Discover the Secrets of Northern Vietnam: Vibrant Incense Village & Majestic "Ha Long Bay on Land"

Are you looking to capture Northern Vietnam's most iconic, Instagrammable spots in a single day? This tour takes you to the century-old Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, where you'll witness thousands of red incense bundles blooming like flowers. Then, we head to Ninh Binh, the "Ha Long Bay on Land," to experience the natural wonder of limestone mountains and crystal-clear waterways.

With our private charter service, you will enjoy the dedicated companionship of a professional driver and an English/Chinese-speaking guide. There is no need to share your ride with strangers; the pace is entirely yours to control. Whether it's a family outing, a romantic date, or a group of friends, you can enjoy the ultimate freedom in your own private space.

Note: Actual vehicle conditions are subject to on-site scheduling.

Route Highlights at a Glance

Choose from two meticulously planned routes to explore Ninh Binh your way:

Route A — Heritage & Adventure: Incense Village - Trang An

Hidden Gem Exploration: Traditional Craft, World Heritage, and Mystical Water Caves Begin your journey at the traditional workshops of the Incense Village, where you'll learn the secrets of centuries-old incense-making and capture stunning moments in this ancient village. Then, head to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An. Board a boat to navigate through a series of natural, mysterious water caves while marveling at the spectacular limestone mountains and emerald rivers. Experience a true miracle carved by nature and immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of "Ha Long Bay on Land".

Route B — Romance & Serenity: Incense Village - Tam Coc

Romantic Pastoral: Traditional Craft, Riverways, Rice Fields, and Mountain Vistas Discover the traditional handicrafts of the Incense Village and soak in the unique atmosphere created by the vibrant red incense bundles. Afterward, travel to Tam Coc for a leisurely drift along the winding Ngo Dong River. Flanked by continuous karst landscapes and poetic green rice fields (which turn a brilliant golden in season), you'll find yourself immersed in postcard-perfect scenery. It is the perfect way to enjoy a beautiful moment of being at one with nature.

How to Book:

Customer Support:

Our support team is available in both English and Chinese. You can reach us on LINE or WhatsApp — whichever is more convenient for you.

• LINE (Taiwan support): @lanytrip

• WhatsApp (Vietnam support): +84333708807

Step 1 — Choose your option & select your date

Select your preferred route on the product page and add it to your cart. On the checkout page, choose your travel date.
If you need help adjusting the time or pick-up location, feel free to contact our support team on LINE or WhatsApp.

Step 2 — Provide your trip details

When placing your order, please make sure to fill in:

• Your preferred departure time

• Pick-up location (your hotel)

• Your contact app (WhatsApp is recommended for easy communication during the trip)

Step 3 — Receive driver details

On the evening before your tour, you will receive your driver’s contact details and vehicle information.

*Step 4 — Overtime policy

If your tour runs overtime, an additional fee may apply:
VND 200,000 per hour (maximum 1 hour), payable in cash directly to the driver.

Sightseeing Highlights

The Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau):

• A Century of Artistry: The "Red Blossoms": Located just 1 hour from Hanoi, this village hides a 100-year-old tradition. The most stunning sight is thousands of vibrant red incense bundles spread across the ground to dry. From a bird's-eye view, the neatly arranged red incense bundles resemble a vast sea of blooming flowers stretching across the village—an awe-inspiring 'Vietnamese Red' spectacle that no photography enthusiast should miss.

• The Color of Luck: In Vietnamese culture, red symbolizes luck and prosperity, while incense acts as a bridge between the living and their ancestors. With over 3,000 households involved, you aren't just seeing an industry; you are witnessing a village's spiritual guardian.

• The Spirit of Craftsmanship: From splitting bamboo to dyeing and powdering, every stick is a piece of art. The air here is filled with natural herbal and woody scents—a true feast for the senses.

• ✨ Traveler's Tips:

  • Best Photo Time: Between 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM when the direct sunlight makes the red bundles appear most vivid.

  • What to Wear: White, beige, or light-colored outfits offer the best contrast against the red incense for high-impact photos!

Trang An Boat Ride:

• UNESCO Dual Heritage: Trang An is a rare "Natural and Cultural" heritage site. Known as an "Open-air Geological Museum," it holds traces of human activity dating back 30,000 years.

• Cinematic Beauty: During the 2-hour boat ride, you will glide through natural water caves. The dramatic transition from dark caves to the bright, emerald landscape outside is the magic of Trang An. This was a filming location for Kong: Skull Island, and every corner feels like a movie scene.

• ✨ Traveler's Tip:

  • The Money Shot: The exact moment your boat emerges from a cave exit is the best time to capture the "mystical" play of light on the water.

Tam Coc Boat Ride:

• Drifting Through Three Secret Caves: "Tam Coc" literally means "Three Caves" (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba). This route is more leisurely, taking about an hour along the winding Ngo Dong River.

• The "Foot-Rowing" Tradition: You will be amazed by the local rowers' unique skill—rowing with their feet! This traditional technique allows them to navigate easily while becoming a unique cultural sight themselves. With limestone cliffs on both sides and clear water below, it's like drifting through a giant, living oil painting.

• ✨ Traveler's Tip:

  • Best Season: Visit from mid-May to early June when the rice paddies turn golden, transforming the entire riverbank into a sea of gold.

Itinerary

Route A: Incense Village - Trang An (The Adventure Route)

• 07:30 | Hotel Pick-up: Your private driver greets you at your Hanoi hotel. Enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour drive.
• 09:00 | Explore Quang Phu Cau Incense Village: Witness the traditional incense-making process and take your time capturing photos of this unique cultural gem.
• 11:00 | Lunch (At your own expense): As this is a private tour, lunch is flexible. Choose a local eatery or a scenic restaurant—just let your guide know your preference!
• 13:30 | Trang An Boat Adventure: Spend 2 hours on a traditional sampan, navigating through limestone caves and emerald waters.
• 16:00 | Return Journey: Relax in your private vehicle and review the day's photos as we head back to Hanoi.
• 18:30 | Arrive at Hotel: End of the tour with beautiful memories and stunning photos.

Route B: Incense Village - Tam Coc (The Romantic Route)

• 07:30 | Hotel Pick-up: Start your private journey from your hotel lobby in total comfort.
• 09:00 | Explore Quang Phu Cau Incense Village: Deep dive into the century-old artisan traditions and explore the ancient village atmosphere.
• 11:00 | Lunch (At your own expense): Flexible dining based on your taste. Your guide will provide the best local recommendations.
• 13:30 | Tam Coc Romantic Drift: Enjoy the calm of the Ngo Dong River and watch the famous "foot-rowing" technique amidst golden rice fields and majestic cliffs.
• 16:00 | Return Journey: Cool off in the air-conditioned car and relax during the scenic drive back to the city.
• 18:30 | Arrive at Hotel: Return to Hanoi, finishing a perfect day of nature and visual wonder.

Route Selection Guide: Quick Comparison

Round-Trip Transfer

• Hotel pick-up and drop-off is provided.

• The supplier will confirm the pick-up time with you in advance.

• Please wait in the hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pick-up time.

• Enter your hotel name and address on the payment page.

Kids Policy

• Ages 5 and up: Considered as adults for pricing.

• Ages 0–4: Free of charge (no separate seat provided).

📅 Surcharge for Peak Holidays

To ensure you receive quality service during peak travel periods, an additional fee applies on the following dates. Please read and accept the terms before booking:

• Surcharge Amount: VND 500,000 per day (excluding Lunar New Year; please contact customer service in advance for holiday pricing).
• Payment Method: Pay in cash to the driver on the day of the tour
• Applies To: All @lanytrip private tours
• 📌 Note: By booking on the specified dates, you agree to this surcharge policy.
• 💡 Tip: Confirm your itinerary early and prepare enough Vietnamese Dong in cash to ensure a smooth trip.

🚨 Applicable Dates for Surcharge

Cancellation Policy

• Full refund: Cancel 2 or more days before departure.

• No refund: Cancel less than 2 days before departure.

Booking Deadline

Please make sure to book at least 2 days before your tour. Last-minute bookings cannot be accepted.

Non-Refundable Items

Tickets, passes, visas, and fast-track services cannot be canceled, refunded, or rescheduled once purchased.

Need help?

Contact our Customer Service with your order number via:

• LINE: @lanytrip

• WhatsApp: +84 333 708 807

Driver Waiting Policy

• The driver will arrive at your hotel according to the agreed pick-up time (or the time listed on the product page if not otherwise confirmed).

• Waiting time is limited to 1 hour. If the driver waits longer than 1 hour, the order will be automatically canceled and not refundable.

💡 Tip: Please be ready on time to ensure a smooth start to your trip!

FAQs

Need Assistance?

If you have any questions or need support, please contact us through the following channels:

Taiwan Customer Service

• LINE: Add @Lanytrip (don't forget the @)

• Provides real-time support in Chinese / English to help ensure a smooth start to your trip.

Vietnam Customer Service

• WhatsApp: +84333708807

• After entering Vietnam, customer service mainly communicates via WhatsApp.

• We recommend downloading and registering WhatsApp before departure for easier communication.

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