Experience Herbal Bath & Making Herbal Soap in Ninh Binh

Experience Herbal Bath & Making Herbal Soap in Ninh Binh: A Practical and Authentic Retreat

If you’re looking for a gentle break from Vietnam’s bustling cities, the Herbal Bath & Soap-Making Tour in Ninh Binh offers a peaceful retreat into nature and wellness. Priced at around $25 per person, this 3-hour experience takes place at the Sinh Duoc herbal farm, where you’ll be welcomed with herbal tea and a warm smile. Led by guides passionate about traditional herbal practices, it promises a blend of hands-on activities and relaxing moments with nature. You’ll explore herbal fields, learn the art of Bodhi leaf crafting, make your own herbal soap, and enjoy a herbal soaking bath—an experience designed for those seeking authentic, wellness-focused activities.

What we love about this tour is the chance to see how local herbal products are created, along with the opportunity to craft your own herbal soap. The herbal bath, steeped in natural extracts and mineral water, offers a genuine sense of relaxation amid scenic greenery. It’s perfect for travelers interested in holistic health, natural beauty, or just looking for a peaceful, educational escape.

A key consideration is that the herbal soaking bath lasts up to 90 minutes, which is a wonderful length for unwinding, but it might feel a bit brief if you’re expecting a full spa experience with robes and extra amenities. Also, the tour’s overall rating is just 3 out of 5 based on a small number of reviews, so manage your expectations accordingly—this is more about authentic learning and tranquility than luxury.

This experience suits travelers who enjoy hands-on activities and natural environments. It’s especially ideal if you’re curious about traditional herbal remedies or want a peaceful day in the countryside. Families with children over four, or those interested in wellness, will find this a meaningful and relaxed outing.

Key Points

• Authentic herbal experiences: You’ll learn about local herbal products and see how they are made.
• Hands-on soap-making: Making herbal soap from natural ingredients allows for a personal touch.
• Peaceful herbal bath: The 90-minute herbal soak provides a natural, aromatic way to unwind.
• Scenic setting: The stone bathtubs with views of green trees enhance the feeling of being close to nature.
• Knowledgeable guides: The tour’s value is boosted by guides who share insights about herbal practices.
• Limited amenities: Towels and basic supplies are provided, but extras like robes are not included.

In-Depth Review of the Tour Experience

Visiting Sinh Duoc Herbal Farm

Starting at the Sao Sa King Bath in Gia Sinh, the tour sets out in a setting that feels genuinely rustic and tranquil. Upon arrival, we are welcomed with herbal tea—an inviting gesture that immediately sets a soothing tone. The guide, who is knowledgeable about the herbal plants and their uses, walks us through the Sinh Duoc herbal field. Depending on the season, you’ll see a variety of herbs like cinnamon, turmeric, green tea, and others cultivated in natural ways. We loved the way the guide explained the different herbs’ roles in health care and traditional remedies, making the farm feel educational rather than just scenic.

Exploring the Bodhi Leaf Art

One of the unique parts of this experience is watching Bodhi leaf art works being made from real leaf skeletons. Skilled artisans craft these intricate pieces, and we found it fascinating to see how each delicate leaf was turned into art. The guide explained the history and significance of Bodhi leaves in local culture, making this stop both beautiful and meaningful. We appreciated the opportunity to try our hand at creating leaf art ourselves—though it’s more about observation and appreciation than mastering the craft.

Making Herbal Soap

A highlight of the tour is DIY herbal soap making. Using a soap base infused with Sinh Duoc herbal extract and powders like cinnamon, turmeric, and green tea, we each crafted two herbal soaps. The process is straightforward and accessible, even for complete beginners. The guide explained the beneficial properties of each ingredient, making this a practical takeaway you can replicate at home. The soap-making activity adds a personal touch, giving you a souvenir that’s both useful and meaningful.

The Herbal Bath Experience

The pièce de résistance is the herbal soaking bath. You’ll step into stone bathtubs set amidst lush greenery, with views that make you feel entirely immersed in nature. The bath is infused with condensed extracts from herbs, essential oils, and mineral water from Sao Sa well. We loved the aromatic infusion and the calm, natural setting. There’s plenty of flexibility to adjust the temperature with hot and cool water, making it accessible for everyone.

The bath duration is a maximum of 90 minutes, which many find perfect for relaxation without feeling overwhelmed. We did note that some travelers in reviews suggested that the towels, roughly the size of a hand towel, could be larger, and adding robes or slippers might elevate the experience. Still, the natural setting and the herbal scent create a truly tranquil moment that’s hard to replicate in a city spa.

Additional Details and Logistics

The tour includes herbal welcome tea, snacks, and towels. It is conducted in a small group setting (up to 25), making it intimate enough to enjoy personalized attention. The meeting point at Sao Sa King Bath is accessible by public transportation, and the tour ends right back at the start—convenience is key here.

While the overall rating is modest, the review mentioning that the soap-making and the peaceful environment stood out positively. However, it also notes that the thermal bath experience could be improved with more amenities like robes and slippers, which might enhance comfort during the soak.

Who Will Benefit Most from This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing, educational activity rooted in local herbal traditions. If you enjoy DIY activities or appreciate natural wellness practices, you’ll find this engaging. It also suits those wanting a peaceful escape into nature with scenic views and aromatic aromas. Families with older children might enjoy the hands-on soap-making and the tranquil bath, but very young children might find the experience less engaging.

Final Thoughts on Value

For $25, you’re paying for more than just a typical sightseeing tour—you’re gaining insight into traditional herbal remedies, crafting your own soap, and enjoying a serene herbal bath. While it’s not a luxury spa, the authenticity and simplicity offer genuine value for those curious about natural health practices. It’s especially well-suited for travelers who enjoy active participation and culture over luxury amenities.

If you’re after a peaceful, educational day that combines local herbal traditions with self-care, this tour adds a meaningful touch to your Ninh Binh visit. Keep your expectations balanced—this isn’t a high-end spa, but it’s a heartfelt, nature-infused experience that can leave you feeling refreshed and connected to local Vietnamese herbal practices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children under 4 years old or under 1 meter can join free of charge and share services with parents, making it a family-friendly activity.

How long does the herbal bath last?
The herbal soaking bath lasts a maximum of 90 minutes, giving you ample time to relax without feeling rushed.

Are towels and amenities provided?
Yes, towels and a hair dryer are included, but some reviews suggest that larger towels or robes could improve comfort.

What should I wear during the tour?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking in herbal fields and potentially getting a bit dirty is recommended. For the bath, you can wear your swimsuit or whatever you feel comfortable in.

Can I participate if I don’t like making soap?
Yes, soap-making is optional, and you can choose to observe or simply enjoy the bath and scenery.

Are there any seasonal restrictions?
Exploring the herbal fields depends on the weather and season, so the variety of herbs might vary throughout the year.

Is the tour physically demanding?
No, the activities are generally gentle—walking through herbal fields, crafting, and soaking in a bath—making it suitable for most travelers.

What is included in the price?
Herbal welcome tea and snacks, the herbal bath, Bodhi leaf art viewing, two handmade herbal soaps, towels, and a hairdryer are included.

How do I book this experience?
You can book online through platforms like Viator. The tour is confirmed upon booking, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

In summary, if you’re seeking a calm, authentic, and educational herbal experience in Ninh Binh, this tour offers a peaceful taste of Vietnam’s herbal traditions. While it might not include luxury amenities, its genuine approach and scenic setting make it a worthwhile addition to your travel plans—especially if wellness and local culture are your focus.