Hanoi’s proximity to the stunning Ninh Binh region makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural and cultural wonders. Visitors can embark on a captivating day tour that takes them through the Trang An Scenic Landscape, the serene Mua Cave, and the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda. With an experienced guide, travelers can enjoy the region’s rich heritage and stunning vistas, making for an unforgettable experience. What awaits those who venture beyond Hanoi’s bustling streets?

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Key Points

This tour explores the natural landscapes and cultural attractions of Ninh Binh, located 90 km south of Hanoi.
Key stops include Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Trang An Scenic Landscape, providing a comprehensive experience.
The tour includes hotel pickup, local lunch, and an English-speaking guide to enhance the overall experience.
The price range is between $42.42 and $44.65 per person, with a flexible cancellation policy.
The tour is not suitable for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, fear of heights, or vertigo, due to the need for climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour provides an opportunity to explore the stunning natural landscapes and cultural attractions of Ninh Binh, a captivating region located approximately 90 km south of Hanoi.

The 1-day excursion includes visits to Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Trang An Scenic Landscape. Priced between $42.42 and $44.65 per person, the tour offers a flexible cancellation policy and complimentary hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Highlights include panoramic vistas from Mua Cave, the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, and a scenic boat ride through Trang An’s limestone caves and temples. An included local lunch and English-speaking guide enhance the experience.

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

Itinerary Highlights

The tour departs Hanoi at 7:00 AM, traveling 90 km south to the Ninh Binh region.

The first stop is the renowned Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest spiritual complex featuring stunning architecture and statues.

Next, visitors climb to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of the Tam Coc landscape.

After a local lunch, the tour culminates with a 2.5-hour boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape, exploring limestone caves and temples.

The itinerary may adjust slightly due to weather and traffic, but the tour is expected to return to Hanoi around 7:30 PM.

Inclusions

The tour package includes hotel pickup and drop-off at Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Transportation and an English-speaking guide are provided throughout the day. Entrance fees to Hang Mua Cave, the Trang An boat ride, and the Bai Dinh Pagoda electronic car ticket are covered. Lunch and bottled water are also included.

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, a fear of heights, or vertigo.

Holiday surcharges apply for travel on specific national holidays.

Important Information

Travelers should bring comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water when taking this tour.

Comfortable shoes, a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water are essential for this tour.

This excursion isn’t recommended for pregnant women, individuals with mobility issues, those afraid of heights, or people with vertigo.

Certain holidays like Lunar New Year, April 30 – May 2, September 2, Christmas, and New Year’s Eve will incur a 100,000 VND surcharge.

The key things to remember are:

This tour involves climbing stairs and walking on uneven terrain.
Visitors with physical limitations or a fear of heights may not be able to fully participate.
Holiday travel dates will result in an additional fee.

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Customer Reviews

According to the reviews, customers have been highly satisfied with this tour, rating it an impressive 4.7 out of 5 stars based on 191 evaluations.

The guide received praise for their knowledge and helpfulness, while the transportation was rated 4.5/5.

Reviewers highlighted the excellent value for money, with one traveler from India describing the experience as excellent and recommending the tour.

A UK visitor noted the guide’s expertise and interesting arrangements, while a Swiss customer commended the efficient organization and guide’s skills in managing the tour.

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Bai Dinh Pagoda

As part of the tour, visitors explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest spiritual complex featuring stunning architecture and intricate statues.

The pagoda complex offers:

A grand entrance with a massive bronze Buddha statue.
An impressive collection of 500 Arhat statues, each one unique.
The largest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, standing at 14 meters high.

Travelers are awed by the pagoda’s sheer scale and attention to detail, making it a highlight of the Ninh Binh experience.

Mua Cave

After exploring the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the tour moves on to the captivating Mua Cave.

Nestled in the heart of the Trang An Landscape Complex, Mua Cave offers unparalleled panoramic views of the region. Visitors must climb 500 stone steps to reach the cave’s summit, rewarding them with a breathtaking vista of the Ngo Dong River, limestone karsts, and lush greenery.

Though challenging, the climb provides an exhilarating experience and a chance to appreciate the natural beauty of Ninh Binh. The tour allows ample time for photographs and exploration of this scenic highlight.

Trang An Scenic Landscape

Leaving the dramatic Mua Cave behind, the tour group boards a traditional boat to explore the serene Trang An Scenic Landscape.

Leaving the dramatic Mua Cave behind, the tour group boards a traditional boat to explore the serene Trang An Scenic Landscape.

This 2.5-hour boat ride treats visitors to:

Limestone caves adorned with stalactites and temples tucked away along the waterways.
Stunning views of the verdant rice paddies framed by the towering karst mountains.
An opportunity to drift peacefully through the tranquil waters, taking in the serene natural surroundings.

The boat tour offers a peaceful respite from the bustling city, immersing travelers in the breathtaking landscapes of Ninh Binh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Private or in a Group?

The tour is a group tour, not a private tour. The tour group size is not specified in the knowledge provided, but the tour includes transportation and an English-speaking guide for the group.

Can I Request an English-Speaking Driver Instead of a Guide?

The tour includes an English-speaking guide, but you can’t request an English-speaking driver instead. The guide is necessary to provide information and manage the logistics of the various stops on the tour.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

The tour offers a set itinerary, but you can contact the operator to inquire about the possibility of customizing the itinerary to suit your preferences. They’ll do their best to accommodate any reasonable requests.

Do You Provide Vegetarian or Halal Meal Options?

Yes, the tour provider offers vegetarian and halal meal options upon request. Guests can inform the tour operator of any dietary requirements when booking the tour to ensure their preferences are accommodated.

Is There Any Luggage Storage Service Available?

Yes, the tour provider offers a luggage storage service at no additional cost. Travelers can leave their larger bags at the tour office and pick them up when the tour returns to Hanoi.

The Sum Up

This day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers an unparalleled experience. Visitors can explore the stunning Trang An landscape, climb the iconic Mua Cave, and marvel at the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda. With convenient hotel pickup, a local lunch, and an English-speaking guide, this tour promises an enriching and memorable journey through Vietnam’s natural and cultural wonders.