A sedge mat begins long before anyone sits at a loom. In Kim Son, families grow the grass, dry its stems, sort the strands and weave them into objects used in homes near and far. This two-day journey follows that work at a gentle pace, with time to meet the makers and try a few rows yourself.
Among Ninh Binh Tours, this route stays close to the communities around Kim Son and Phat Diem. From here, you will walk beside sedge fields, visit a family workshop, share local meals and spend a night in the area. In addition, Phat Diem Cathedral adds another chapter to the story of this distinctive corner of Ninh Binh. Kim Son’s sedge craft has been recognised as a national intangible cultural heritage. So, the visitors can experience stages of the craft with local artisans.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Morning | Into Kim Son’s craft landscape
You will meet our tour guide in Ninh Binh and travel south to the Kim Son area. Along the way, you will stop near the sedge fields to see where the material begins. If harvesting is underway, you’ll watch from a suitable path as growers cut and gather the stems. Field work depends on the season and weather, so the village visit remains the heart of the day even when there is no harvest to see.
Next, you will continue to visit a family workshop. An artisan will show you how sedge is dried, selected and prepared before weaving. Then, you will take a seat at the loom or try a simpler hand-weaving task suited to first-time visitors. The first few strands may slip out of place; that is part of learning how much care goes into a finished piece.
Lunch | A meal in Kim Son
You will enjoy lunch at a local home or restaurant, with dishes chosen around what is fresh and available. Note, please tell our tour guide in advance about allergies or dietary needs so the host can plan your meal.
Afternoon | Village lanes and Phat Diem
Afterward, you will walk through the neighbourhood to see finished mats, baskets. Or other sedge products and meet makers when they are available. Later, you will visit Phat Diem Cathedral, whose architectural complex is a natural stop on a Kim Son craft route. Noted, you should dress respectfully and allow space for worshippers if a service is taking place.
In the late afternoon, you will check in the accommodation near Phat Diem. After having dinner, you will enjoy a quiet evening at your own pace.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Morning | Breakfast and a second look at village life
You will have breakfast at your accommodation. Then, you will head out while the village is settling into its working day. Depending on the host workshop’s schedule, you may see artisans sorting dried sedge, finishing a woven item or preparing an order. Afterward, you will return to your own piece to complete it with guidance. Or choosing a locally made item directly from its maker.
Lunch | A final Kim Son meal
Next, you will sit down for lunch before the return drive. Moreover, our tour guide can help explain unfamiliar dishes and suggest options if you prefer milder flavours.
Afternoon | Return to Ninh Binh
Finish the day, you will travel back to Ninh Binh city or your agreed drop-off point. The tour ends with a small handmade reminder of the people and patience behind Kim Son’s craft.
Included
Not included
Wear shoes that are comfortable on narrow village paths; after rain, areas near the fields can be muddy. Bring a hat and water for sunny stretches, plus light rain protection if the forecast calls for it. Spring and autumn are generally comfortable for walking, while field scenes and workshop activity vary with the season. Kim Son tourism guidance highlights March–May and September–November as appealing periods to visit.
Workshops are family workplaces. Ask before photographing people or entering a drying area, and let your guide introduce you before handling tools or unfinished goods. That small courtesy often leads to the best conversations of the trip.
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Item |
Details |
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Duration: |
2 days, 1 night |
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Start and finish: |
Ninh Binh city or a prearranged local pickup point |
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Main area: |
Kim Son sedge villages and Phat Diem |
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Accommodation: |
Locally run homestay or small guesthouse near Phat Diem, subject to availability |
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Travel style: |
Private vehicle, short village walks and a hands-on craft session |
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Meals: |
Day 1: lunch and dinner; Day 2: breakfast and lunch |
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Best suited to: |
Travelers interested in crafts, food and everyday rural life |
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I first traveled with Impress a few years ago when i visited Sapa and naturally it had to be Impress when i decide to visit Vietnam again.
They are very professional and have good English speaking guides which makes our tour so much convenient and comfortable.
Their local guides are very knowledgeable and gives excellent service.
I will gladly recommend to Impress Travel to my family and friends if they are visiting Vietnam.
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South Africa
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
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Accommodations were good especially Thang Long Espana Hotel (the Hotel Management automated upgraded us to VIP rooms.Is really unexpected). Overalled tours n places visited very well but only local guides r not good organizing the itineraries. Especially at Sapa Lao Cai and Cat Cat Villages walking tours push to the same day about 8hours for 7km (which is on 1st&2nd days arrival) so tiring. Lunch not good enough 4 so many hours of walking. In Danang Bana Hill the local guide shd arrange 2 visit Bana Hill 1st n not last coz' spend a short time n not nice photos taken due to rain (went in morning time no rain).
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Thanks to Mr Tommy and staff for putting together an active and interesting tour in all 3 countries. In every city or town we had we met by very nice, friendly and knowledgeable guides. We went in June which was HOT HOT HOT and were always so happy to have an air conditioned vehicle with cold water waiting for us. We traveled by planes, trains, automobiles and boats and all were fabulously coordinated by Mr Tommy without fail. The selection of sites helped us enjoy so many aspects of all 3 countries!
