Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave: Full-Day Adventure Tour

This full-day adventure tour allows visitors to enjoy the rich history and stunning natural landscapes of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province. From exploring ancient temples to gliding along the serene Ngo Dong River on a bamboo boat, the tour offers a well-rounded experience. Guests can also challenge themselves with a hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views. With an affordable price tag and a friendly group setting, this tour seems like a must-do for those seeking an authentic Vietnamese adventure.

Key Points

• This full-day tour from Hanoi explores the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the scenic Tam Coc, and the panoramic Mua Cave, showcasing Vietnam’s history and natural beauty.
• The tour includes a 120 km scenic drive, visits to historic temples, a cycling tour of local villages, a buffet lunch, and a traditional bamboo boat ride.
• Hikers can climb nearly 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave for breathtaking views of the limestone karsts and lush greenery.
• The tour is priced at $48.80 per person, with a maximum group size of 15 and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 4, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and individuals over 70 years old, and recommended items include sunglasses, hat, camera, and comfortable shoes.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave: Full-Day Adventure Tour," is priced from $48.80 per person.

The full-day excursion departs from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hanoi Opera House. With a maximum group size of 15 participants, the tour is offered in English and Vietnamese.

Travelers can take advantage of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. A reserve now and pay later option is also available.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off, a buffet lunch, entrance fees, a boat ride, a cycling tour, and a knowledgeable guide.

Guests should bring proper attire and footwear.

Itinerary Highlights

Starting at 7:00 AM, guests are picked up from the Hanoi Opera House for the scenic 120 km drive to Ninh Binh.

After a 20-minute break, they visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, exploring the temples of King Dinh and King Le.

Then, they embark on a 45-minute cycling tour through local villages and lush paddy fields.

Lunch is a buffet at a local restaurant, featuring goat meat, fried rice, and vegetarian options.

In the afternoon, guests enjoy a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride on the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, followed by a hike up Mua Cave’s nearly 500 steps for panoramic views.

Morning Activities

At 7:00 AM, guests are picked up from the Hanoi Opera House for the scenic 120 km drive to Ninh Binh.

After a 20-minute break, the group arrives at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. They explore the historic temples of King Dinh and King Le, learning about Vietnam’s rich history.

Following the temple visit, guests embark on a 45-minute cycling tour through local villages and lush paddy fields, seeing the beautiful Ninh Binh countryside.

The morning activities provide a well-rounded introduction to the region’s culture, history, and natural landscapes.

Afternoon Adventures

After the morning’s historical exploration and countryside cycling, guests settle in for a delectable buffet lunch at a local restaurant.

The spread includes tasty local specialties like goat meat, fried rice, and vegetarian options to satisfy all palates.

Fully replenished, visitors hop aboard traditional Tam Coc bamboo boats for a tranquil 1.5-hour cruise along the Ngo Dong River.

Surrounded by towering limestone karsts and lush greenery, this "Halong Bay on land" experience offers a serene respite.

The final stop is the challenging Mua Cave hike, where nearly 500 steps lead to breathtaking panoramic vistas.

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Evening Return

As the day’s adventures draw to a close, the group heads back to Hanoi, arriving at the Hanoi Opera House around 7:30 PM.

The scenic drive back provides a chance to reflect on the highlights of the day:

1. Exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and learning about Vietnam’s rich history.

2. Cycling through the lush countryside, taking in the stunning landscapes.

3. Gliding along the Ngo Dong River in a traditional bamboo boat and marveling at the limestone karsts.

4. Conquering the stairway to the Lying Dragon Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a range of amenities to ensure a comfortable and enriching experience. It covers air-conditioned transportation, a buffet lunch, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide.

Travelers will receive a bottle of drinking water and a bicycle for the cycling tour. The tour also provides a tax invoice.

However, the package excludes personal expenses, such as drinks during meals and tips for the guide and driver. Plus, there are extra charges for hotels outside the designated pickup area.

Guests should bring appropriate attire and equipment, like sunglasses, a hat, and comfortable walking shoes.

Important Information

Certain individuals may not be suitable for this tour, including children under 4 years, pregnant women, wheelchair users, and people over 70 years of age.

Guests are advised to bring the following:

1. Sunglasses to shield their eyes from the sun.

2. A hat to protect their head and face.

3. A camera to capture the stunning scenery.

4. Comfortable sports shoes for the hiking portions of the tour.

The tour starts promptly at 7:00 AM and returns around 7:30 PM.

An additional charge may apply for hotel pickups outside the designated areas.

Tour Experience

This tour is ideal for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike. Visitors will discover Vietnam’s rich history at the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cycling through lush paddy fields and local villages. The highlight is the scenic Tam Coc boat ride, often called "Halong Bay on land" due to the limestone karsts towering over the Ngo Dong River. The tour culminates with a rewarding hike up Mua Cave, offering incredible panoramic views. This diverse itinerary showcases the best of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty and cultural heritage in a single day.

| Tour Highlights | Key Benefits |

| — | — |

| Hoa Lu Ancient Capital | Explore Vietnam’s rich history |

| Cycling Tour | Experience local countryside |

| Tam Coc Boat Ride | Marvel at limestone karst scenery |

| Mua Cave Hike | Capture stunning panoramic views |

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. However, a buffet lunch is included in the tour price, and bottled water is provided. Any additional personal expenses, such as extra drinks, are not covered by the tour.

Is There an Option to Upgrade the Vehicle or Extend the Tour?

The tour company doesn’t offer an option to upgrade the vehicle or extend the tour. However, guests can arrange private transportation or customize the itinerary for an additional fee by contacting the tour operator directly.

Do You Provide Any Special Dietary Accommodations for Guests?

Yes, the tour provides special dietary accommodations. Guests can request vegetarian or other dietary options when booking the tour, and the included buffet lunch offers a variety of choices to cater to different dietary needs.

Is There a Discount Available for Group Bookings or Students?

The tour does not offer any discounts for group bookings or students. The price is a flat rate of $48.80 per person, regardless of group size or age. However, free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is available.

Can I Leave My Luggage at the Pickup Location During the Tour?

Unfortunately, the tour operator doesn’t offer luggage storage at the pickup location. Guests will need to make their own arrangements for storing any bags or large items during the tour. The tour focuses on the sightseeing activities only.

The Sum Up

The Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour offers a full-day adventure into Vietnam’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore ancient temples, cycle through picturesque villages, enjoy a serene boat ride, and challenge themselves with a hike to the top of Mua Cave. At $48.80 per person, this tour provides an immersive and memorable experience in a friendly group setting.

You can check availability for your dates here: