C L A S S I C
I T I N E R A R Y
Ninh Binh 3 D AY S / 2 N I G H TS
Classic Itinerary | Ninh Binh - 3 days / 2 nights
Itinerary Route Map
1
Hanoi
3
Cuc Phuong National Park
4 Bear Sanctuary Centre
2
Ninh Binh
Highlights • • • •
Experience the serene waterways and limestone caves of UNESCO-listed Trang An, surrounded by towering karst formations. Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and learn about the rich legacy of the Dinh and Le dynasties dating back to the 11th century. Explore Cuc Phuong National Park, Vietnam’s oldest national park, known for its ancient forests, diverse wildlife, and thousand-year-old flora. Enjoy a scenic bicycle ride through tranquil paddy fields in Gia Vien district, taking in the peaceful countryside landscapes.
Classic Itinerary | Ninh Binh - 3 days / 2 nights
Itinerary Summary DAY
01
Hanoi – Ninh Binh Your guide and driver will meet you at 8:30 am for the journey south to Hoa Lu, around 100 kilometres from Hanoi. Once the capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 11th century, Hoa Lu is now home to the remains of ancient temples and fortifications. Set among limestone mountains and green countryside, the ruins offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich past. After lunch at a local restaurant, continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its limestone karsts, waterways and caves. Board a small boat and follow the river through the landscape, passing beneath towering limestone cliffs and through natural caves. After the boat trip, return to the pier, where your driver will be waiting to take you back to your hotel. - Overnight accommodation in Ninh Binh. - Lunch included.
DAY
02
Cuc Phuong National Park & Bear Sanctuary Centre After breakfast, set out on a full-day excursion to Cuc Phuong National Park, one of Vietnam’s key biodiversity areas. On arrival, drive around 7 kilometres into the forest before climbing 200 steps to Prehistoric Man Cave, where human remains and stone tools dating back around 7,500 years have been discovered. Continue another 13 kilometres to Bong Centre, then take an easy walk along a paved trail to see one of the park’s ancient trees. After the walk, return to the park headquarters for lunch. In the afternoon, visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Centre, a non-profit facility that rehabilitates primates rescued from the illegal wildlife trade. Established in 1993 with support from the Frankfurt Zoological Society, the centre provides a safe environment for rare langurs, monkeys and gibbons while supporting conservation research and education. Learn more about the centre’s work and speak with local staff about the animals in their care.
Classic Itinerary | Ninh Binh - 3 days / 2 nights
Itinerary Summary Continue to the Turtle Conservation Centre, where around 20 species of turtles and tortoises have been rescued and rehabilitated. On the way back to your hotel, stop at the Bear Sanctuary, established by the animal welfare organisation Four Paws. The sanctuary provides a safe home for bears rescued from bile farming and the illegal wildlife trade. A centre representative will introduce you to the sanctuary’s work, including its bear kitchen, veterinary clinic and bear houses, and explain how the bears are cared for during their recovery. Transfer back to your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. - Overnight accommodation in Ninh Binh. - Breakfast and lunch.
DAY
03
Ninh Binh Countryside Cycling & Culinary Tour After breakfast, check out of your hotel and transfer to Gia Vien District. From here, switch to bicycles for a short ride through the rice paddies towards the Van Long Nature Reserve area. Stop at Mai Trung Hamlet to learn about seasonal farming and see how local families work the land. Continue cycling to a local family home, where you’ll join a cooking demonstration and enjoy a home-cooked lunch, accompanied by Vietnamese rice wine. After lunch, transfer back to Hanoi. The journey will take around two hours, depending on traffic. - Breakfast and lunch.
Classic Itinerary | Ninh Binh - 3 days / 2 nights
Hotels and Destinations
Destinations
Class
Overnight Address*
Ninh Binh
Standard
Emeralda Resort Tam Coc
Trip Inclusions: • Transfers, sightseeing and day tours as specified in the itinerary. • Overnight stay based on twin share in stated accommodation or similar. • Meals as indicated in the itinerary. • Service charges and any government taxes.
Learn more about the destination here: Vietnam Fast Facts For more information on the tour or for extending your stay, speak to us about our range of pre and post accommodation options, just email our team: agents@discova.com or visit www.discova.com