Ninh Binh Full Day – Mua Cave – Tam Coc Boating – Hoa Lu

Ninh Binh is a stunning region in northern Vietnam that offers a fascinating glimpse into the country’s natural and historical wonders. This full-day tour takes visitors on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking landscapes of Mua Cave, the serene Tam Coc river, and the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. With a comprehensive itinerary and opportunities to immerse in local culture, this tour promises an enriching experience for those eager to discover the hidden gems of Vietnam. What awaits beyond the rolling hills and winding waterways may just surprise you.

Key Points

• A full-day tour of Ninh Binh that includes visits to Mua Cave, Tam Coc river cruise, and Hoa Lu ancient capital, priced at $50.83 per person.
• The tour duration is 10 hours with a 2.5-hour drive each way, and guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Highlights of the tour include exploring the history of the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties at Hoa Lu, a scenic boat ride in Tam Coc, and a hike to the viewpoint at Mua Cave.
• The tour includes pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a buffet lunch with local Vietnamese dishes and vegetarian options, and an English-speaking guide.
• There is a $10 per person surcharge for tours during the Lunar New Year period from January 28 to February 1, 2025.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day Ninh Binh tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and historic wonders.

Priced at $50.83 per person, the tour includes a visit to Mua Cave, a boat cruise along the Tam Coc river, and a tour of the Hoa Lu ancient capital.

The tour lasts 10 hours, with a 2.5-hour drive each way and various activities in between.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the tour allows for flexible booking with no upfront payment required.

The tour provides a well-rounded experience of Ninh Binh’s top attractions.

Itinerary

Pickup location for the tour is Hoàn Kiếm, the Old Quarter of Hanoi. From there, the 2.5-hour drive to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital begins. After a 1-hour visit, guests enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant with vegetarian options. Next, a 1.5-hour boat cruise along the scenic Tam Coc river, known as "Halong Bay on land." The final stop is Mua Cave, where visitors hike nearly 500 stairs for a 360-degree panoramic view. The return trip to Hoàn Kiếm takes another 2.5 hours, with drop-off at hotels between 19:00-19:30.

| Time | Activity |

| — | — |

| 2.5 hours | Travel to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital |

| 1 hour | Visit Hoa Lu |

| 1 hour | Lunch at local restaurant |

| 1.5 hours | Tam Coc boat cruise |

| 1.5 hours | Mua Cave visit |

| 2.5 hours | Return to Hoàn Kiếm |

Highlights and Activities

As guests explore the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, they’ll uncover the rich history of the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties that ruled Vietnam during the 10th and 11th centuries.

For a deeper immersion in local life, they can cycle through nearby hamlets. The scenic boat ride in Tam Coc, often called "Halong Bay on land," offers a serene experience.

The highlight is hiking up the Mua Cave, climbing nearly 500 steps to reach a 360-degree viewpoint overlooking the stunning karst landscape.

Hiking up the Mua Cave, climbing nearly 500 steps to reach a 360-degree viewpoint over the stunning karst landscape.

With these engaging activities, guests will gain a comprehensive understanding of Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural treasures.

Inclusions

This full-day tour includes pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a buffet lunch, all entrance tickets, an English-speaking guide, as well as drink orders and tips.

The buffet lunch offers a variety of local Vietnamese dishes, including vegetarian options, ensuring a satisfying midday meal.

All necessary entrance fees to the attractions are covered, eliminating any additional out-of-pocket expenses.

An expert English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing informative commentary and ensuring a seamless experience.

Personal expenses, such as souvenirs or additional snacks, are the only costs not included in the tour package.

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Special Notes

Is there a surcharge for this tour during the Lunar New Year holiday? Yes, there is a $10 per person surcharge for tours during Lunar New Year from January 28th to February 1st, 2025. This is an important detail to be aware of when booking the tour during this popular holiday period.

| Feature | Surcharge | Timing |

| — | — | — |

| Lunar New Year | $10 per person | Jan 28 – Feb 1, 2025 |

Plus, the itinerary is subject to change and should be used for reference only. Tour operators may need to adjust the schedule or activities based on weather, availability, or other factors.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour starts with pickup from Hoàn Kiếm, the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

The drive to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital takes 2.5 hours. After exploring Hoa Lu and having lunch, the group boards boats for the 1.5-hour Tam Coc river cruise.

The final stop is Mua Cave, where visitors hike nearly 500 stairs for panoramic views.

The return trip to Hanoi also takes 2.5 hours, with drop-off at hotels between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM.

This full-day tour showcases Ninh Binh’s natural beauty and cultural heritage, with convenient pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Lunch Options

A buffet lunch is included as part of the Ninh Binh Full Day Tour. This provides a chance to savor local Vietnamese cuisine in a relaxed setting.

The lunch typically features:

1. Steamed rice, various vegetable dishes, and grilled meats.

2. Vegetarian options to accommodate dietary needs.

3. Refreshing drinks such as iced tea or bottled water.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant, allowing you to recharge and prepare for the next leg of the excursion.

The meal break offers a pleasant respite from the day’s activities and an opportunity to learn about the local culinary culture.

Travel Time and Duration

After the leisurely lunch, the tour participants embark on the journey to the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

The drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Hoa Lu takes approximately 2.5 hours. Once at the site, the group spends an hour exploring the ancient ruins, learning about its significance during the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.

Following the Hoa Lu visit, the tour continues to the iconic Tam Coc boat cruise, which lasts 1.5 hours.

The final activity is the Mua Cave hike, where visitors climb nearly 500 stairs for panoramic views.

The full-day tour concludes with the 2.5-hour return trip back to Hanoi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Average Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s group size is not explicitly mentioned in the provided information. However, it is a full-day tour, suggesting a shared group experience rather than a private tour. The exact group size may vary depending on demand and logistics.

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this full-day tour of Ninh Binh as a private group. The tour offers private transportation and a private guide, allowing you to customize the itinerary to your group’s interests.

Is There an Option to Upgrade to a More Exclusive Experience?

Yes, there’s an option to upgrade the tour to a more exclusive experience. You can book a private tour with a luxury vehicle and personalized itinerary for an enhanced sightseeing experience.

Are There Any Discounts or Deals Available for This Tour?

There aren’t any specified discounts or deals for this tour, but customers can take advantage of the free cancellation policy and the option to reserve their spot without upfront payment.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour is customizable to fit your preferences. You can work with the tour provider to adjust the itinerary, activities, and schedule to best suit your interests and needs.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour of Ninh Binh offers a chance to take in the region’s breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the stunning Mua Cave to the serene boat ride along the Tam Coc river and the historic Hoa Lu ancient capital, the tour provides an unforgettable journey through Vietnam’s captivating landscapes and history. With a convenient pickup from Hanoi and a delicious local lunch, this comprehensive itinerary is sure to leave a lasting impression.

You can check availability for your dates here: