Ninh Binh’s Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave tour offers a captivating blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders. Visitors can explore ancient temples, indulge in a delightful buffet lunch, and embark on a serene boat cruise amidst limestone karsts. The adventure culminates with a rewarding hike to Mua Cave, rewarding travelers with stunning panoramic vistas. This comprehensive day trip from Hanoi promises an enriching experience that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.
Key Points
- 12-hour excursion exploring Ninh Binh province, including Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, 2-hour boat ride, and Mua Cave hike.
- Priced from $46.93 per person, with a maximum of 17 participants and pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
- Offers small group tours for personalized experiences, with activities like biking through the countryside and a boat trip on Tam Coc River.
- Includes a special buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine and an English-speaking guide providing insights into the cultural heritage.
- Highlights include the serene 2-hour bamboo boat cruise, the 500-step hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views, and the opportunity to explore historical sites.
Tour Overview
The Ninh Binh Full Day Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Tour is a 12-hour excursion that takes visitors to explore the historical and natural wonders of the Ninh Binh province.
Enjoy the historical and natural wonders of Ninh Binh province on this 12-hour excursion.
Priced from $46.93 per person, the tour accommodates a maximum of 17 participants and offers services in Vietnamese and English.
Pickup is included from Hanoi’s Old Quarter center or a designated office.
The tour covers key highlights such as the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, a 2-hour boat ride on the Tam Coc River, and a hike to the Mua Cave viewpoint, providing an immersive experience in the region’s landscapes and history.
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Itinerary
The tour begins with pickup between 7:30 and 7:55 am from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Guests then travel 1.5 hours by limousine bus to the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Here, they visit temples from the Dinh and Le Dynasties for 45 minutes.
Next, there’s a 1-hour buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Tam Coc.
Afterward, visitors embark on a 2-hour rowing boat tour of the three grottos in Tam Coc.
The tour then includes a 30-45 minute biking excursion around Tam Coc before a 50-minute hike up 500 steps to the Mua Cave for panoramic views.
Finally, the bus returns to Hanoi in 1.5 hours.
Highlights
Small group tours ensure a personalized experience for guests on this Ninh Binh excursion.
Activities include biking through scenic countryside roads and a 2-hour boat trip along the picturesque Tam Coc River. Visitors will marvel at the region’s natural beauty, especially the spectacular rice fields during harvest season.
The tour also includes opportunities to explore historical sites like the temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties.
With an English-speaking guide, guests can learn about the area’s rich cultural heritage while seeing the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh.
Inclusions
This Ninh Binh tour includes pickup and drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter via air-conditioned limousine bus.
You’ll enjoy a 2-hour bamboo boat cruise on the Tam Coc River, as well as entrance fees and sightseeing at the historical sites.
An English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day. A special buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine is provided, along with a bottle of mineral water.
The tour also includes a biking excursion around the scenic countryside.
More Great Tours NearbyPickup and Transportation
The tour begins with convenient pickup and transportation. Guests are collected from their hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter between 7:30am and 7:55am and transported by limousine bus. The journey to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital takes approximately 1.5 hours.
| Pickup Location | Pickup Time |
| ————— | ———– |
| Hanoi Old Quarter Center | 7:30am – 7:55am |
| Designated Office | 7:30am – 7:55am |
Upon arrival, visitors will have the opportunity to explore the temples of the Dinh and Le Dynasties before continuing on to the next stop, Tam Coc, for a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch.
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Boat Cruise on Tam Coc River
A 2-hour bamboo boat cruise on the Tam Coc River offers visitors a serene and picturesque experience.
Gliding along the tranquil waterway, passengers can admire the stunning limestone karst formations, lush green rice paddies, and quaint villages lining the riverbanks.
Passengers glide along the tranquil waterway, admiring the stunning limestone karst formations, lush green rice paddies, and quaint villages lining the riverbanks.
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The gentle rower-powered boats provide a peaceful and eco-friendly way to explore this natural wonder.
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Visitors can marvel at the three remarkable caves, Hang Ca, Hang Giua, and Hang Cuoi, which the river winds through.
The boat tour provides a unique perspective to appreciate the region’s breathtaking landscape and rural Vietnamese lifestyle.
Biking Tour
The biking tour offers a delightful opportunity for visitors to explore the scenic countryside surrounding Tam Coc. Participants can cycle along the winding roads, passing through lush rice fields and quaint villages. The biking activity lasts for approximately 30-45 minutes, providing a refreshing break from the boat tour.
| Biking Tour Details | |
|———————|———-|
| Duration | 30-45 minutes |
| Route | Countryside roads, rice fields, villages |
| Difficulty | Easy, suitable for all skill levels |
| Inclusions | Bicycle, helmet |
| Additional Cost | None, included in tour package |
This biking experience allows visitors to enjoy the tranquil rural landscape of Ninh Binh, offering a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.
Mua Cave Hike
After completing the boat tour of Tam Coc, visitors embark on a captivating hike up the Mua Cave.
Ascending the 500 steps, hikers are rewarded with panoramic vistas overlooking the serene Ngo Dong River and the surrounding limestone formations.
The challenging climb offers:
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Stunning aerial views of the picturesque landscape
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An opportunity to stretch the legs and take in the fresh air
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A sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit
The Mua Cave hike provides a thrilling addition to the day’s excursion, allowing travelers to fully enjoy Ninh Binh’s natural splendor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are There Any Vegetarian or Halal Meal Options Available?
The tour does not explicitly mention vegetarian or halal meal options. However, the buffet lunch at the local restaurant may accommodate various dietary requirements upon request. Guests should inquire about the meal options when booking the tour.
Can We Bring Our Own Snacks and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, participants can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour. The tour operator allows personal food and beverages, though a complimentary bottle of mineral water is provided as part of the inclusions.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
There is no minimum age requirement for participants. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour. However, the tour may not be suitable for very young children due to the length and activities involved.
Can We Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?
Yes, the tour can be extended to include additional activities. Travelers can customize their experience by adding optional excursions, such as visiting local markets or exploring more historical sites in the region, for an additional fee.
Are There Any Recommended Tips for the Guide and Boat Rowers?
Tipping the guide and boat rowers is generally recommended, around $1-$2 per person. This shows appreciation for their hard work and helps support their livelihoods. It’s a nice gesture that’s customary for such guided tours.
The Sum Up
The Ninh Binh Full Day Hoa Lu Tam Coc Mua Cave Tour offers a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. Visitors can explore ancient temples, savor a delicious buffet lunch, embark on a serene boat cruise, and hike to the breathtaking Mua Cave, making it an unforgettable day trip from Hanoi. This comprehensive tour provides a well-rounded experience of Ninh Binh’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.
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