Hanoi: Trang An Boat, Bai Dinh Pagoda, & Mua Cave Day Tour

Embark on an unforgettable day tour from Hanoi, exploring the stunning Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia. Enjoy a delicious local buffet lunch before setting off on a serene 2-hour boat trip through the breathtaking Trang An UNESCO World Heritage Site. Conclude your adventure with a hike up 500 steps to Mua Cave’s Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views. This comprehensive tour offers an immersive cultural and natural experience you won’t soon forget.

Key Points

• The Hanoi day tour includes visits to Bai Dinh Pagoda, a 2-hour boat trip through the Trang An UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a hike up Mua Cave.
• The tour is priced at $50.02 per person, with a group size limited to 12 participants and an English-speaking guide provided.
• Highlights of the tour include viewing the 500 stone arhat statues and 100-ton Buddha statue at Bai Dinh Pagoda, and enjoying a local buffet lunch.
• The Trang An boat trip offers a serene experience passing through narrow cave passages, while the hike up Mua Cave provides panoramic views of the landscape.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, buffet lunch, and two bottles of water, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hanoi: Trang An Boat, Bai Dinh Pagoda, & Mua Cave Day Tour offers an immersive journey through Northern Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders.

Priced from $50.02 per person, this 1-day tour limits group size to 12 participants and provides an English-speaking guide.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi, entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and two bottles of water per person, ensuring a seamless and well-rounded exploration of the region’s highlights.

Itinerary Highlights

Pickup commences 07h25 – 08h00 from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House, kicking off the day’s exploration. The first stop is the Bai Dinh Pagoda, Southeast Asia’s largest temple featuring 500 stone arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue. After a local buffet lunch, the group boards boats for a 2-hour tour of the Trang An UNESCO World Heritage Site, navigating serene waterways and tunnels amid towering limestone formations. The finale is a hike up 500 steps to Lying Dragon Mountain at Mua Cave, rewarded with panoramic vistas of Tam Coc and nearby lotus fields.

| Highlights | Features |

| — | — |

| Bai Dinh Pagoda | Largest pagoda in Southeast Asia with 500 stone arhat statues, 36-ton bronze bell, 100-ton Buddha statue |

| Trang An Boat Tour | 2-hour cruise through UNESCO World Heritage site, limestone formations, serene waterways |

| Mua Cave Hike | 500 steps to Lying Dragon Mountain, panoramic views of Tam Coc and lotus fields |

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Nestled in the serene countryside of Ninh Binh, the Bai Dinh Pagoda stands as the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia.

This architectural marvel features an impressive array of religious structures, including 500 stone-carved Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a colossal 100-ton Buddha statue.

Visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere, exploring the intricate details and symbolic significance of the pagoda’s design.

The sheer scale and grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda offer a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and spiritual traditions.

Lunch at Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant

After visiting the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, the tour group enjoys a buffet lunch at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant.

The restaurant offers a spread of local Vietnamese dishes, including goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice, and vegetable salad. Vegetarian options are also available.

The buffet-style service allows guests to sample a variety of flavors and customize their meal to their preferences.

The relaxed setting provides an opportunity to recharge before continuing the day’s adventure exploring the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape.

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Trang An Boat Trip

After the satisfying lunch, the tour group boards small, traditional boats to embark on a 2-hour journey through the stunning Trang An landscape.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a maze of serene waterways winding through towering limestone cliffs and hidden caves.

• Gliding across the tranquil waters, visitors marvel at the natural beauty surrounding them, with lush greenery cascading down the steep rock formations.

• Passing through narrow cave passages, the group experiences a sense of adventure and discovery, immersed in the ancient geological wonders of this remarkable landscape.

• The boat tour provides a peaceful and immersive way to explore Trang An’s captivating environment, offering a glimpse into the region’s breathtaking natural splendor.

Mua Cave and Lying Dragon Mountain

Following the captivating boat ride through Trang An’s serene waterways, the group now sets its sights on the next destination – Mua Cave and the challenging ascent to Lying Dragon Mountain.

The hike up the 500 steps offers a rewarding experience, with panoramic vistas of the surrounding Tam Coc region and its stunning lotus fields.

The challenging ascent to Lying Dragon Mountain rewards with panoramic vistas of Tam Coc’s stunning lotus fields.

Visitors are treated to breathtaking views from the peak, which provides a bird’s-eye perspective of the stunning limestone formations and winding rivers below.

This exhilarating activity completes the day’s cultural and natural exploration of Ninh Binh’s remarkable landscapes.

Cultural and Natural Experiences

The Hanoi day tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to enjoy the cultural and natural wonders of the region.

Travelers can:

• Encounter spiritual tranquility at the largest temple in Vietnam, the Bai Dinh Pagoda, marveling at its impressive architecture and the serenity of the surrounding grounds.

• Navigate the serene waterways of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An, amidst towering limestone formations, a true feast for the senses.

• Admire the breathtaking vistas from the top of Lying Dragon Mountain after a rewarding hike through the Mua Cave, unveiling stunning views of the Tam Coc region.

Inclusions and Return Details

The Hanoi day tour includes pickup and drop-off at accommodations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, an English-speaking guide, two bottles of water per person, a buffet lunch featuring local dishes, and all entrance fees indicated in the itinerary.

After the tour, participants depart from Mua Cave at 17h30 and arrive back in Hanoi by 19h30, with drop-off at hotels.

The tour concludes after the drop-off, providing a seamless and convenient experience for visitors to explore the cultural and natural wonders of Hanoi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There an Option to Visit the Tour Sites Individually?

No, the tour doesn’t offer options to visit the sites individually. It’s a packaged day tour that covers all the highlights, including Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An boat trip, and the hike to Mua Cave.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Include Additional Activities?

The tour can be customized to include additional activities, though availability and pricing may vary. Customers should inquire with the tour provider about modifying the itinerary to suit their preferences.

What Is the Required Level of Fitness for the Mua Cave Hike?

The Mua Cave hike requires a moderate level of fitness. It involves climbing 500 steps up to the Lying Dragon Mountain viewpoint. Visitors should be comfortable with steep inclines and prepared for a challenging but rewarding ascent.

Are There Any Safety Precautions for the Trang an Boat Trip?

The Trang An boat trip involves navigating serene waterways through limestone formations. Though generally safe, passengers should exercise caution on the boats and follow the guide’s instructions to ensure a comfortable and secure experience.

Can Dietary Restrictions Be Accommodated for the Lunch at the Restaurant?

Yes, the tour includes a buffet lunch with vegetarian options available. The restaurant can accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice, so guests can enjoy a satisfying meal that fits their dietary needs.

The Sum Up

This day tour from Hanoi provides a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. Visitors will be awestruck by the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, rejuvenated by the tranquil Trang An boat ride, and rewarded with stunning vistas from Mua Cave’s Lying Dragon Mountain. It’s an unforgettable experience, showcasing the beauty and richness of northern Vietnam’s heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: