Set out on a captivating day trip from Hanoi to the historic Ninh Binh region. Explore the ancient temples of Hoa Lu, glide through the serene Tam Coc caves, and conquer the breathtaking Mua Cave viewpoint. This guided tour promises an unforgettable adventure, with convenient pickup, bike rentals, and flexible cancellation. Enjoy Vietnam’s picturesque landscapes and uncover the fascinating history that lies within. Dive into this enchanting experience to discover the true wonders of Ninh Binh.

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Key Points

This full-day tour from Hanoi takes visitors to explore the historical sites of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and the natural wonders of Tam Coc and Mua Caves.
The tour includes a boat trip through the three caves of Tam Coc along the Ngo Dong River and a cycling excursion through picturesque villages.
Lunch, entrance fees, and equipment rentals are included, with exclusions for drinks and insurance.
Pickup and drop-off services are provided from select points in Hanoi, and the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour has an overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from over 3,465 reviews, with high praise for the knowledgeable and English-proficient guide.

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Tour Overview and Details

This full-day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers travelers the opportunity to explore the historic Hoa Lu, the scenic Tam Coc, and the captivating Mua Caves.

Priced at 1,061 CZK per person, the tour includes pickup from select points in Hanoi, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now & pay later option.

The 1-day excursion features a visit to the ancient capital of Vietnam, a sampan boat ride through Tam Coc’s caves, and a cycle through picturesque villages.

Explore Vietnam’s ancient capital, glide through Tam Coc’s caves, and cycle through scenic villages on this 1-day excursion.

Lunch, entrance fees, and equipment rentals are included, while exclusions cover drinks, insurance, and Lunar New Year surcharges.

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Itinerary Highlights

The full-day trip begins with a visit to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Guests will explore the Dinh and Le king Temples, learning about the site’s history.

After a Vietnamese lunch, the group embarks on a sampan boat trip through Tam Coc’s three caves along the Ngo Dong River.

Next, they cycle through picturesque villages in Ninh Binh.

The last stop is Mua Cave, where visitors climb 500 stone steps for panoramic views.

Throughout the day, an English and Vietnamese guide provides commentary, and traditional hats or raincoats are provided as needed.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes bus or limousine pickup and drop-off, a boat trip to Tam Coc, all entrance fees, a live English and Vietnamese guide, a Vietnamese lunch, and two bottles of mineral water.

Weather-dependent, traditional hats or raincoats are also provided. Bike rentals for village visits are included as well.

However, drinks, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses aren’t covered. There’s also a surcharge of $5 per person during the Lunar New Year period.

Disabled guests can’t participate in water activities, but they can opt to skip the biking segment and relax at a local restaurant or market instead.

Important Information and Recommendations

Bring comfortable shoes, sun hat, umbrella, camera, sunscreen, and comfortable clothes for the day’s activities.

The itinerary may change based on weather and conditions, so be flexible.

Provide your hotel details for pickup arrangements. If you have dietary restrictions, notify the local operator.

Unfortunately, disabled guests can’t participate in water activities. You can opt to skip the biking segment and relax at the restaurant or local market instead.

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Customer Reviews and Ratings

The Hanoi/Ninh Binh Full-Day Trip has garnered a strong rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars based on 3,465 reviews.

Highlights include:

Praise for the knowledgeable and English-proficient guide, who enlightened visitors on Vietnam’s history.
Appreciation for the overall experience despite occasional tourist crowds, with the guide commended for their efforts.
Recognition of the trip’s value for money, offering a well-rounded itinerary and inclusions.
Satisfaction with the transportation and pickup/drop-off arrangements, contributing to a seamless experience.

Customers consistently rate this day trip as an excellent way to explore the natural and cultural wonders of Ninh Binh.

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Exploring Hoa Lu, the Ancient Capital

When visiting Ninh Binh, the first stop on the itinerary is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.

Travelers will explore the Dinh and Le King Temples, which offer a glimpse into the region’s rich history. The temples feature intricate architecture and stunning views. Guests can wander the grounds, taking in the serene atmosphere and learning about the area’s cultural significance.

The Hoa Lu portion of the tour provides a fascinating introduction to Vietnam’s past, setting the stage for the rest of the day’s adventures in Tam Coc and Mua Caves.

Gliding Through Tam Coc’s Limestone Caves

After exploring the historical sites of Hoa Lu, the tour moves on to one of the highlights of the day – the serene boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone caves.

Passengers board traditional sampan boats and drift along the Ngo Dong River, surrounded by the dramatic karst landscape.

The boat trip offers several delights:

Gliding through three interconnected caves carved through the mountains.
Spotting local wildlife, like water birds, along the riverbanks.
Admiring the lush, verdant rice fields that line the river.
Experiencing the peaceful tranquility of the river environment.

Conquering the Mua Cave Viewpoint

The final leg of the day’s adventure takes visitors to the Mua Cave viewpoint, where they can conquer the 500 stone steps that lead to the summit. The reward is a sweeping panorama of the karst landscape and winding Ngo Dong River below. This strenuous climb offers a sense of accomplishment and stunning vistas that showcase Ninh Binh’s natural beauty. For those who prefer a less demanding option, the tour also includes a relaxing stop at a local restaurant or market. The choice is up to each traveler’s fitness level and preferences.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Location | Mua Cave viewpoint |

| Highlights | 500 stone steps, panoramic views |

| Options | Climb to summit or relax at restaurant/market |

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Boat Trip?

You can bring your own food on the boat trip, but the tour includes lunch at a local restaurant. Bringing outside food is generally not recommended, as the included meal is part of the tour experience.

Is There an Option to Skip the Mua Cave Climb?

Yes, the tour offers an option to skip the climb at Mua Cave. Guests can instead relax at the restaurant or local market during this segment of the itinerary if they prefer not to do the 500 stone step climb.

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The average group size for this tour is not specified, but it’s likely to be a small-to-medium-sized group to allow for a personalized experience. Participants can opt to skip the Mua Cave climb if desired.

Are There Any Discounts for Children or Seniors?

The tour doesn’t offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price is the same for all participants regardless of age. However, the tour does provide free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Can I Extend the Tour to See More Attractions?

Yes, the tour can be extended to see more attractions for an additional cost. Travelers can customize the itinerary by adding visits to other sites in Ninh Binh, such as Trang An or Bai Dinh Pagoda.

The Sum Up

Discover the captivating blend of history and natural beauty on this full-day excursion from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. Enjoy the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, glide through the stunning Tam Coc caves, and conquer the breathtaking Mua Cave viewpoint. With convenient transportation, delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and the flexibility of free cancellation, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience in Vietnam’s picturesque landscapes.