Ninh Binh
2 days / 1 night
AH-NB03
6/10
$124 USD
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WHY THIS TOUR?

For the conscious traveler seeking a meaningful connection with nature, this journey offers an exquisite blend of wildlife conservation, wilderness trekking, and rich cultural heritage. Beyond a simple sightseeing trip, guests will engage directly with conservation efforts at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, walk beneath the ancient canopy of Cuc Phuong National Park on secluded trails, and experience the warm hospitality of an overnight stay with the Muong people in Khanh Village. The adventure gracefully transitions to the water with a peaceful SUP paddle along the pristine Buoi River, skirting the edge of the national park. Balanced, authentic, and breathtakingly scenic, this itinerary is a revitalizing escape for anyone looking to experience rural Vietnam in its purest form.

Highlights

  • Core Jungle Trekking: Explore deep, untouched forest terrain on paths used only by ranger patrols.
  • River Adventure: Premium SUP paddling on the scenic Buoi River.
  • Eco-Discovery: Learn about Cuc Phuong’s unique flora and fauna.
SUMMARY

  • Start / Finish Point: Hanoi

  • Duration: 2 days / 1 night

  • Destination: Ninh Binh

  • Group Size : 2 - 15 pax

  • Best Season: Apr - Oct

  • Difficulty level: 6/10

  • Activities: Hiking / Trekking, Paddle Boarding (SUP)

ITINERARY
Day 1: Hanoi - Cuc Phuong NP - Khanh Village

07:30 Meet your professional tour guide and driver at your hotel lobby to board your private vehicle. Depart from Hanoi and head south toward Ninh Binh province, giving guests time to enjoy their pre-prepared breakfast comfortably on the bus or during a brief rest stop along the highway.

09:30 Arrive at the gates of Cuc Phuong National Park. Here, you will meet up with the local forest rangers and specialized guides. The team will brief the group on the terrain, share essential safety instructions, and assist everyone in checking and adjusting their trekking and adventure gear.

09:45 Take a short walk to visit the Endangered Primate Rescue Center (EPRC). You will have the chance to observe rare, endemic primate species and learn about the park’s critical conservation, rehabilitation, and research efforts aimed at protecting Vietnam's wildlife.

10:30 Board the bus for a scenic drive deeper into the national park, winding through the lush green canopy to the Bong station area. This serves as the final staging point where the group will do a final gear check, pack the picnic rations, and prepare to step off the grid.

11:30 Officially enter the jungle to begin the challenging 4-hour trek. You will dive straight into the untouched core zone of Cuc Phuong, navigating rugged, raw limestone trails and dense jungle terrain that see few human footprints and are used primarily by ranger patrols. Midway through the wilderness, the group will pause at a scenic, quiet clearing inside the old-growth forest to enjoy a well-deserved picnic lunch and rest under the canopy.

17:00 Emerge from the dense jungle and arrive at Khanh Village, a peaceful and rustic Muong ethnic community nestled beautifully on the outer edge of the national park. Take some time to unwind, wash up, and soak in the tranquil, slow-paced countryside atmosphere.

18:30 Gather around for a traditional, home-cooked dinner featuring flavorful local specialties prepared by your Muong hosts. Spend the rest of the evening sharing stories, learning about the local culture, and settling into your authentic stilt-house homestay for a refreshing night's sleep in the valley.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 3hrs/ Treking 5 hours/ Lunch break 45 mins

* Meals included: Lunch , Dinner

 

Day 2: Paddle Boarding Buoi River – Hanoi

07:30 Wake up to the peaceful sounds of the countryside and enjoy a hearty, traditional breakfast prepared fresh at the homestay. Take your time to unwind with a hot cup of local coffee or tea while soaking in the morning mist over the Muong valley.

08:30 Bid farewell to your local hosts, pack your bags, and board the bus for a short 4-kilometer drive to the SUP launching point by the riverbank. Here, the crew will distribute life jackets, paddles, and boards, followed by a brief safety and technique orientation.

09:00 Launch your boards into the water and begin paddling downstream along one of the most stunning, untouched sections of the Buoi River, winding directly through the border of Thanh Hoa province.

09:35 Navigate a scenic 5-kilometer aquatic route characterized by majestic limestone cliffs flanking the edge of Cuc Phuong National Park, emerald waters, and calm river bends. Along the way, the group will pause at a safe, crystal-clear spot, allowing you to jump in, swim, and float freely in the refreshing natural river.

11:35 Wrap up the paddling session at the end pier, dry off, and board the bus for a short drive to a nearby local restaurant.

12:00 Sit down for a comforting lunch featuring authentic regional dishes, celebrating the successful conclusion of your multi-activity wilderness adventure.

13:30 Board the private vehicle for a relaxing journey back to the capital, giving everyone a chance to rest and look back at the photos from the trip.

16:30 Arrive back in Hanoi, where the driver and guide will drop you off at your hotel. Tour concludes.

* Approx. Duration: Driving 3hrs/ Paddling 2-2,5 hours/ Lunch break 1 hr

* Meals included: Breakfast , Lunch

INCLUSION/EXCLUSION

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Inclusion:

  • Round-trip vehicle: Hanoi – Cuc Phuong NP – Hanoi
  • Inflatble SUP and equipment
  • Trekking gear 
  • Meals as indicated in the itinerary
  • Homestay in Khanh village
  • Tour guide & forest ranger
  • Drinking water & snack provided daily during the tour
  • Entrance fees & tickets
  • Domestic travel insurance 

Exclusion:

  • Additional food and beverages not stated in the itinerary
  • Personal expenses
  • Transportation fee before and after the trip
  • Tips
THE EQUIPMENT NECESSARY

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Equipment provided by VAH:

  • Trekking pole
  • Gloves
  • Inflatable SUP
  • Life jacket
  • Flashlight
  • First-aid kit 

What to bring: 

  • 20L trekking backpack 
  • Trekking shoes or boots
  • A pair of strapped sandals (or water shoes) for use at the homestay and while paddling.
  • Clothing by season:
  • + Summer: Lightweight, breathable long-sleeved clothing, sun hat/cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, and trekking gloves. 
  • + Winter: Warm layers (thermal base layers, fleece jacket, down jacket), a beanie/warm hat, and insulated gloves.
  • Raincoat or poncho.
  • Spare clothes
  • Electronics: Mobile phone, camera, power bank, ...
  • Personal medications
  • Reusable water bottle
  • ID or Passport

Also recommended:

  • Toiletries
  • Sunscreen
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Pocket knife / multi-tool
TOUR EQUIPMENT
IMPORTANT NOTES

1. Trekking Notes

  • Distance: The trekking route covers approximately 16 to 17 km through the core zone of the national park.
  • Terrain: The trail features a mix of relatively flat earthen forest paths interspersed with primitive limestone mountain terrain. It crosses dry, mossy stream beds with slippery surfaces and includes sections of sharp, jagged karst rock slopes that require careful footing.
  • Suitability: This route is highly accessible and ideal for most fitness levels, making it excellent even for beginners. While active families are welcome, please note that the terrain is not suitable for young children.

2. SUP Paddling Notes

  • River Conditions: The Buoi River is a relatively narrow and serene waterway. During the dry season, it features a gentle, calm current.
  • Difficulty Level: This is a relaxed, non-technical paddling route. Even during the rainy season, the river remains highly manageable and beginner-friendly, featuring only one or two minor rapids that add a touch of fun to the journey.

3. Homestay

  • Accommodation Style: Guests will stay at an authentic, rustic stilt house in Khanh Village, hosted by a local Muong ethnic family. Bedding setup is traditional and communal, featuring individual mattresses, clean linens, pillows, and mosquito nets for a comfortable night's rest.
  • Amenities: The homestay offers shared western-style toilets and hot showers. 

3. Food & Water

  • All meals showcase authentic, hearty local cuisine designed to replenish your energy after active outdoor sessions. The culinary journey includes 1 hot breakfast at the homestay accompanied by tea or coffee, 1 scenic picnic lunch packed deep inside the forest along the trekking route, 1 authentic local restaurant lunch after the paddling session, and 1 diverse dinner spread featuring regional specialties prepared fresh by our homestay hosts.
  • Water & Energy: Clean, safe drinking water and energy-boosting snacks (such as fresh fruits or local treats) are supplied daily during the tour. 
  • Hot Beverages: Complimentary hot tea or coffee is generally available during breakfasts at the homestay.

3. Responsible Travel & Environmental Protection

  • Leave No Trace: We strictly follow and promote the Leave No Trace principles in all our outdoor programs. We encourage our guests and partners to apply these ethics to minimize our impact on the natural environment. [See details about Leave No Trace here]
  • Reduce Plastic Waste: To limit single-use plastics, we encourage everyone to bring a reusable water bottle (minimum 1L capacity). Refill stations will be provided throughout the trip.
  • Local Regulations: We kindly ask all guests to comply with the specific environmental regulations and instructions provided by our guides at the destination.

4. Health & Safety

  • Medical Considerations: Your safety is our priority. If you have a history of cardiovascular conditions or chronic joint issues (knees, ankles, shoulders, etc.), please consult with your doctor before booking this trip.
  • Physical Fitness: Please maintain a regular walking routine of approximately 5–7 km per day in the weeks leading up to the tour to ensure you are adequately prepared for the trek.
  • Transparency: Please inform our tour guide of any existing health conditions or allergies at the start of the journey so we can support you best.