Incense Village Small Group Of 9 Tour From Hanoi to Ninh Binh

This one-day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh promises a captivating exploration of the region’s cultural and natural gems. Travelers will witness the traditional incense-making process, float through the enchanting karst landscapes of Tam Coc, and uncover the secrets of the ancient capital Hoa Lu. With a maximum of 9 participants, the small-group format ensures an intimate and personalized experience, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly discovery. Whether you’re a culture enthusiast or a nature lover, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s heartland. But the true allure lies in the stories waiting to be unveiled…

Key Points

• This small-group tour from Hanoi takes visitors to the Quang Phu Cau incense-making village, the scenic Tam Coc region, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu in Ninh Binh.
• The tour includes air-conditioned transportation, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water, providing a comprehensive experience of Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural attractions.
• With a maximum of 9 participants, the tour offers an intimate and personalized experience, allowing ample opportunities for questions and insider tips from the guide.
• The tour covers the key highlights of Ninh Binh, including witnessing traditional incense-making, a boat tour through the picturesque karst landscapes of Tam Coc, and exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
• Exclusions include drinks, personal expenses, and tips for the guide and driver, allowing travelers the freedom to purchase souvenirs or try local specialties not included in the set lunch.

Tour Details

This full-day small-group tour combines three scenic attractions in Ninh Binh: Quang Phu Cau, Tam Coc, and Hoa Lu.

Travelers are picked up from their hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and transported by air-conditioned vehicle, with a tour guide providing commentary throughout the day.

At the Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau, visitors will witness the traditional craft of incense making.

The tour then moves on to the breathtaking Tam Coc, known as the ‘Halong Bay on land,’ where travelers embark on a boat tour.

Finally, the group visits the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

With entrance fees, lunch, and bottled water included, this tour offers a comprehensive experience of Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural wonders.

Visited Locations

The tour kicks off at the Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau, where visitors witness the traditional craft of incense making. Travelers then head to the breathtaking Tam Coc, often referred to as the ‘Halong Bay on land,’ and embark on a serene boat tour through the picturesque karst landscapes. The final stop on the itinerary is the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Attraction	Key Features	Duration
Quang Phu Cau	Traditional incense making	1 hour
Tam Coc	Boat tour through karst landscapes	2 hours
Hoa Lu	Ancient capital of Vietnam	1 hour

The tour allows visitors to enjoy Vietnam’s rich history and natural wonders, providing a comprehensive experience in a single day.

Group Size

The small-group tour caps the number of travelers at a maximum of 9 participants, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience throughout the day’s activities. This limited group size allows for a more attentive and interactive tour, where the guide can cater to the needs and interests of each traveler.

It also reduces the impact on the visited destinations, promoting a more sustainable and environmentally-friendly exploration. With a small group, you’ll have ample opportunities to ask questions, get insider tips, and forge connections with your fellow adventurers.

The carefully curated group size enhances the overall tour quality, creating a memorable journey through Vietnam’s picturesque landscapes and cultural highlights.

Inclusions

One of the key inclusions of this small-group tour is the air-conditioned vehicle that transports travelers from their Old Quarter hotel to the various scenic attractions. Plus, the tour provides pickup and drop-off service within the Old Quarter, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day’s activities. Entrance tickets to all the visited sites, including the Incense Village, Tam Coc, and Hoa Lu, are also covered as part of the package. Throughout the tour, travelers enjoy the services of an English-speaking guide who shares insights and commentary about the destinations. Bottled water is provided to keep participants hydrated during the excursion. Lastly, a delicious lunch is included, allowing travelers to refuel and savor the local cuisine.

Inclusions	Details
Transportation	Air-conditioned vehicle, pickup and drop-off service in Old Quarter
Entrance Fees	All sites, including Incense Village, Tam Coc, and Hoa Lu
Guide Service	English-speaking guide providing commentary

Exclusions

While the inclusions cover the major expenses, there are a few additional costs not covered by the tour. These exclusions allow for flexibility and give participants the freedom to customize their experience.

Travelers must pay for any drinks, personal expenses, tips for the guide and driver, and alcoholic beverages not included in the lunch.

For example, travelers may wish to purchase souvenirs or try local specialties not provided in the set lunch. The tips for the guide and driver are also left to the discretion of the travelers, enabling them to reward exceptional service.

Incense Village

Quang Phu Cau, known as the Incense Village, offers visitors a glimpse into the centuries-old tradition of making incense sticks by hand. This picturesque village is renowned for the production of high-quality incense, which is an integral part of Vietnamese culture and religious practices.

The streets are lined with vibrant, colorful drying racks, where the freshly-made incense sticks are left to dry in the sun.

Visitors can witness the skilled artisans meticulously crafting the incense by hand, using traditional methods passed down through generations.

The air is filled with the intoxicating aroma of fragrant ingredients, creating a mesmerizing sensory experience for all who visit.

Tam Coc Boat Tour

After exploring the vibrant Incense Village, the tour continues to the iconic Tam Coc, known as the ‘Halong Bay on land.’

Visitors embark on a serene boat ride through the picturesque limestone karsts and meandering rivers, offering a unique perspective of the stunning natural landscape.

Gliding silently along the water, they’ll witness the towering cliffs, lush greenery, and serene waters that make Tam Coc a must-see destination.

The boat journey provides a peaceful escape, allowing travelers to soak in the beauty of this breathtaking region.

With the guide’s insightful commentary, the tour-goers gain a deeper appreciation for the cultural and natural wonders of this captivating location.

Ancient Capital Hoa Lu

The tour then ventures to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. Visitors explore the remains of the former royal citadel and temples, gaining insights into the region’s rich historical and cultural heritage. The guide provides informative commentary, helping travelers understand the significance of this important archaeological site and its pivotal role in Vietnam’s past.

Visitors can marvel at the impressive stone sculptures and architectural relics that have endured the test of time.

Hoa Lu’s tranquil atmosphere and picturesque setting amidst limestone mountains create a serene and captivating ambiance.

Exploring this ancient imperial capital offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s storied past and the country’s cultural evolution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, the tour can be booked for a private group. Many tour operators offer the option to customize tours for private groups, providing a more personalized and exclusive experience.

What Is the Duration of the Boat Ride in Tam Coc?

The boat ride in Tam Coc lasts approximately 2 hours. Visitors will glide through the stunning limestone karst landscape, passing by rice paddies and caves along the Ngo Dong River.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour has a fixed duration and does not offer an option to extend. It is a full-day small-group tour that combines several scenic attractions. Travelers can request additional activities, but the core tour itinerary cannot be extended beyond the scheduled timeframe.

Are Vegetarian or Halal Meal Options Available?

Yes, vegetarian and halal meal options are typically available on small-group tours. The tour provider should be able to accommodate dietary requirements if notified in advance. Travelers should inquire about meal options when booking the tour.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour operator may allow some customization of the itinerary, but the core attractions and inclusions are generally fixed. Travelers should check with the operator about any flexibility to adjust the tour to their preferences.

Recap

This one-day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh provides a comprehensive experience of the region’s natural and cultural highlights.

Travelers can witness traditional incense making, explore the picturesque karst landscapes of Tam Coc, and visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

The small-group format ensures an intimate and personalized experience, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly exploration, with transportation, entrance fees, and a delicious lunch included.