Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang an & Mua Caves Tour With Boat Ride

Ninh Binh’s Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Caves tour offers an exhilarating voyage through Vietnam’s stunning landscapes. Explorers will discover the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, trek to Ngoa Long Mountain’s panoramic vistas, and drift through the serene Trang An Grottoes by sampan boat. The tour also showcases the majestic limestone formations of Mua Caves and indulges in authentic Vietnamese cuisine. With an expert English-speaking guide, this immersive experience promises to transport visitors back in time and unveil the region’s rich heritage.

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Key Points

Comprehensive tour exploring Ninh Binh’s landscapes, including visits to Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Mua Caves, Trang An Grottoes, and Bich Dong Pagoda.
Trekking to Ngoa Long Mountain for panoramic views of the rice fields and immersion in the region’s natural beauty.
Traditional sampan boat ride through the caves and temples of the Trang An Grottoes, offering stunning vistas of limestone cliffs and tranquil waterways.
Opportunity to learn about the rich history and cultural significance of the 10th and 11th-century Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel.
Full-day adventure with hotel pickup, lunch, and entry fees included, along with an English-speaking guide providing expertise on the region’s highlights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An & Mua Caves Tour with Boat Ride provides visitors with a comprehensive exploration of the stunning natural landscapes and historical sites in the Ninh Binh province.

The tour includes visits to the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Mua Caves, Trang An Grottoes, and Bich Dong Pagoda. Guests can trek to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain for panoramic views of the rice fields and experience a traditional sampan boat ride through the caves at Trang An.

The tour offers a full day of adventure and discovery, with hotel pickup, lunch, and all entry fees included.

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Highlights of the Tour

Visitors on the Ninh Binh tour will discover a range of captivating highlights.

They’ll trek to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain for panoramic views of the rice fields below. The boat ride through the Trang An Grottoes showcases towering limestone karsts and tranquil temples.

At the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, they’ll see the 17th-century King Dinh and King Le Temples. The highlight for many is the Mua Caves, where they can climb the 500 steps to the top for stunning vistas.

The Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel boasts 17th-century temples, while the Mua Caves offer stunning vistas after a 500-step climb.

Throughout the day, travelers enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine and the expertise of an English-speaking guide.

Exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

As part of the Ninh Binh tour, visitors explore the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the former capital of Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries. The tour takes guests to see the remnants of the King Dinh and King Le Temples, which date back to the 17th century. Visitors can wander through the citadel and learn about its rich history and cultural significance.

| Feature | Description |

| — | — |

| Hoa Lu Ancient Capital | Former capital of Vietnam (10th-11th centuries) |

| King Dinh Temple | 17th century temple |

| King Le Temple | 17th century temple |

| Historical Significance | Explore remnants of ancient royal capital |

Trekking to Ngoa Long Mountain

Though the trek up Ngoa Long Mountain promises panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields, it’s no easy feat. The path is steep and winding, requiring stamina and sure-footedness.

Visitors must navigate a series of stairs carved into the hillside, which can be challenging in the hot, humid climate. But the effort is well worth it once they reach the summit.

From up high, they’re treated to breathtaking vistas of the lush, undulating landscape below. The panoramic views provide a serene respite from the exertion of the climb, allowing travelers to fully enjoy Ninh Binh’s natural beauty.

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Boat Tour Through Trang an Grottoes

The boat tour through the Trang An Grottoes offers a serene and captivating experience.

Gliding peacefully through the caves and temples, visitors are treated to stunning vistas of limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and tranquil waterways.

Visitors are treated to stunning vistas of limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and tranquil waterways as they glide peacefully through the caves and temples.

The tour winds through Lam Cave, Vang Cave, and Dai Cave, allowing travelers to enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Along the way, they’ll encounter centuries-old temples and shrines, providing a glimpse into the area’s rich cultural heritage.

The leisurely boat ride is a highlight of the Ninh Binh tour, offering a chance to unwind and appreciate the region’s breathtaking landscapes.

There's plenty more to explore in Ninh Binh

Visiting Bich Dong Pagoda

After the serene boat ride through the Trang An Grottoes, visitors head to the historic Bich Dong Pagoda.

The 17th-century Buddhist temple is nestled in the limestone mountains, offering a tranquil respite.

Visitors can:

Explore the three-story pagoda and its intricately carved stone and wood architecture
Admire the stunning views of the surrounding landscape from the pagoda’s hilltop location
Learn about the pagoda’s rich history and religious significance
Observe monks engage in prayer and meditation
Purchase incense, Buddha statues, and other religious items at the on-site shops

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off at Hanoi Old Quarter, an English-speaking guide (with a surcharge for other languages), lunch (optional), entry fees for Mua Caves and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and bottled water and drinks.

Tips are also included. However, the tour excludes any surcharge for holidays in Vietnam.

Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Customer Feedback

Based on the single review provided, customers appear to have had a positive experience with the Ninh Binh tour.

The reviewer, Genevieve from Australia, gave the tour a 5/5 rating and praised it as "fantastic" despite rainy weather.

The reviewer highlighted the Mua Caves as a highlight and highly recommended the tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

The tour may not be ideal for families with young children. It involves trekking, boat rides, and visits to historical sites which could be challenging for little ones. However, the tour operator can provide guidance on suitability.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, bottled water and drinks are already included in the tour package. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies or recommendations regarding bringing outside food and beverages.

How Long Is the Boat Ride in the Trang an Grottoes?

The tour includes a traditional sampan boat ride through the caves at Trang An Grottoes. While the exact duration is not specified, the itinerary indicates that visitors will explore multiple caves during this portion of the tour.

Are There Any Stops for Shopping or Browsing Local Markets?

The tour doesn’t include any stops for shopping or browsing local markets. The focus is on exploring the natural and historical sites such as Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Mua Caves, and Trang An Grottoes.

Is It Possible to Customize the Tour Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your preferences. The tour operator is flexible and willing to modify the itinerary based on your interests, such as adding shopping or market visits. They’ll work with you to create a personalized experience.

The Sum Up

The Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An & Mua Caves Tour offers an immersive experience through Vietnam’s rich history and stunning landscapes. From exploring the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel to trekking the Ngoa Long Mountain and cruising through the Trang An Grottoes, this tour provides an unforgettable adventure. Participants can also visit the Bich Dong Pagoda and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine, all guided by an expert English-speaking guide.