The "Hanoi: Incense Village, Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, & Hoa Lu Tour" promises a captivating journey through Vietnam’s rich cultural and historical landscapes. With a visit to the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, a scenic boat ride in Tam Coc, and an exploration of Hoa Lu, this day trip offers a well-rounded experience. But what makes this tour truly unique? Uncover the intriguing details that set it apart from the rest.
Key Points
- A 1-day tour that takes visitors to the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Tam Coc, and the historical site of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh province.
- Priced at $87.10 per person with flexible booking options and full refund for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
- Includes car transfers, an English-speaking guide, boat fees, lunch, and entrance tickets.
- Highlights the incense-making process, a scenic boat ride through the "Ha Long Bay on land," and exploration of ancient Vietnamese capital ruins.
- Tour departs from central Hanoi hotels between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM, and returns to Hanoi around 6:30 PM.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour, titled "Hanoi: Incense Village, Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, & Hoa Lu Tour," is priced from $87.10 per person and lasts for 1 day.
Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Bookings are flexible, allowing customers to reserve their spot without upfront payment.
The tour includes car transfers, an English-speaking guide, boat fees, lunch, and entrance tickets.
Customers can expect to visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Tam Coc for a boat ride, and Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital.
The tour returns to Hanoi around 6:30 PM.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Departure and Incense Village Visit
At 7:15 AM to 7:45 AM, the tour departs from hotels in central Hanoi.
The first stop is at the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village around 9:15 AM. Here, guests learn about the intricate incense-making process.
Guests learn about the intricate incense-making process at the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, arriving around 9:15 AM.
They observe skilled artisans tying bundles of fragrant incense sticks. Visitors can interact with the local craftspeople and capture photos of the beautifully arranged incense.
This visit provides a glimpse into the traditional craft that has been passed down through generations in this rural Vietnamese community.
The tour then continues to the next destinations, Tam Coc and Hoa Lu.
Lunch and Tam Coc Exploration
After departing Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, the tour heads to Tam Coc for lunch at local restaurants around 12:15 PM. Tam Coc, often called "Ha Long Bay on land," offers a scenic boat ride through rice fields and limestone caves, lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Passengers can relax and admire the breathtaking landscape during this portion of the tour.
| Destination | Departure Time | Duration | Highlights |
|————-|—————-|———-|————|
| Tam Coc | 12:15 PM | 1.5 hrs | Scenic boat ride through rice fields and limestone caves |
| Hoa Lu | 3:15 PM | – | Explore ancient ruins and learn about the Dinh and Le Dynasties |
| Hanoi | 6:30 PM (est.) | – | Return to central Hanoi |
Historical Visit to Hoa Lu
After departing Tam Coc, the tour heads to Hoa Lu at 3:15 PM.
Hoa Lu was Vietnam’s first capital during the 10th and 11th centuries. The tour explores the ancient ruins, offering insights into this significant period of Vietnam’s history.
Visitors learn about the Dinh and Le Dynasties that ruled from Hoa Lu. This historical visit provides a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s past, complementing the natural beauty experienced earlier in the day.
Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, offers a fascinating glimpse into the past through the Dinh and Le Dynasties that once ruled there.
The tour concludes around 4:15 PM, returning to Hanoi with an expected arrival time of 6:30 PM.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyReturn to Hanoi
With the tour’s historical exploration of Hoa Lu now complete, the group heads back to Hanoi. The drive takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, arriving at approximately 6:30 PM. During the return journey, the guide shares additional insights into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and the significance of the ancient capital. The tour concludes with drop-offs at central Hanoi hotels, allowing participants to reflect on the day’s memorable experiences.
| Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Highlights |
| — | — | — | — |
| 4:15 PM | 6:30 PM | 2 hours 15 minutes | – Drive back to Hanoi
– Guide provides commentary
– Drop-offs at central Hanoi hotels
– Participants can reflect on the day’s experiences |
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Inclusions
The tour package includes a car transfer with air conditioning, pick-up and drop-off services at central hotels in Hanoi.
Plus, the tour provides an English-speaking guide, with a surcharge for other languages.
The inclusions also cover:
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Boat fees for the Tam Coc boat trip.
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Lunch and bottled water while on the tour.
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Entrance tickets and other fees not mentioned elsewhere.
However, there’s a surcharge for holidays in Vietnam.
The comprehensive inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for the tour participants.
Customer Reviews
Customers have spoken highly of this Hanoi tour, awarding it an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on a single verified review.
The reviewer, Alessandra from Italy, praised the unique and relaxing nature of the excursion, highlighting the river ride and incense preparation as experiences not to be missed.
While only one review is available, it paints a positive picture of the tour, suggesting it offers an engaging mix of culture and scenic beauty.
A single review paints the tour as a cultural and scenic delight, blending immersion and beauty in an engaging manner.
Prospective customers can feel confident in the quality of this Hanoi tour based on the glowing feedback provided.
What to Expect on the Tour
Kicking off the day, the tour departs from central Hanoi hotels around 7:15-7:45 AM.
The first stop is the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, where visitors learn about the intricate incense-making process and interact with local artisans.
After a scenic lunch in Tam Coc, the tour ventures to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, exploring the ruins and learning about Vietnam’s rich history under the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
The day concludes with a return to Hanoi around 6:30 PM.
Key highlights include:
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Witnessing the traditional art of incense making
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Enjoying a peaceful boat ride through the Tam Coc rice fields and limestone caves
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Taking in the historical significance of Hoa Lu
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Tour Available on Weekends?
The tour is available on weekends, as it’s a day-long excursion that departs from Hanoi. Customers can enjoy the cultural and historical highlights of the tour any day of the week, including Saturdays and Sundays.
Can the Tour Be Customized for Private Groups?
The tour can be customized for private groups. The operator offers flexible booking options and is happy to tailor the itinerary to meet the specific needs and preferences of the group.
Are Vegetarian/Halal Meal Options Available?
Yes, the tour offers vegetarian and halal meal options upon request. Customers can let the tour operator know their dietary requirements when booking, and the team will make the necessary arrangements to accommodate them.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The maximum group size for this tour is not specified. Tour operators often aim to keep group sizes small to provide a more personalized experience, but the exact capacity may vary depending on the specific tour provider and availability.
Is Roundtrip Transportation From Hanoi City Center Included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from Hanoi city center is included in the tour. The tour package specifically states that pick-up and drop-off services at central Hanoi locations are provided as part of the tour inclusions.
The Sum Up
This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can witness the time-honored craft of incense-making, enjoy the serene beauty of Tam Coc, and uncover the historical significance of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital. With a competitive price point and positive customer reviews, this day trip provides an engaging and insightful experience for travelers seeking to discover the essence of Northern Vietnam.
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