Nestled in the heart of Northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh offers a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. Set out on a day trip from Hanoi to explore the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, float through the serene Trang An Grottoes, and ascend the challenging Mua Cave for panoramic vistas. Discover why this region has earned the nickname "Halong Bay on Land" as you learn about its breathtaking landscapes and rich history. What secrets lie waiting to be uncovered in this enchanting destination?
Key Points
- A day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, featuring visits to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Grottoes, and Mua Cave.
- The trip offers a price range of Kč 1,203 to Kč 1,023 per person, with up to 15% savings.
- The tour includes pickup in Hoàn Kiếm, round-trip transportation, guided visits, and a buffet lunch with local dishes.
- Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, known for its grand architecture and colossal Buddha statue.
- Trang An Grottoes and Mua Cave provide scenic landscapes, with boat rides and challenging climbs for panoramic views.
Trip Overview
This day trip to Ninh Binh allows visitors to explore some of the region’s top attractions.
The destination includes Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Grottoes, and Mua Cave.
The one-day excursion is priced from Kč 1,203 to Kč 1,023 per person, with up to 15% savings.
The one-day excursion is priced from Kč 1,203 to Kč 1,023 per person, with up to 15% savings.
Booking is flexible, with a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
The trip includes pickup in Hoàn Kiếm, round-trip transportation by limousine bus, a guided visit to the sites, and a buffet lunch with local dishes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hanoi.
Destination: Ninh Binh
The Ninh Binh region, located just south of Hanoi, offers a diverse array of natural and cultural attractions that captivate visitors. At the heart of this destination is the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia. Its grand architecture features 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a colossal 100-ton Buddha statue. Nearby, the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, invites travelers to explore its serene waterways and lush landscapes, which were the filming location for the movie "Kong: Skull Island." For panoramic views, visitors can climb the 500 steps to the Mua Cave and Lying Dragon Mountain.
| Destination | Highlights |
|————-|————|
| Bai Dinh Pagoda | Largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, 500 stone Arhat statues, 36-ton bronze bell, 100-ton Buddha statue |
| Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex | UNESCO World Heritage Site, serene waterways, filming location for "Kong: Skull Island" |
| Mua Cave | Climb 500 steps to Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views |
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, a sprawling sacred site that captivates visitors with its grand architectural features.
The pagoda boasts over 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a colossal 100-ton Buddha statue.
Visitors can explore the intricate, multi-tiered main cathedral and its ornate interiors adorned with Buddhist murals and carvings.
The complex also includes a 300-meter-long sacred path leading to the pagoda’s highest point, providing panoramic views of the lush, hilly landscape.
Bai Dinh Pagoda stands as a testament to Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and devotion to Buddhism.
Trang An Grottoes
Nestled within the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Trang An Grottoes captivate visitors with their serene natural beauty. Visitors board traditional sampan boats to glide through the karst formations, discovering hidden caves, streams, and grottos along the way. This tranquil boat ride is a highlight, offering a unique perspective of the landscape.
| Feature | Description |
|———|————-|
| Duration | 2-3 hours |
| Highlights | Hidden caves, rivers, grottos |
| Included | Boat rental, English-speaking guide |
| Not Included | Personal expenses, tips |
The Trang An Grottoes provide a peaceful and picturesque escape, showcasing the stunning natural wonders of this UNESCO-protected region.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyMua Cave
Towering above the serene Tam Coc landscape, Mua Cave beckons visitors to undertake a strenuous climb up its 500 steps.
This arduous ascent leads to the Lying Dragon Mountain, offering unparalleled panoramic vistas of the UNESCO-recognized Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
At the summit, travelers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the meandering rivers, towering limestone karsts, and lush rice paddies that characterize this picturesque region.
The summit offers breathtaking vistas of meandering rivers, towering limestone karsts, and lush rice paddies in this picturesque region.
Though the climb may be challenging, the stunning vantage point from Mua Cave makes it a must-visit destination for those seeking to experience the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
Meals and Amenities
The trip includes a buffet lunch featuring a variety of local dishes, such as goat meat, fish, chicken, and fried rice.
Vegetarian options are also available.
The lunch is included in the tour price, along with an English-speaking guide, round-trip transportation, the boat trip in Trang An, and all entrance fees.
Exclusions are personal expenses, tips, drinks at lunch, and a New Year’s surcharge of 100,000 VND per guest on December 31, 2024, and January 1, 2025.
Participants are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, and water, as smoking isn’t allowed during the tour.
Participant Information
The tour is suitable for small groups. It isn’t recommended for pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users.
Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Smoking isn’t allowed during the trip.
The group size is small, allowing for a more personalized experience. The activities involve moderate physical exertion, such as climbing 500 steps to reach the Lying Dragon Mountain viewpoint.
Customer Feedback
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Ninh Binh and Mua Cave tour, awarding it an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 15 reviews.
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Ninh Binh and Mua Cave tour, awarding it an impressive 4.6/5 rating based on 15 reviews.
One guest, Olga from Vietnam, noted the trip was well-organized, with comfortable transportation and a delicious lunch.
Chiara from Italy appreciated the tour’s efficiency, highlighting the excellent guide.
Positive experiences were shared by Otto from Mexico.
The tour’s highlights, including the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda, scenic Trang An boat trip, and iconic Mua Cave climb, have resonated with travelers seeking an immersive cultural experience with limited time in Ninh Binh.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food on the Trip?
Travelers can bring their own food on the trip, but the tour includes a buffet lunch with local dishes. Bringing personal snacks or drinks is allowed, as long as they don’t disrupt the group activities.
Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Pagoda?
There is no strict dress code for visiting the Bai Dinh Pagoda, but modest attire is recommended. Shorts, skirts, and sleeveless tops should be avoided, and visitors are encouraged to cover their shoulders and knees when entering the temple.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Boat Ride?
There are no age restrictions for the boat ride at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. Children of all ages are welcome to join the tour, but parents should ensure their safety during the boat trip.
Can I Take a Solo Trip Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can take a solo trip instead of a group tour. The tour operator offers private tours, allowing you to explore the destinations at your own pace without being part of a larger group.
Will There Be a Photographer on the Trip to Take Photos?
The tour does not include a dedicated photographer. However, guests are welcome to take their own photos during the sightseeing activities. There are many scenic spots where travelers can capture beautiful shots throughout the trip.
Final Words
This day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers a captivating blend of cultural and natural wonders. Visitors can explore the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, glide through the serene Trang An Grottoes, and challenge themselves with a climb up Mua Cave for stunning panoramic views. With a mix of historical significance and breathtaking landscapes, this excursion provides an immersive experience that showcases the best of Ninh Binh’s attractions.
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