Journey 02: HANOI - SO KIEN MINOR BASILICA - CHAU SON MONASTERY - PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL - TON DAO CHURCH
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Journey 02: HANOI - SO KIEN MINOR BASILICA - CHAU SON MONASTERY - PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL - TON DAO CHURCH
DAY 1: HANOI - NINH BÌNH - PHAT DIEM STONE CATHEDRAL
8:00-8:15: The bus and tour guide pick you up at your hotel and start a 70km journey to So Kien Church, one of four Vietnamese structures recognized by the Vatican as a Minor Basilica due to its grand scale and unique architecture.
You will continue the journey to the largest cathedral in Southeast Asia, Lang Van Church, to witness the differences in the architectural styles of churches from different eras.
Next, you will have time to board a small bamboo boat to visit Van Long Lagoon, a beautiful and pristine wetland.
12:30: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant with traditional Vietnamese dishes.
13:30: Travel to Chau Son Monastery located in Phu Son Commune, Nho Quan District, Ninh Binh Province. This is compared to a Western cathedral in Vietnam with its ancient, noble, and solemn beauty.
16:00: Get on the bus and head to Phat Diem town in Kim Son, Ninh Binh. (On the way, you may stop at Phuc Nhac Holy Temple, a harmonious architectural style of ancient and modern Eastern-Western upon request).
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 ends.
SERVICES INCLUDED
• Modern air-conditioned bus with a professional driver as per the itinerary.
• Bottled water on bus.
• Vietnamese-English speaking guide at destinations (no guide on the bus).
• Meals at restaurants and hotels as per the itinerary
• 4-star hotel with full amenities.
• Entrance fees to sites in the itinerary, shared boats, shared bus, and occasional bus transfers to suit
the route.
• Bicycles.
NOT INCLUDED
• Drinks.
• VAT tax.
• Tip.
CHILDREN’S SURCHARGE
• Under 5 years: Free; parents cover any additional costs. Two adults can accompany one child under
5; the second child is charged 50%.
• 5-8 years: 75% of tour price. Two adults can accompany one child aged 5 to under 9; the second
child is charged as an adult.
• 9 years and above: Charged as an adult.
NOTES
• Custom itineraries can be arranged with destinations tailored to your preferences beyond those
listed.
• Additional 1- or 2-night stays for self-exploration in Phat Diem or Ninh Binh (Tam Coc, Trang An,
Hang Mua, etc.) are available at reasonable rates with dedicated, professional service.
Please don’t hesitate to contact us via
Phone: +84(0)918529035/ 849380528
Email: sales@ninhbinhheritagetrails.com
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