hanoi offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing the centuries-old art of incense making and Vietnam’s ancient capital. Travelers can explore the picturesque Trang An landscape by boat, cycle through scenic villages, and savor local cuisine. Rated 5/5, this tour promises a captivating journey that blends cultural heritage with stunning natural beauty.
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