From Ha Noi: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave Day

Embark on an unforgettable day trip from Hanoi to the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cruise through the serene Tam Coc, and climb the 500 steps of Mua Cave for breathtaking views. With a delightful buffet lunch included, this tour promises to immerse you in Vietnam’s rich history and natural beauty. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, this day trip has something to captivate every traveler.

Key Points

• 1-day excursion from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to explore Ninh Binh’s natural landscapes and historical sites, including Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
• Comprehensive package with hotel pickup/drop-off, English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, boat trip, and entrance fees for a seamless experience.
• Highlights include a guided tour of Hoa Lu’s ancient capital, a scenic boat ride in Tam Coc, and climbing 500 steps to Mua Cave’s panoramic viewpoint.
• Pricing starts from $46.00 per adult, with discounted rates for children, seniors, and groups of 4 or more.
• Restrictions and recommendations for the tour, such as not suitable for pregnant women or those with back problems, and the need for comfortable attire and a camera.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Destination: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave

The tour takes visitors to the northern Vietnamese province of Ninh Binh, known for its striking natural landscapes and historical sites.

First, it explores Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from the 10th to 11th centuries. Here, guests tour the temples of King Dinh and King Le, learning about the region’s rich history.

Next, the tour heads to Tam Coc, nicknamed "Halong Bay on land", for a scenic boat ride amid limestone cliffs and rice paddies.

Finally, it climbs 500 steps up Lying Dragon Mountain to reach Mua Cave, offering panoramic vistas of the surrounding karst topography.

The Duration and Price

This tour is offered as a 1-day excursion, with a duration that spans from departure in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to return back there, taking approximately 8 hours in total. The price for this experience starts from $46.00 per person. To better understand the pricing, here is a breakdown:

| Pricing Breakdown | Price Range |

| — | — |

| Adult Ticket | $46.00 – $52.00 |

| Child Ticket (Under 12) | $23.00 – $26.00 |

| Senior Ticket (Over 65) | $41.00 – $46.00 |

| Group Rates (4+ people) | $40.00 – $45.00 per person |

The tour’s availability is based on start times, which visitors should check beforehand. Cancellations up to 24 hours prior are eligible for a full refund.

Availability and Cancellation Policy

Availability for this tour can be checked prior to booking, as the activity has set starting times. Customers can inquire about the schedule and reserve their spots accordingly.

The tour is offered on a regular basis, providing flexibility for travelers to join on a day that suits their itinerary.

Should plans change, the cancellation policy offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. This provides peace of mind and allows guests to adjust their plans without penalty.

The Itinerary

The tour begins with a transfer from the Old Quarter in Hanoi to the historic site of Hoa Lu, taking approximately 2.5 hours.

At Hoa Lu, guests embark on a guided tour for 105 minutes, visiting the ancient temples of King Dinh and King Le.

Next, a 1.5-hour buffet lunch featuring various Vietnamese dishes is provided.

The journey continues to Tam Coc, where guests enjoy a 1.5-hour scenic boat trip exploring the limestone mountains and rice paddies.

The final stop is Mua Cave, where visitors climb 500 steps to reach the Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views.

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Highlights of the Tour

One of the highlights of this tour is the visit to the ancient temples of King Dinh and King Le in Hoa Lu.

Visitors can explore these historical sites and learn about Vietnam’s imperial past.

The scenic boat trip through Tam Coc, often called "Halong Bay on land", offers stunning views of limestone karsts and rice paddies.

At Mua Cave, travelers can climb 500 steps up Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic vistas over the surrounding landscape.

The included buffet lunch features delicious Vietnamese dishes, providing an opportunity to sample the country’s diverse cuisine.

What’s Included and What’s Excluded

This tour includes a range of services to provide a comprehensive experience. The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, an English-speaking guide, a buffet lunch, the boat trip in Tam Coc, and all entrance fees. However, it excludes personal expenses, tips, and pickup/drop-off outside the Old Quarter.

| Included | Excluded |

| — | — |

| – Hotel pickup/drop-off (Old Quarter) | – Personal expenses |

| – English-speaking guide | – Tips |

| – Buffet lunch | – Hotel pickup/drop-off (outside Old Quarter) |

| – Boat trip, entrance fees | |

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable day exploring the highlights of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.

Important Information

Certain restrictions apply for this tour. It isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users.

Participants should wear comfortable shoes and pack essentials like sunglasses, hats, and water. Smoking is prohibited.

Wear comfortable shoes, pack essentials like sunglasses and water, and note that smoking is prohibited during the tour.

To prepare, visitors should dress appropriately, stay hydrated, and respect local customs when visiting religious sites.

With these considerations in mind, travelers can fully enjoy the tour’s highlights, including the ancient temples of Hoa Lu, the scenic boat ride in Tam Coc, and the panoramic views from Mua Cave.

Following these guidelines ensures a smooth and memorable experience.

Getting Ready for the Tour

As travelers prepare for this day tour, they’ll want to ensure they pack the necessary items. Comfortable walking shoes are a must, as the itinerary includes several activities like climbing 500 steps in Mua Cave.

Sunglasses, a hat, and an umbrella can provide protection from the sun. Bringing a camera is recommended to capture the stunning landscapes. Staying hydrated by packing water is also important.

Respecting local customs at the religious sites in Hoa Lu is crucial. With these essentials, travelers can fully enjoy the tour’s highlights and make the most of their experience.

Since You Asked

What Type of Transportation Is Provided During the Tour?

The tour provides hotel pickup and drop-off in the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Transportation also includes a 2.5-hour transfer to Hoa Lu and a 2-hour return trip back to Hanoi.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

The tour does not offer an option to extend the duration. The set itinerary is for a 1-day tour, with transportation provided between the key sites. Extending the tour would require booking a separate, additional tour.

Do Participants Receive a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, group discounts are available for this tour. The more people in the group, the greater the per-person discount. Travelers should inquire about group rates when booking to take advantage of these savings.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Requests?

The tour can be customized to accommodate special requests, though additional fees may apply. Travelers should contact the tour operator to discuss any specific needs or preferences prior to booking.

Are Vegetarian or Dietary-Restricted Meal Options Available?

The tour offers a vegetarian lunch option. Dietary restrictions can be accommodated with advance notice. Guests should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs when booking the tour.

Final Words

This day trip from Hanoi offers a chance to explore Ninh Binh’s stunning landscapes and rich history. Visitors will tour the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, enjoy a boat ride through Tam Coc‘s limestone mountains, and climb to the top of Mua Cave for breathtaking views. With a buffet lunch included, this comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience of Vietnam’s natural beauty.

You can check if your dates are available here: