Set out on a captivating journey from Hanoi to explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the enchanting Trang An cave complex, and the breathtaking Mua Cave. This full-day tour offers round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Discover the temples of King Dinh and King Le, glide through the serene waters of Trang An, and ascend 500 stone steps for panoramic views of Tam Coc. Whether you’re a history buff or nature enthusiast, this tour promises an unforgettable experience.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Hanoi provides a comprehensive exploration of the Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave sites.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, a Vietnamese lunch, and all entrance fees.
- Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride through the Trang An cave complex and climb the 500 stone steps at Mua Cave.
- The tour allows flexibility to end the trip in either Tam Coc or Ninh Binh instead of returning to Hanoi.
- Advance booking is recommended, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours prior to the tour.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour from Hanoi takes visitors to the historic Hoa Lu, the Trang An cave complex, and the scenic Mua Cave.
Priced from $49 per person, it’s a convenient way to explore Northern Vietnam’s natural and cultural highlights in a single day.
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi, an English-speaking guide, a Vietnamese lunch, and all entrance fees.
A convenient day tour with round-trip transportation, English-speaking guide, Vietnamese lunch, and all entrance fees included.
Travelers can expect a flexible itinerary, with the option to end the tour in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh.
Advance booking is recommended, with the ability to pay later and free cancellation up to 24 hours prior.
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Itinerary and Highlights
The tour begins with pickup from hotels in Hanoi between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM.
Travelers will first visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and explore the temples of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
After a traditional Vietnamese lunch, the group boards a boat for a scenic ride through the Trang An cave complex, including Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou.
The final stop is Mua Cave, where guests climb 500 stone steps for panoramic views of Tam Coc and the Ngo Dong River.
The tour returns to Hanoi around 7:30 PM.
Inclusions
The tour includes a welcome drink upon arrival.
Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hanoi are provided. Guests will travel by air-conditioned car and take a boat trip to explore the Trang An cave complex.
Entrance fees, a private English-speaking guide, and a Vietnamese lunch are included. Two bottles of mineral water per person and a traditional hat are also provided.
The tour includes travel insurance coverage.
It’s important to note that gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price.
Important Information
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Cancellations are permitted up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund.
However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women or guests with limited mobility.
Visitors should bring their passport or ID, comfortable shoes, sunglasses, sun hat, and sunscreen.
Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.
The itinerary may change based on weather and operating conditions.
An optional break for Vietnamese tea is available.
There’s a $5 per person Tet holiday fee.
Gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included.
Guests can opt to end the trip in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh instead of returning to Hanoi.
More Great Tours NearbyAdditional Notes
An optional break for Vietnamese tea is available during the tour.
Travelers should be aware that Tet holiday fees of $5 per person apply during Vietnam’s Lunar New Year celebrations. Gratuities for the guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price.
For those who prefer, it’s possible to end the trip in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh instead of returning to Hanoi.
Getting to Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave
As travelers depart Hanoi, they’ll journey southward for approximately 2 hours to reach the historic sites of Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave. Along the way, they’ll pass through scenic countryside and small villages. The transportation for the day is provided by an air-conditioned vehicle, ensuring a comfortable ride.
| Transportation | Duration | Distance | Pickup |
| — | — | — | — |
| Air-conditioned car | 2 hours | 100 km | Hotel in Hanoi |
Once arrived, the tour will begin with exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, followed by a boat trip through the Trang An cave complex and a climb up the 500 steps of Mua Cave for panoramic views.
Exploring the Ancient Capital of Hoa Lu
After the comfortable drive from Hanoi, visitors arrive at the historic site of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
They’ll explore the temple complexes of King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, who ruled in the 10th century. The temples feature intricate carvings, altars, and shrines honoring these important figures.
Guests can wander the peaceful grounds, imagining the vibrant history that once unfolded here. The guided tour provides insights into Hoa Lu’s significance as the political and cultural center of the country during its time as the capital.
Discovering the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Next, visitors embark on a tranquil boat trip from Trang An Wharf. They glide through a cave complex, admiring Sang Cave, Toi Cave, Ba Giot Cave, and Nau Ruou.
Craggy limestone mountains rise from the serene waters, creating a picturesque landscape. The boat meanders through the Ngo Dong River, surrounded by lush greenery.
This scenic boat ride allows travelers to soak in the natural beauty of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gentle rowing provides a peaceful respite from the bustling city of Hanoi.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can We Visit Other Attractions During the Tour?
The tour primarily focuses on visiting Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave. However, there may be opportunities to visit additional attractions, but this would likely require additional time and cost. It’s best to consult the tour operator for specifics.
Is There an Option to Book a Private Tour?
Yes, the tour offers a private option. Travelers can book a private tour for more personalized experience and flexibility to visit additional attractions during the day trip from Hanoi.
Are There Any Fitness Requirements for the Tour?
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women or guests with limited mobility due to the 500 stone steps at Mua Cave. Participants should be prepared for moderate physical activity and be able to board boats and hike.
Can We Request a Different Pickup/Drop-Off Location?
Yes, the tour offers flexible booking – you can request a pickup and drop-off location other than your hotel in Hanoi. This is subject to availability and may incur an additional fee.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?
Yes, the tour can be extended for an additional fee. Guests can request a longer duration to explore more sites or spend more time at each location. The tour operator offers flexible options to customize the experience.
The Sum Up
This full-day tour from Hanoi offers a captivating exploration of Vietnam’s rich history and natural beauty. Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, marvel at the stunning Trang An cave complex, and challenge yourself with the climb up Mua Cave for breathtaking views. With round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a delicious Vietnamese lunch included, it’s a comprehensive and affordable way to experience the highlights of this beautiful region.
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