Explore the natural wonders of Vietnam’s Mua Caves and Van Long Nature Reserve on a Hoa Lu Private Day Trip. This captivating tour combines history, culture, and breathtaking scenery, offering visitors a chance to marvel at the lush landscapes and unique limestone karst formations. From a scenic sampan boat ride to spotting Delacour’s langurs, the day promises an unforgettable adventure for nature lovers. Discover why this destination has become a must-visit attraction in the region.

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Key Points

This private day trip from Hanoi explores the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the scenic Van Long Nature Reserve, and the captivating Mua Caves.
The tour includes pickup/drop-off, boat trips, guided sightseeing, entrance fees, and an authentic Vietnamese lunch for $105.42 per person.
Highlights include visiting Dinh King and Le King temples, biking through a rural village, and panoramic views from the Mua Caves.
The detailed schedule allows for arrival at Hoa Lu around 10:30 AM, a bike ride to a local village, and return to Hanoi between 4:45-5:00 PM.
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users and has restrictions on pets, weapons, and other activities, with special dietary needs communicated in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The activity offered in this day trip is a visit to the Mua Caves, Van Long Nature Reserve, and Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.

The price for this private tour starts from $105.42 per person. It’s a full-day tour with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Customers can reserve now and pay later. The tour includes pickup and drop-off by private car, entrance fees, a boat trip, a guided tour, lunch, and other amenities.

Exclusions are beverages, Tet holiday fees, personal expenses, and gratuities for the guide and driver.

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Itinerary Highlights

Pickup begins from the hotel lobby in Hanoi’s city center, where a private car will take visitors to the first stop – Hoa Lu, the 10th-century ancient capital of Vietnam. There, they’ll explore the Dinh King temple and Le King temple. After, a bike ride through the rural village provides a glimpse into local life. Lunch at a nearby restaurant serves up authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including vegetarian options. The tour then moves to the Van Long Nature Reserve for a sampan boat trip, followed by a visit to the Mua Cave with its stunning panoramic views, Buddhist pagoda, and Dragon Statue.

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Detailed Schedule

At 7:30 – 8:00, the private car picks up visitors from their hotel in Hanoi’s city center.

They arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, around 10:20 – 10:30.

After exploring the Dinh King and Le King temples from the 10th century, visitors bike to a local village around 11:30 – 11:40.

Lunch at a local restaurant follows at 12:10 – 12:20.

Then, they depart for Van Long wharf at 13:30 – 13:35 and visit Mua Cave with its stunning panoramic views at 15:30 – 15:35.

Finally, the tour returns to Hanoi between 16:45 – 17:00, dropping visitors off at their hotel in the Old Quarter around 19:00 – 19:30.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off by an air-conditioned private car, a boat trip to Van Long Nature Reserve, all sightseeing and entrance fees, a private English-speaking tour guide, a Vietnamese cuisine lunch, two bottles of mineral water per person, and a traditional hat per person.

However, beverages, Tet holiday fees, personal expenses, and gratuities for the guide and driver are excluded.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and pets, weapons, sharp objects, jumping, swimming, and snorkeling aren’t allowed.

Special dietary needs should be communicated to the local operator in advance.

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Pickup and Drop-off

As the tour begins, the private car will pick up participants from their hotel lobbies in the Hanoi city center between 7:30 and 8:00 AM.

The vehicle will transport guests comfortably to the different destinations throughout the day. At the end of the excursion, the same car will drop off participants at their hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter around 7:00 PM.

This convenient door-to-door service ensures a hassle-free experience, allowing travelers to focus on exploring the historical sites and natural wonders without worrying about transportation.

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Boat Trip to Van Long Nature Reserve

After visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, travelers board a traditional sampan boat to explore the serene Van Long Nature Reserve.

Travelers board a traditional sampan boat to explore the serene Van Long Nature Reserve after visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

The tranquil boat ride offers a unique opportunity to witness the region’s diverse wildlife:

Sightings of Delacour’s langurs, an endangered primate species
Diverse birdlife including herons, egrets, and kingfishers
Lush, limestone karst formations rising from the calm waters
Panoramic views of the picturesque landscapes and remote villages
A chance to appreciate the peaceful, untouched natural beauty of the area.

Sightseeing and Attractions

While the day trip begins with a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the main highlights are the captivating Mua Caves and the stunning scenery of the Van Long Nature Reserve.

At Hoa Lu, travelers explore the Dinh King and Le King temples, dating back to the 10th century. The group then bikes through a rural village before enjoying a Vietnamese lunch.

Next, they embark on a peaceful sampan boat ride through the serene Van Long Nature Reserve.

The day culminates with a climb up the Mua Caves, offering panoramic views and a Buddhist pagoda.

Important Information

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, as the itinerary involves walking and climbing at various sites.

Certain restrictions apply – pets, weapons, and sharp objects aren’t allowed. Jumping, swimming, and snorkeling are also prohibited.

Itineraries may change due to weather and operating conditions, so guests should be flexible. Special dietary needs should be communicated to the local operator in advance.

Optionally, guests can relax at the restaurant or walk to the local village instead of biking.

The dress code requires no shorts in temples.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour details, bringing your own food and drinks is not included. However, the tour provides 2 bottles of mineral water per person, and a Vietnamese cuisine lunch at a local restaurant is included.

Is Travel Insurance Provided or Recommended for This Tour?

Travel insurance is not included in the tour package, but it’s strongly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance to protect against unexpected events during the trip. The local operator can provide information on recommended insurance providers upon request.

Is There a Discount for Booking the Tour as a Group?

The tour operator does not offer a group discount. The price listed is per person, and it’s the same regardless of the group size. Larger groups may be eligible for a private tour option at a discounted rate.

Can I Take Photographs During the Temple Visits?

Yes, you can take photographs during the temple visits on this tour. The itinerary includes visits to the Dinh King temple and Le King temple, where photography is generally allowed as long as you respect the sacred nature of the sites.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. However, the itinerary may not be suitable for very young children or seniors with limited mobility, as it involves activities like biking and boat trips.

The Sum Up

The Mua Caves and Van Long Nature Reserve offer a captivating day trip from Hoa Lu. Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat ride, marvel at the stunning limestone formations, and spot unique wildlife like Delacour’s langurs. This full-day tour provides a memorable adventure, blending history, culture, and Vietnam’s natural beauty.