Dong Bang Song Hong, the Red River Delta region of northern Vietnam, offers an incredible variety of tours that showcase its scenic landscapes, traditional crafts, and local way of life. This area isn’t just about bustling cities — it’s a place where you can explore lush countryside, ancient villages, and authentic culinary traditions. We’re particularly fond of tours that combine immersive local experiences with manageable group sizes, like the Ninh Binh Jeep Tours from Hanoi, which takes you through hidden corners of this beautiful region by jeep, boat, and on foot. The emphasis on early starts to beat the crowds really helps you enjoy the sights with fewer travelers around.
If you’re after a more relaxed, health-focused experience, the Herbal Bath & Making Herbal Soap offers a soothing break from busy travel days. And for those interested in traditional crafts and local food, the Hanoi: Day Trip to Bamboo Fish Trap & Soy Sauce Villages combines hands-on activities with cultural sights. Whatever your interests, Dong Bang Song Hong’s tours make exploring the region both practical and memorable.
1. Ninh Binh Jeep Tours From Hanoi: Jeep + Boat + Daily Life
Start your day early with this Ninh Binh Jeep Tour, designed for those eager to dodge the crowds. This small-group adventure whisks you through the stunning countryside using a mix of jeep, boat, and walking, ending with a climb to the Mua Cave for breathtaking views. The tour stands out because it offers visits to hidden gems that aren’t always on the usual itinerary, plus an authentic local lunch at a family-run restaurant.
Guided by Louis and Minh, you’ll gain insights and enjoy lively commentary along the way. The jeep rides are a highlight, providing a fun, up-close look at the area’s agricultural landscapes and lesser-known spots. The boat trip through limestone karsts and rice paddies adds a peaceful, scenic element, while the climb at Mua Cave rewards you with panoramic views that are worth every step. The reviews praise the friendly guides, the fun jeep rides, and the stunning scenery. At around $108 per person, this tour offers solid value for a full day of varied activities. Perfect if you want a mix of adventure, culture, and authentic sights in a small-group setting.
Bottom Line: A fantastic choice for active travelers who want to see the best of Ninh Binh without crowds, with excellent local food and fun jeep rides.
2. Ninh Binh Vespa Tours from Hanoi: Vespa + Boat + Daily Life
For those looking to add a dash of fun and adventure, the Ninh Binh Vespa Tour offers an exhilarating way to explore the countryside. This tour uses a Vespa scooter to navigate narrow village roads, giving you a genuine feel for local life and hidden corners that larger vehicles can’t reach. Starting early to beat the crowds, you’ll visit sites like the Mua Cave and enjoy a local home-cooked lunch.
The guide, Danny, is praised for being exceptional, making the experience engaging and informative. The Vespa rides feel like a sensory journey — you’ll see rice paddies, meet villagers, and witness traditional farming methods firsthand. The boat trip adds a relaxing touch, offering peaceful views of limestone formations and river scenes. At just $95 per person, this tour offers a lively, authentic experience, perfect for travelers who enjoy active exploration paired with culture.
Bottom Line: Best suited for adventurous travelers who want to experience Ninh Binh from a local’s perspective, with a fun Vespa twist.
3. Ninh Binh: Experience Herbal Bath & Making Herbal Soap
Relaxation takes center stage with the Herbal Bath & Making Herbal Soap, a soothing experience ideal for tired legs or anyone wanting a calming break. Priced at $28 for three hours, it’s accessible and offers an authentic herbal immersion. You’ll start with a hot herbal bath replete with aromatic herbs, followed by making your own herbal soap to take home.
The visit to the display house of Bodhi leaf art and the herbal factory adds a cultural layer, showcasing traditional Vietnamese herbal remedies. Reviewers highlight how relaxing and educational this experience is, with one describing it as “a welcome diversion after days of trekking and riding motorbikes.” The owner’s detailed explanations about herbs and their benefits make the experience informative as well as calming.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking wellness and a hands-on craft activity, with a focus on natural remedies and relaxation.
4. Hanoi: Day Trip to Bamboo Fish Trap & Soy Sauce Villages
For a full-day dive into traditional Vietnamese crafts and cuisine, the Hanoi: Day Trip to Bamboo Fish Trap & Soy Sauce Villages is a fascinating choice. Starting from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, you’ll travel about two hours to Hung Yen, a small fishing village famous for its fish trap craft. Here, you’ll see how these traps were used in rice paddies and learn about their role in local fishing practices.
The tour also visits Ban Yen Nhan, renowned for its soy sauce production. You’ll get up close to the fermentation process and even stir the soy sauce yourself. The trip includes sampling home-cooked Vietnamese dishes with a hearty lunch at a local family’s home. Current reviews commend the informative guides, the hands-on experiences, and the delicious food. At $168, it’s a comprehensive way to enjoy rural Vietnam’s craftsmanship and culinary traditions in a small-group setting.
Bottom Line: Perfect if you’re curious about traditional food and craft practices and want a full culture in a single day.
$168 per person
5. Customized Private Car Trip to Nghia Lo & Tram Tau – Yen Bai
If you prefer a tailored experience, this private 2-day trip offers exclusive access to northern Vietnam’s rice terraces, hot springs, and hill tribes. Starting from Hanoi, you’ll explore the Nghia Lo region and visit the Hung Temple, an important cultural site. The tour provides the chance to dip in hot springs, relax in the countryside, and enjoy local food and coffee at scenic spots like Lau Camping Site.
This is best suited for travelers interested in slow travel, local culture, and flexible itineraries. The price reflects the private, bespoke nature, at $265 per person. It’s a longer commitment but allows for personalized stops and deeper engagement with rural Vietnam’s mountain scenery and ethnic groups.
Bottom Line: Great for seasoned travelers or those wanting a private, immersive experience in northern Vietnam’s highlands.
$265 per person
6. Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Caves Full – Day Trip
This full-day tour combines history, stunning scenery, and active exploration. It includes a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital with limestone temples, and Tam Coc, where a boat trip winds through rice paddies and limestone cliffs. The highlight for many is the climb up Mua Cave, offering sweeping views of the area.
For around $46, this trip offers excellent value, including a buffet lunch (with vegetarian options available). The reviews praise the well-organized itinerary and friendly guides. The tour’s focus on accessible activities makes it perfect for families or those with moderate fitness levels wanting a multi-faceted experience of Vietnam’s cultural and natural sites.
Bottom Line: A balanced, comprehensive day that hits key highlights without overexertion.
$46 per person
7. FROM HA NOI: TAM COC – HOA LU – MUA CAVE – FULLDAY TRIP
The From Hanoi: Tam Coc – Hoa Lu – Mua Cave offers a full-day adventure for travelers who want to explore the river caves, ancient capital, and panoramic mountain views. You’ll take a boat ride through Tam Coc, cycle around the village, and hike up Dancing Cave to enjoy the highest vantage point.
Starting from a central Hanoi location, the trip includes lunch with local dishes, adding to the sense of immersion. It’s a great choice for those who like both active pursuits and cultural sights, with reviews highlighting its balance of scenic boat rides and walking. The combination of boat, bike, and hike makes this tour especially suitable for active travelers who want a full, varied day out.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want to combine gentle physical activity with cultural sightseeing, all in one day.
$46 per person
How to Choose the Right Tour
When selecting the best tour in Dong Bang Song Hong, consider factors like your budget, available time, physical activity level, and specific interests. If you prefer a small-group adventure with a mix of jeep rides and boat trips, the Ninh Binh Jeep Tours is a great choice. Want a more adventurous, local feel? Check out the Vespa Tour. For relaxation and wellness, the herbal bath experience offers a quiet interlude.
If you’re interested in cultural crafts and culinary traditions, the Bamboo Fish Trap & Soy Sauce Village trip provides genuine hands-on learning. For private, tailored trips exploring the highlands, the 2-day private car tour offers flexibility and depth. And for a classic sightseeing day that balances history and scenery, the Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Caves** trip is hard to beat.
Booking early is recommended, especially during peak seasons, to secure your spot. Consider your fitness level and interest in active pursuits when choosing between options like the jeep and bike tours versus more relaxed experiences.
Final Thoughts
Dong Bang Song Hong isn’t just about seeing sights — it’s about experiencing a side of Vietnam that’s rooted in tradition, craftsmanship, and natural beauty. Whether you’re after a fun-filled jeep adventure, a culinary journey, or a peaceful herbal bath, there’s a tour to match your style. For active travelers, the jeep or Vespa tours offer excitement and authenticity. For those seeking rest or cultural insight, the herbal experience or craft tours hit the mark.
Whatever you choose, booking in advance ensures you won’t miss out on these memorable experiences. Dive into the local life, enjoy the scenery, and make your trip to Dong Bang Song Hong truly special.