Ninh Binh Day Tour from Hanoi – Hoa Lu -Tam Coc & Mua Cave

9 hours (approximately)
Pickup offered
Offered in: English and 2 more

Escape the hustle and bustle of Hanoi and discover the breathtaking beauty of Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on Land." This full-day adventure combines Vietnam's rich history, stunning natural landscapes, and authentic countryside experiences.

Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the political center of Vietnam during the Dinh and Early Le Dynasties, before cycling through peaceful villages surrounded by limestone mountains and rice paddies. Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties before boarding a traditional sampan boat to cruise through the spectacular waterways of Tam Coc.

Complete your journey at the famous Mua Cave, where a rewarding climb to the summit offers panoramic views over Tam Coc Valley, winding rivers, and dramatic karst formations.

What's Included

Entrance fees to all attractions mentioned in the itinerary
Professional English-speaking tour guide
Visit to Mua Cave and Dragon Mountain Viewpoint
Bicycle ride through the Ninh Binh countryside
Round-trip transportation by air-conditioned vehicle from Hanoi
Traditional sampan boat trip in Tam Coc (approximately 1.5 hours)
Vietnamese buffet lunch at a local restaurant
Visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (King Dinh & King Le Temples)
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter
✗ Additional beverages during lunch
✗ Surcharge for pickup and drop-off outside Duong Dong Town

Meeting and pickup

Pickup points
You can choose a pickup location at checkout (multiple pickup locations are available).
Pickup details:

We provide complimentary pickup service from hotels located within Hanoi Old Quarter. Our tour guide will welcome you with a sign displaying your name and will meet you at the hotel address provided at the time of booking.

For guests staying outside Hanoi Old Quarter, please make your own way to our meeting point:

Go Vietnam Trip Office
216 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi, Vietnam

Please arrive at the meeting point at least 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth check-in and timely departure.

Kindly provide your hotel name and address when making your reservation so we can arrange your pickup accordingly.

OR
Meeting point
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Duration: 9 hours (approximately)
  • 1
    Hanoi

    06:45 – 07:30 | Pickup & Transfer to Ninh Binh Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. The guide will hold a welcome sign with your name, making it easy to identify your pickup location based on the information provided during booking. Guests staying outside the Old Quarter are kindly requested to meet at: Go Vietnam Trip Office 216 Hang Bong Street, Hoan Kiem District, Hanoi After everyone has assembled, depart for Ninh Binh by comfortable tourist bus. Enjoy a relaxing journey through the scenic countryside of Northern Vietnam, passing rice fields, local villages, and beautiful rural landscapes along the way. The transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh takes approximately 2 hours, with a short break en route for refreshments and rest.

    2 hours Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Hoa Lu temples of the Dinh & Le Dynasties

    10:00 | Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – King Dinh & King Le Temples Arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam, dating back to the 10th century during the Dinh and Early Le Dynasties. Surrounded by magnificent limestone mountains and peaceful countryside, Hoa Lu offers visitors a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history and cultural heritage. Explore the historic King Dinh Temple and King Le Temple, two remarkable architectural landmarks dedicated to the emperors who played a crucial role in unifying and defending the nation. Admire the intricate wood and stone carvings, ancient courtyards, and traditional Vietnamese architecture that have been preserved for centuries. During the visit, your tour guide will share stories about the rise of the Dinh and Early Le Dynasties, the establishment of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state, and the significance of Hoa Lu as the political and cultural center of the country over 1,000 years ago.

    45 minutes Admission ticket included
  • 3
    Ninh Binh

    11:00 | Cycling Through the Countryside of Ninh Binh (45 Minutes) After exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the group will receive bicycles and enjoy a leisurely 45-minute cycling tour through the peaceful countryside of Ninh Binh. Ride along quiet village roads surrounded by lush rice fields, towering limestone mountains, lotus ponds, and traditional Vietnamese homes. This relaxing activity offers a wonderful opportunity to experience local life, enjoy the fresh countryside air, and capture beautiful photos of Ninh Binh's breathtaking landscapes. 12:00 | Vietnamese Buffet Lunch After the cycling experience, enjoy a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch at a local restaurant featuring a variety of traditional dishes and local specialties. Take time to relax, recharge, and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a comfortable setting before continuing the afternoon journey to Tam Coc and Mua Cave.

    1 hour Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng

    13:00 | Tam Coc Sampan Boat Trip (1.5 Hours) After lunch, continue your journey with a relaxing 1.5-hour sampan boat ride through the breathtaking landscapes of Tam Coc, one of the most beautiful natural attractions in Ninh Binh. Board a traditional rowing boat and gently cruise along the peaceful Ngo Dong River, winding through spectacular limestone mountains, lush rice fields, and picturesque countryside scenery. During the journey, you will pass through the famous Three Caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave), each formed naturally over thousands of years. As you glide through the caves and along the river, take in the tranquil atmosphere and admire the stunning scenery that has earned Tam Coc the nickname "Halong Bay on Land." This is one of the highlights of any visit to Ninh Binh and offers countless opportunities for unforgettable photographs.

    2 hours Admission ticket included
  • 5
    Mua Caves

    15:00 | Visit Mua Cave – Conquer the Famous Dragon Peak Viewpoint After the Tam Coc boat trip, continue to Mua Cave (Hang Múa), one of the most spectacular viewpoints in Ninh Binh and a must-visit destination for nature lovers and photographers. Upon arrival, begin the climb of nearly 500 stone steps leading to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain. The path winds along the mountainside and rewards visitors with increasingly impressive views as they ascend. At the top, marvel at the breathtaking panoramic scenery overlooking Tam Coc's winding river, vast rice fields, traditional villages, and dramatic limestone mountains stretching across the horizon. The iconic stone dragon statue perched on the mountain ridge provides one of the most famous photo opportunities in Northern Vietnam. Take time to relax, enjoy the fresh mountain air, and capture unforgettable photographs of what is often considered the most beautiful viewpoint in Ninh Binh.

    1 hour Admission ticket included
  • 6
    Hanoi

    16:30 | Depart for Hanoi After visiting Mua Cave and enjoying the breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside, return to the bus and begin the journey back to Hanoi. Sit back and relax as you travel through the beautiful landscapes of Northern Vietnam. This is a great opportunity to rest, review your memorable photos, and reflect on a day filled with history, culture, and stunning natural scenery. Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours 18:30 – 19:00 | Arrive in Hanoi – End of Tour Arrive back in Hanoi and be dropped off at your hotel in the Old Quarter or at the original meeting point. Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable journey to Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave. We hope you have enjoyed discovering the ancient capital, cruising through the magnificent caves of Tam Coc, and admiring the spectacular views from Mua Cave. End of Services.

    2 hours Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Go Vietnam Trip Hanoi
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Tags

Day Trips
Full-day Tours
Bus Tours
Private and Luxury
Audio Guides
4WD Tours
City Tours
Underground Tours
Water Tours
Outback Tours
Car Tours
Limousine Tours
Luxury Car Tours
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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