From Ha Noi: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave Day

Discovering the ancient wonders beyond Hanoi, this full-day tour takes travelers on an immersive journey through Vietnam’s storied past. From the historic temples of Hoa Lu to the breathtaking landscapes of Tam Coc, it’s an adventure that promises to captivate the senses. And with a scenic boat ride and a climb to Mua Cave, the surprises only continue to unfold. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an enriching experience, this guided excursion offers a compelling glimpse into a world that’s both timeless and unforgettable.

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Key Points

A popular one-day tour from Hanoi that explores the historic Hoa Lu temples, scenic Tam Coc boat ride, and panoramic views from Mua Cave.
Includes round-trip transportation, English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, and all entrance fees for a comprehensive sightseeing experience.
Flexible cancellation policy and availability for visitors to Hanoi, making it an accessible option.
Tour not recommended for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users due to moderate walking required.
Preparation includes wearing comfortable shoes, checking weather, staying hydrated, and respecting local customs at religious sites.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave Day Trip is a popular one-day tour from Hanoi that allows visitors to explore the historic Hoa Lu temples, experience a scenic boat ride through the limestone landscapes of Tam Coc, and climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint for panoramic vistas.

Discover Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave on an immersive one-day tour from Hanoi, offering historic temples, scenic boat rides, and panoramic vistas.

Priced from $46 per person, the tour includes round-trip transportation, a buffet lunch, and guided visits to the key sights.

Travelers can enjoy this full-day excursion in the company of an English-speaking guide.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy and availability make it an accessible option for visitors to Hanoi.

Looking for more options in Ninh Binh? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary

The tour begins with a 2-hour transfer from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Visitors will enjoy a guided tour of the temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le, lasting 105 minutes. Lunch follows, a 1.5-hour buffet featuring a variety of Vietnamese dishes. Next is a 1.5-hour boat trip through the scenic landscapes of Tam Coc, known as "Halong Bay on land". The final stop is Mua Cave, where guests climb 500 steps to Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views, taking 1.5 hours. The return transfer to Old Quarter is another 2 hours.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Hoa Lu Visit | 105 minutes |

| Lunch | 1.5 hours |

| Tam Coc Boat Trip | 1.5 hours |

| Mua Cave Climb | 1.5 hours |

Highlights

Visitors can explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and tour the temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le. They’ll enjoy a delectable Vietnamese buffet lunch.

The highlight is the boat trip through the scenic landscapes of Tam Coc, nicknamed "Halong Bay on land." Visitors can marvel at the limestone cliffs and green rice fields from a bamboo boat.

The tour also includes a climb up 500 steps to Mua Cave, offering panoramic views of Tam Coc and the Ngo Dong River.

This day trip packs in ancient history, local cuisine, and stunning natural scenery.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, pickup and drop-off in the Old Quarter area, a buffet lunch, the boat trip, and entrance fees.

It excludes hotel pickup/drop-off outside the Old Quarter, personal expenses, and tips.

The tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Visitors should wear comfortable shoes, bring sunglasses, a hat, an umbrella, a camera, sunscreen, and water.

Smoking is prohibited.

Travelers should dress appropriately for the religious sites and be prepared for moderate walking.

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Important Information

Although the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, individuals with back problems, or wheelchair users, travelers can prepare for the day trip by wearing comfortable shoes for moderate walking, checking weather conditions, staying hydrated, and respecting local customs at the religious sites.

This tour may not be suitable for pregnant women, those with back issues, or wheelchair users, but proper preparation can ensure a smooth experience.

The tour has a few important guidelines:

Bring sunglasses, hat, umbrella, camera, sunscreen, and water.
Smoking is prohibited during the tour.
Be prepared for a moderate amount of walking.
Follow the tour guide’s instructions, especially at the religious sites.

There's plenty more to explore in Ninh Binh

Departure and Return

The tour departs from the Old Quarter in Hanoi, with pickups available in this central area. Guests travel by air-conditioned vehicle for approximately 2 hours to reach the historic site of Hoa Lu. After exploring the ancient temples, the group enjoys a buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese specialties. They then transfer to Tam Coc for a scenic boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, followed by a climb up the 500 steps to Mua Cave. The journey concludes with the 2-hour return transfer back to Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

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Transportation

Guests travel by air-conditioned vehicle for approximately 2 hours to reach the historic site of Hoa Lu. The comfortable transport ensures a smooth journey.

Guests travel by air-conditioned vehicle for approximately 2 hours to reach the historic site of Hoa Lu. The comfortable transport ensures a smooth journey.

The day’s activities include:

Guided tour of the ancient temples of King Dinh and King Le.
A Vietnamese buffet lunch, offering a diverse selection of local cuisine.
A scenic boat trip through the limestone landscapes of Tam Coc, known as "Halong Bay on land".
A challenging climb up 500 steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views.

Tour Guides

An experienced, English-speaking guide accompanies guests throughout the day’s activities.

They provide commentary on the historical and cultural significance of Hoa Lu’s ancient temples.

During the boat trip in Tam Coc, the guide shares insights about the scenic landscape and its geological formations.

At Mua Cave, the guide offers guidance and encouragement as visitors ascend the 500 steps to the Lying Dragon Mountain viewpoint.

The guide is knowledgeable, friendly, and ensures the smooth coordination of the day’s itinerary, allowing guests to enjoy the experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Participants can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour includes a buffet lunch. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is allowed, though the tour provides meals and refreshments.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though the tour may not be suitable for young children or individuals with mobility issues due to the climbing involved.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

The tour offers a set itinerary, but customers can’t customize the schedule. However, they can request any modifications or special needs when booking the tour, and the operator will try to accommodate them if possible.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The tour group size typically ranges from 8 to 15 participants. The exact number can vary depending on the day and season, but the small group size allows for a more personalized experience.

Are There Any Options for Private or Smaller Group Tours?

The tour offers private and small group options for travellers who prefer more personalized experiences. Group sizes can be customized to suit individual needs, providing an opportunity for intimate exploration of the destinations.

The Sum Up

The "From Ha Noi: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave Day" tour offers a comprehensive one-day experience, allowing visitors to explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, experience the serene beauty of Tam Coc, and climb to the panoramic vantage point of Mua Cave. With a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch included, this guided tour provides an immersive adventure through Vietnam’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.