JOURNEY 01: HOA LU TAM COC/TRANG AN HANG MUA PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL

Journey 01: HOA LU - TAM COC/TRANG AN- HANG MUA - PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL

 

DAY 1: HANOI - HOA LU - TAM COC/TRANG AN - MUA CAVE

8:00 - 8:15: Pick you up at the hotel around Hanoi Old Quarter and start a bus ride to Ninh Bình—one of the famous tourist destinations in the Red River Delta, located about 110km south of Hanoi.

10:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh. You will start a visit to the ancient capital of Dai Co Viet, the Temple of Dinh Tien Hoang King, the founder of the Dinh Dynasty—Vietnam’s first dynasty—and the Temple of Le Dai Hanh King, the founder of the Early Le Dynasty, the next dynasty.

12:00: After visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, take a break and enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant near Tam Coc pier.

13:30: Board a boat to explore Tam Coc along a unique waterway for about 2 hours. Tam Coc means "three caves," which includes Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Hang Ca is the largest and most beautiful one, stretching 127m beneath a massive mountain and crossing the Ngo Dong River.

Alternatively, the bus will take you to the center of the Trang An Eco-tourism area, featuring caves like Hang Lam, Hang Vang, Hang Đai, and Hang Thanh Truot, as well as three historical sites: Cao Son Temple, Tien Stream Temple, and Vu Lam Palace (dedicated to Tran Dynasty Kings).

15:30: Visit Hang Mua. Climb to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain (or Dragon Mountain) to enjoy a breathtaking view of the majestic mountains and forests, from misty peaks to the lush green valley at dusk.

16:30: Get on the bus to travel to Phat Diem town, approximately 27km southeast of Ninh Binh city center.

17:30: Check in at the 4-star hotel, Phat Diem Plaza, located in the heart of Phat Diem town. Have dinner at the hotel’s restaurant.

Evening: Free time to explore the charming town. Take a walk to admire the Phat Diem Tiled Bridge, spanning the An River. The bridge features unique architecture and is one of Vietnam’s oldest and most distinctive wooden bridges (about 120 years old). It is considered a symbol of Kim Son, Ninh Binh, and a provincially recognized historical-cultural relic.

 

DAY 2: PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL – HANOI

7:30: Have breakfast at the hotel’s restaurant.

8:15: Start the trip to visit 3 beautiful landscapes around 15km far from the hotel.

· Tu Thuc Cave with stunning scenery, shimmering stalactites, relating to the legend of Tu Thuc marrying the fairy

•  Tiên Pagoda is an ancient spiritual site linked to local legend and Buddhist worship, a symbol of faith and a popular destination for pilgrims and visitors seeking peace and spiritual connection.

•  Mai An Tiêm Temple honors the ancestor of watermelon cultivation, surrounded by sacred temples and natural landscapes.

12:00: Return to the hotel, check out, and enjoy lunch with local specialties.

13:00: Visit the 130-year-old Phat Diem Stone Cathedral, known as the "Catholic Capital," a unique blend of Eastern and Western architecture. Explore its bell tower, churches, stone caves, and ponds, and learn about its history while enjoying hymns and local handicrafts.

15:30: Take a bus to Ninh Binh city center to visit Ton Dao Parish Church, a 100-year-old European-style cathedral—a perfect spot for beautiful countryside photos.

16:30: The bus takes you to Hanoi Old Quarter.

19:15: Trip end