From Hanoi: Ninh Binh – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Trang An – Mua Caves

Exploring the serene landscapes and iconic landmarks of Ninh Binh from Hanoi is an unforgettable experience. This 11-hour tour takes visitors through the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam. After a delightful lunch, the journey continues with a scenic boat ride through the breathtaking Trang An Landscape Complex, culminating in a climb to the Mua Caves for panoramic vistas. From ancient architecture to natural wonders, this tour promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This 11-hour tour from Hanoi visits the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Vietnam, and includes a boat trip on the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

• The tour provides transportation, a buffet lunch, and an electric car ride, with hotel pickup and drop-off included in the Kč 1,171 per person price.

• Participants can climb Mua Cave for panoramic views of the Tam Coc region before returning to Hanoi, with flexibility to finish the trip in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh.

• Children aged 5-8 pay 75% of the full price, and the tour is not suitable for individuals with heart problems, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years old.

• The tour operator can be contacted via mobile number or email for any changes or special dietary requirements, ensuring a seamless experience for travelers.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour is priced from Kč 1,171 per person and lasts 11 hours.

This tour is priced from Kč 1,171 per person and lasts 11 hours, providing excellent value for a full-day experience.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

Pickup is provided from hotels in the Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House.

The tour includes transportation, WiFi, an English/Vietnamese guide, an electric car ride to Bai Dinh, a buffet lunch, and the Trang An boat tour.

Exclusions are tips, extra drinks, and the entrance fee for children under 5.

Certain age restrictions and clothing requirements apply.

Itinerary and Highlights

After pickup from the hotel in the Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House, visitors will first explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

It features 500 stone statues of "La Han" (Arhats), two bronze bells weighing 27 and 36 tons, a Quan Yin statue, and a Gautama Buddha statue.

Following a local lunch, the tour continues with a boat trip on the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where travelers can admire the limestone peaks and caves, including Lam Cave and Vang Cave.

The final highlight is climbing Mua Cave for panoramic views of the Tam Coc region before returning to Hanoi.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, transportation during the activity, WiFi on board, an English and Vietnamese-speaking tour guide, an electric car ride to the Bai Dinh entrance, a buffet lunch, the Trang An boat tour, and drinking water.

However, tips, extra drinks, and entrance tickets for children under 5 aren’t included.

Plus, there’s a $10 per person surcharge during the Lunar New Year period from January 28 to 31, 2025.

Participants aged 5-8 years are charged 75%, while those 9 and older are charged 100%.

The tour isn’t suitable for those with heart problems, wheelchair users, or individuals over 95 years old.

Important Information and Requirements

Participants aged 5-8 years are charged 75% of the full price, while those 9 years and older are charged the full 100%.

This tour isn’t suitable for individuals with heart problems, wheelchair users, or those over 95 years.

Participants must provide the hotel name and address in Hoan Kiem district for pickup. Appropriate clothing is required, with shorts not allowed in temples.

Vegetarian or special food requirements should be notified to the operator in advance.

• Wear appropriate attire

• Provide hotel information for pickup

• Notify dietary needs beforehand

• Not suitable for certain individuals

• Children under 9 pay less

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Contact and Flexibility

How do passengers communicate with the operator?

All passengers should provide their mobile number with WhatsApp or email for easy communication. This allows the operator to reach out to guests if needed, such as for any itinerary changes due to weather or operating conditions.

The flexibility of the tour also allows guests the option to finish the trip in Tam Coc or Ninh Binh if preferred.

With these communication and flexibility measures in place, travelers can have a seamless and adaptable experience on their Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi.

Exploring Bai Dinh Pagoda: Vietnam’s Largest Buddhist Complex

What makes Bai Dinh Pagoda stand out as the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam and Southeast Asia?

This architectural marvel boasts an impressive array of features:

This architectural marvel boasts an impressive array of features, including massive bronze bells and colossal statues of Buddhist deities.

• 500 life-sized statues of "La Han" (Arhats), meditating figures carved from solid stone

• Two gargantuan bronze bells weighing 27 and 36 tons respectively

• A grand, 10-meter tall statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Yin

• The largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, standing tall at 10 meters

• An expansive temple complex spanning an area of over 700 hectares, truly a testament to Buddhist devotion.

Cruising Through the Trang An Scenic Landscape

After exploring the magnificent Bai Dinh Pagoda, visitors embark on a captivating boat tour through the Trang An Scenic Landscape.

The calm waters wind between limestone karsts, revealing hidden caves and temples. Travelers glide past serene rice paddies and lush forests, seeing the natural beauty. The Lam Cave, Vang Cave, and other geological wonders punctuate the journey.

Reaching the Mua Cave, visitors ascend the 500 steps to the top, rewarded with panoramic vistas over the verdant landscapes.

This tranquil cruise showcases Ninh Binh’s breathtaking scenery and cultural treasures.

Scaling the Mua Caves for Panoramic Views

Reaching the Mua Cave, travelers ascend the 500 steps that wind up the limestone cliff, eager to be rewarded with the panoramic vistas over Ninh Binh’s verdant landscapes.

At the summit, they’re met with:

Captivating views of the winding river, serene greenery, and clusters of traditional villages amid towering limestone formations.

• Captivating views of the winding Sông Trà River snaking through the dramatic karst peaks

• Serene greenery of the rice paddies and lush forests blanketing the region

• Clusters of traditional Vietnamese villages nestled among the towering limestone formations

• A sense of tranquility and connection with the natural beauty surrounding them

• Unforgettable memories and photos to treasure from this breathtaking vantage point.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

The tour includes bottled water, but participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks. Any special dietary requirements should be communicated to the operator in advance.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Boat Trip?

The tour doesn’t offer an option to extend the boat trip duration. The itinerary includes a set boat tour at the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex as part of the package. Any changes to the boat trip would need to be arranged separately.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Electric Car Ride at Bai Dinh?

There are no age restrictions for the electric car ride at Bai Dinh. The tour includes an electric car ride to the pagoda entrance, accessible for all participants regardless of age.

Can We Choose a Different Pick-Up Location Outside the Old Quarter or Opera House?

Yes, you can choose a different pickup location outside the Old Quarter or Opera House. The tour allows for hotel pickup in the Hoan Kiem district of Hanoi.

Is There a Discount for Bookings Made in Advance?

Yes, there is a discount for bookings made in advance. The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours prior with a full refund, and customers can reserve their spot now and pay nothing today.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive 11-hour tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers an unforgettable experience. Visitors can explore the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, cruise through the stunning Trang An Landscape Complex, and scale the Mua Caves for breathtaking views. With a delicious buffet lunch included, this tour provides a well-rounded glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Ninh Binh region.

You can check availability for your dates here: