Hanoi to Ninh Binh Sustainable Tour: 3 days 2 nights
 05-02-2026


DAY 1: HANOI - ARRIVAL - HISTORY & LOCAL LIFE (Lunch /Dinner)


Upon arrival in Hanoi, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to the city center. After a short rest, begin your first exploration with a visit to Hoa Lo Prison Museum, one of Hanoi’s most significant historical landmarks. Built during the French colonial period, the prison tells powerful stories of Vietnam’s struggle for independence through original cells, artifacts, and exhibitions. This visit provides important historical context and a deeper understanding of the country’s resilience and past.

Take a cyclo to see around the old quarter, enjoy the bustling atmosphere of the capital city.

The cyclo then stops at the Hanoi Train Street, a unique residential neighborhood built along an active railway line. Here, you can observe the daily life of local residents living just inches from the tracks, where homes, cafés, and small shops coexist with passing trains. This experience offers an authentic glimpse into Hanoi’s urban culture and community lifestyle beyond traditional tourist attractions.

Overnight in Hanoi.

DAY 2: NINH BINH - VAN LONG NATURE RESERVE & THUNG NHAM ECO PARK (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


After breakfast, depart Hanoi for Ninh Binh, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” due to its dramatic limestone karsts and peaceful rural scenery. You will travel through the peaceful countryside toward Van Long Nature Reserve, the largest wetland nature reserve in northern Vietnam. Upon arrival in the morning, embark on a traditional bamboo boat ride guided by local rowers. Glide quietly across mirror-like waters surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains, reeds, and marshlands. Van Long is known for its pristine ecosystem and is home to rare wildlife, including the endangered Delacour’s langur. The calm atmosphere and unspoiled scenery make this area ideal for nature lovers and eco-travelers seeking a low-impact experience.

Late morning, continue your journey to a nearby local restaurant for a lunch break. Enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes prepared with fresh, seasonal ingredients, offering a chance to rest and recharge while supporting locally owned businesses.

In the afternoon, visit Thung Nham Bird Park, located within the Trang An landscape complex. Explore lush gardens, limestone caves, and walking paths that lead through forests and wetlands. Highlights include visits to natural caves, peaceful valleys, and the bird sanctuary, where thousands of birds gather in their natural habitat, especially in the late afternoon. This eco-park showcases the harmonious relationship between nature, wildlife, and sustainable tourism practices.

At the end of the afternoon, depart Thung Nham and return to your hotel in Ninh Binh, concluding a day filled with natural beauty, biodiversity, and meaningful eco-experiences.

DAY 3: HANOI - NINH BINH - ANCIENT CAPITAL & NATURAL LANDSCAPES (Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner)


Breakfast at the hotel. Begin your first stop is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the political and cultural center of Vietnam in the 10th century. Visit the temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, surrounded by mountains that once served as natural defensive walls. Your guide will explain the early foundations of the Vietnamese state and its historical significance.

Next, enjoy a relaxing boat trip in Tam Coc, where local rowers take you along the Ngo Dong River through rice paddies and limestone caves. This community-based activity supports local livelihoods while allowing you to experience the region’s natural beauty at a slow, sustainable pace.

In the afternoon, visit Hang Mua, climbing stone steps to the mountain peak for panoramic views over Tam Coc’s river, fields, and karst formations. This viewpoint is one of the most iconic landscapes in northern Vietnam and offers excellent photo opportunities. After the visit, return to your hotel in Ninh Binh or Hanoi for your departure flight.