Exploring the breathtaking landscapes of Northern Vietnam is a captivating experience. This private tour takes travelers on a journey through the region’s renowned sites, from the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda to the serene boat ride at Trang An. Conquering the steps of Mua Cave and marveling at the tranquility of Bich Dong Temple complete this comprehensive adventure. With an English-speaking guide and a delicious local lunch, this tour promises an immersive and unforgettable exploration of Vietnam’s natural and cultural wonders.

Contents show

Key Points

This private tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Northern Vietnam’s top attractions, including Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, Mua Cave, and Bich Dong Temple.
The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch at Trang An.
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, featuring impressive architecture and a massive bronze Buddha statue.
The boat tour through the UNESCO World Heritage Trang An provides a unique perspective on the region’s stunning natural landscapes.
The tour includes a challenging 500-step climb to the viewpoint of Mua Cave, offering sweeping vistas of the Tam Coc region.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This private tour offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of some of Northern Vietnam’s most captivating sites.

Over 9 hours, travelers will visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, and take a boat tour through the stunning Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest Buddhist complex, and the Trang An Scenic Landscape, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on a 9-hour boat tour.

They’ll also climb the 500 steps to the Mua Cave for panoramic views and visit the tranquil Bich Dong Temple.

Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and lunch are included, making this an all-inclusive and hassle-free experience.

Prefer keeping things personal? Here are more private experiences we've reviewed in Lang Co Duong Lam

Itinerary

The tour begins with a morning departure from Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, heading towards the province of Ninh Binh.

Arriving at Bai Dinh Pagoda around 10:00 AM, visitors explore the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, marveling at the architecture, 500 stone Arhat statues, and massive bronze Buddha statue.

Next, the group travels to the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where they enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch and a boat tour through the limestone formations, caves, and waterways.

In the afternoon, they climb 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint and visit the tranquil Bich Dong Temple before returning to Hanoi.

Morning: Hanoi to Bai Dinh Pagoda

Departing from Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 7:30 AM and 8:00 AM, the tour group heads towards the province of Ninh Binh to visit the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam.

Arriving around 10:00 AM, they explore the impressive architecture, including the 500 stone Arhat statues and the massive bronze Buddha statue.

The Bai Dinh Pagoda is a significant religious and cultural site, showcasing the remarkable craftsmanship and devotion of Vietnamese Buddhists.

After thoroughly experiencing this sacred place, the group prepares to continue their journey to the next destination on the itinerary.

Midday: Trang An Boat Tour

Next, the group heads to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

They arrive around noon and enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties like goat meat and crispy rice.

At 1 PM, they board a boat for a tour through Trang An’s limestone formations, caves, and waterways.

Setting out on a boat tour to explore Trang An’s captivating limestone formations, caves, and waterways at 1 PM.

Along the way, they view ancient temples and film locations from the movie Kong: Skull Island.

The boat ride offers a unique perspective on the stunning natural landscapes of the region.

More Great Tours Nearby

Afternoon: Mua Cave & Bich Dong Temple

After the boat tour, the group arrives at Mua Cave (Hang Múa) around 3 PM.

The challenge now is to climb 500 steps up the steep mountain path to reach the panoramic viewpoint. The climb is strenuous, but the reward is worth it:

Sweeping vistas of the Tam Coc region, with its limestone peaks, winding rivers, and lush greenery.
A closer look at the intricate rock formations and caves that dot the landscape.
A sense of accomplishment for having conquered the challenging ascent.

From the viewpoint, the group then heads to the nearby Bich Dong Temple, a 15th-century pagoda set in a tranquil environment.

There's plenty more to explore in Lang Co Duong Lam

Evening: Return to Hanoi

As the day’s adventures draw to a close, the group departs Bich Dong Temple around 5:30 PM for the return journey to Hanoi.

The private car transfer takes approximately 2 hours, arriving back in the city’s Old Quarter between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

The private car transfer takes approximately 2 hours, arriving back in the city’s Old Quarter between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

Along the way, travelers can reflect on the highlights of the day – the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, the serene Trang An boat tour, and the stunning views from Mua Cave.

This private tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural and cultural wonders of the Ninh Binh region, concluding with a safe and comfortable trip back to Hanoi.

Inclusions

The private tour includes a private car transfer, an English-speaking guide (with a surcharge for other language guides), all entrance fees, a boat ride at Trang An, bottled water, and an optional lunch.

The inclusions provide:

Convenience with private transportation and a knowledgeable guide to navigate the day’s activities.
Access to the top attractions in the region, including the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An.
Sustenance with a Vietnamese lunch and refreshments to keep guests energized throughout the day.

These thoughtful inclusions ensure a seamless, enriching experience for travelers.

Additional Information

Travelers can check availability for starting times of the private tour.

The tour offers an optional electric vehicle for visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda. Plus, there’s a surcharge for language guides other than English, with English being provided for free.

The price may also vary depending on national holidays in Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?

Customers can customize the tour itinerary to fit their preferences. The tour provider offers flexibility, allowing guests to adjust the sequence, duration, or activities based on their interests and needs.

Is There a Dress Code for the Temples and Pagodas?

There’s generally no strict dress code, but visitors should dress modestly when visiting temples and pagodas. Avoid revealing clothing, and cover up to show respect for the sacred sites. Bring a light jacket or scarf if needed.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

The tour price includes most expenses, but there may be optional extras like electric vehicles at Bai Dinh Pagoda or additional language guide costs. Travelers should check for any surcharges or optional fees before booking.

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

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. However, a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring local specialties is included in the tour price. The tour provider recommends enjoying the included lunch.

Is the Tour Suitable for Travelers With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for travelers with mobility issues. The itinerary includes climbing 500 steps at Mua Cave and navigating uneven terrain. However, the tour operator may be able to accommodate guests with special needs – it’s best to inquire in advance.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to explore Northern Vietnam’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. From the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda to the serene Trang An boat trip and the challenging Mua Cave hike, the tour packs a punch. Capped off with a visit to the tranquil Bich Dong Temple, this private excursion provides an unforgettable experience for any traveler seeking to enjoy the beauty and history of this captivating region.

You can check availability for your dates here: