Hanoi and Ninh Binh in 3 days

Sampan excursion in Tam Coc, Local life

Breakfast 8:00 AM: Take a bicycle tour through the Vietnamese countryside. Cycle towards Bich Dong Pagoda, following the trail through Dam Khe village. Make a stop to capture beautiful photos of rice fields, water buffaloes, and friendly locals. Pause near a cemetery to gain a better understanding of Vietnamese customs and traditions regarding the deceased. Visit Bich Dong – an ancient pagoda dating back to the 15th century, providing insights into Buddhism in Vietnam. First, cross a stone bridge over a lake leading to Chua Ha. In the summer, you may sense a pleasant fragrance emanating from lotus flowers cultivated in this small lake. Then, ascend over 100 steps to reach the splendid cave temples of Bich Dong: Trung and Thuong Pagodas. From here, enjoy a beautiful panoramic view of the countryside. Continue your bike ride to the Linh Coc pier, where you embark on a 1.5-hour rowing boat trip along a waterway bordered by reeds and limestone peaks covered in vegetation. A tranquil water journey where you'll savor peace and quiet, nature, water lilies, and traverse three caves, with the most beautiful and longest being the Buddha Cave. Lunch at a restaurant.

Afternoon: Head towards Phat Diem Cathedral, known as the "Catholic capital" of Vietnam. Built between 1875 and 1899, this stone and wood construction perfectly blends the architecture of traditional Buddhist pagodas with European Catholic churches. Take a walk to explore the cathedral and its surroundings. Admire the skill of stone sculpture elites: stone sanctuaries and chapels. Next, visit the old tiled-covered bridge, a local sedge workshop.

Return to Tam Coc.

Sampan excursion in Trang An, the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

Embark on a sampan boat ride to Trang An, a UNESCO-recognized World Heritage site in 2014, thanks to its natural splendor and impressive karst peaks. The highlight of this sampan ride: A loop circuit lasting about 2.5 hours. Board a traditional sampan boat that follows the current and enters a series of caves. Upon exiting, you'll immerse yourself in a new hidden world in the heart of the valleys, in complete tranquility. Glide peacefully aboard a rowing sampan on the river, its clear waters emerald in color, with a view of karst mountains covered in tropical plants stretching to the horizon. There's an option to leave the boat for a walk through pagodas and temples venerating the most famous Mandarins of the Tran Dynasty. During your stop at the Presentation Temple, you'll see troops of red carp swimming and surfacing, a fun moment, especially for young children. The sampan excursion continues, and you'll enjoy enchanting landscapes until returning to the pier.

A short walk along the Sao Khe River for a visit to the countryside. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of independent Vietnam from 968 to 1009. Explore the two temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Dynasties.

Return to Hanoi.