From Hanoi: Ninh Binh-Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave 1 Day

Nestled in the heart of northern Vietnam, the Ninh Binh province beckons travelers with its captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. This one-day excursion from Hanoi promises an immersive exploration of the region’s highlights, from the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda to the serene boat cruise through Trang An’s scenic landscapes. Along the way, adventurers can hike the Mua Caves, seeing the breathtaking vistas. With convenient transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a delectable Vietnamese lunch, this tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to discover the region’s rich tapestry.

Key Points

• Take a day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An boat cruise, and Mua Caves, priced from $48.71 per person.
• The 10-hour tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, Vietnamese lunch, and entrance fees, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Explore the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam at Bai Dinh Pagoda, followed by a 95-minute scenic boat cruise through Trang An.
• Hike and sightsee at the Mua Caves for 1 hour, and enjoy a 1-hour local Vietnamese lunch with vegetarian options.
• Choose from 17 pickup locations across Hanoi, with private car/van or group transport options, and live tour guides available in English and Vietnamese.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

This day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers visitors the opportunity to explore the region’s stunning natural landscapes and cultural attractions.

Priced from $48.71 per person, the tour lasts 10 hours and provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Travelers can choose to reserve now and pay later.

The package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation, a Vietnamese lunch, and entrance fees to the key sites: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An boat cruise, and Mua Caves.

The tour package includes hotel transportation, a Vietnamese lunch, and entrance fees to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An boat cruise, and Mua Caves.

Additional cultural visits to landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh complex can be included.

Itinerary Highlights

The day trip begins with pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House at 7:30 am. First, travelers visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam, for 1.5 hours. Next, they board a boat for a 95-minute cruise through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. The last stop is the Mua Caves, where guests hike and sightsee for 1 hour. Between destinations, a 1-hour lunch is provided at a local restaurant with vegetarian options.

| Key Stops | Duration |

| — | — |

| Bai Dinh Pagoda | 1.5 hours |

| Trang An Boat Cruise | 95 minutes |

| Mua Caves | 1 hour |

| Lunch | 1 hour |

Transportation and Pickup Details

The day trip offers a range of pickup locations, with 17 options available across Hanoi, including Cầu Giấy, Old Quarter, Đống Đa, and Mỹ Đình.

Depending on the booking, transportation is provided via private car/van or group transport. For the first leg of the journey, travelers will be whisked away in an electric car for the 3 km ride to the Bai Dinh entrance.

The transportation during the activity includes:

1. Private car/van for private tours

2. Group transport for shared tours

3. Electric car ride to Bai Dinh entrance

Tour Guide and Language

Live tour guides are available for the day trip, speaking both English and Vietnamese. Visitors can opt for a private group tour with a dedicated guide or join a shared group tour. This allows for a personalized experience and the ability to ask questions in their preferred language.

| Language | Private Tour | Shared Group Tour |

| — | — | — |

| English | ✓ | ✓ |

| Vietnamese | ✓ | ✓ |

The knowledgeable guides provide insights into the cultural and historical significance of the key sites, enhancing the overall tour experience.

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Inclusions and Amenities

The Ninh Binh day trip includes a comprehensive set of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

The tour provides:

1. Hotel pickup and drop-off, ensuring a seamless start and end to the day.

2. Complimentary WiFi on board the transportation, allowing travelers to stay connected throughout the journey.

3. A Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, offering a chance to savor authentic cuisine.

Additional inclusions are drinking water on the vehicle and access to the Trang An boat tour, which can be either private or shared depending on the booking option.

Bai Dinh Pagoda: Largest Buddhist Temple Complex

One of the key highlights of the Ninh Binh day trip is a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist temple complex in Vietnam.

Spanning over 700 hectares, the pagoda boasts an impressive collection of temples, shrines, and monasteries.

Visitors can explore the towering 10-story pagoda, admire the intricate carvings and statues, and witness daily Buddhist rituals.

The complex also houses a massive bronze Buddha statue, one of the largest in Southeast Asia.

With its serene atmosphere and stunning architecture, Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: Boat Cruise and Sightseeing

After exploring the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the day trip continues to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its captivating natural beauty.

Visitors embark on a serene boat cruise through the limestone karst landscapes, surrounded by lush greenery and tranquil waterways. The experience offers:

1. Stunning vistas of towering cliffs, hidden grottoes, and serene rivers.

2. Opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including various bird species.

3. Insights into the region’s rich cultural heritage, with temples and shrines scattered throughout the landscape.

Mua Caves: Hiking and Sightseeing

From the serene boat cruise at Trang An, the day trip continues to the Mua Caves, offering visitors an opportunity to embark on an invigorating hike and captivating sightseeing experience. Visitors can climb the 500 steps to the top of the caves, rewarded with panoramic views of the stunning limestone karsts and the winding rivers below. The hike takes approximately 1 hour and offers a moderate challenge. At the summit, guests can enjoy the remarkable vistas and photo opportunities before descending back down.

| Hike Duration | Difficulty Level | View at Summit | Photo Opportunities | Accessibility |

| — | — | — | — | — |

| 1 hour | Moderate | Panoramic limestone karsts and rivers | Excellent | 500 steps to climb |

Frequently Asked Questions

Are There Any Restroom Stops During the Day Trip?

The tour includes restroom stops at various sites, such as Bai Dinh Pagoda and Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Plus, there’s a lunch stop at a local restaurant where restrooms are available.

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

Guests can bring their own snacks and drinks on the tour, but a Vietnamese lunch is included. Bottled water is also provided on the vehicle. The tour includes several stops where restrooms are available.

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Physical Disabilities?

The tour can accommodate visitors with physical disabilities, though some activities like hiking at Mua Caves may pose challenges. Travelers should inquire about accessibility options when booking to ensure the tour meets their needs.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your preferences. You can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary, duration, and focus areas based on your interests and physical abilities.

Is There an Option to Visit Additional Sites Not Mentioned in the Itinerary?

Yes, the tour offers flexibility to visit additional sites like the Ho Chi Minh complex, Vietnam Ethnology Museum, Temple of Literature, and Hoa Lo Prison Museum based on your preferences. The itinerary can be customized to suit your interests.

The Sum Up

This captivating day trip from Hanoi offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, cruise through the stunning Trang An Scenic Landscape, and hike the Mua Caves, all while enjoying knowledgeable guides, a delicious Vietnamese lunch, and convenient hotel transfers – all at an affordable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: