From Hanoi: Ninh Binh Trip With Cycling & Buffet Lunch

Discover the enchanting Ninh Binh region from Hanoi with this immersive one-day excursion. Visitors can cycle through picturesque villages, explore the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and embark on a serene boat cruise in the stunning Trang An complex. Topped off with a delicious buffet lunch, this adventure promises a perfect blend of culture, nature, and culinary delights. Whether you’re seeking an escape from the city or a deeper dive into Vietnam’s rich heritage, this trip has something to captivate every traveler.

Contents hide

1 Trip Overview

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Tour Features

4 Pickup Location and Duration

5 Guided Tour of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

6 Cycling Through Local Villages

7 Buffet Lunch and Boat Tour in Trang An

8 Optional Hike at Mua Cave

9 Since You Asked

10 Final Words

Key Points

A one-day excursion from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, including round-trip transportation, guided tours, bicycle riding, buffet lunch, and a boat cruise.
Visit the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, explore local villages, and embark on a 2-hour boat tour in the scenic Trang An complex.
Enjoy live English and Vietnamese-speaking tour guides, comprehensive transportation, and a buffet lunch with vegetarian options.
The trip lasts approximately 7 hours, with a 2-hour bus ride each way and various activities in Ninh Binh.
Optional hike at Mua Cave offers panoramic views after a challenging climb, in addition to the main itinerary.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Overview

What’s the Ninh Binh Trip with Cycling & Buffet Lunch? This one-day excursion from Hanoi is priced from €38.51 per person.

The trip includes round-trip transportation, guided tours, bicycle riding, a buffet lunch, and a boat cruise. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance. Reservations can be made with no upfront payment.

The journey takes travelers to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, for sightseeing and cycling through local villages. The highlight is the 2-hour boat tour in the scenic Trang An complex.

An optional hike at Mua Cave is also offered before returning to Hanoi.

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Itinerary Highlights

The Ninh Binh Trip with Cycling & Buffet Lunch starts with a bus/coach transfer from Hoàn Kiếm in Hanoi to the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, a journey of around 2 hours. Here’s a quick overview of the itinerary highlights:

| Activity | Duration |

|———|———-|

| Guided tour of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital | 65 minutes |

| Cycling through local villages | 45 minutes |

| Buffet lunch | 1 hour |

| Boat tour in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex | 2 hours |

| Optional hike at Mua Cave | 1.5 hours |

The trip also includes a return to Hanoi, taking approximately 2 hours.

Tour Features

This Ninh Binh trip offers a range of features that enhance the overall experience.

The trip is led by live English and Vietnamese-speaking tour guides who provide insightful commentaries. Transportation is included, with round-trip bus transfers, bicycles for cycling, and a boat trip in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

Knowledgeable tour guides provide commentaries in English and Vietnamese. Transportation includes bus transfers, bicycles, and a boat trip in Trang An.

A buffet lunch with vegetarian options is provided, and all entrance fees for the indicated sites are covered. Extras like a water bottle on the bus, taxes, and personal expenses are also included.

This comprehensive package ensures a seamless and enjoyable day trip to Ninh Binh.

Pickup Location and Duration

The trip begins with pickup from the Hoàn Kiếm district in Hanoi, providing a convenient starting point for the day’s adventures. The journey then takes travelers on a 2-hour bus ride to the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, where a guided tour introduces the rich cultural heritage. Following this, cyclists will enjoy a 45-minute ride through local villages, before indulging in a 1-hour buffet lunch. The day culminates with a 2-hour boat tour of the stunning Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, and an optional 1.5-hour hike at Mua Cave. Finally, the tour returns to Hanoi after a 2-hour drive.

| ————— | ———— | ———— | ———— |

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Guided Tour of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

After the scenic bus ride, the guided tour of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital immerses visitors in the rich history and heritage of this former Vietnamese capital.

Travelers explore the remains of the ancient citadel and temples, learning about the Dinh and Le dynasties that ruled from Hoa Lu over a millennium ago.

The knowledgeable guide shares captivating stories and insights, bringing the site’s significance to life.

This 65-minute tour allows guests to appreciate the architectural and cultural wonders of Hoa Lu, setting the stage for the day’s other immersive experiences in Ninh Binh.

Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ninh Binh

Cycling Through Local Villages

Departing from Hoa Lu, cyclists embark on a 45-minute journey through the charming local villages surrounding Ninh Binh. Pedaling past verdant rice paddies and traditional stilt houses, riders enjoy the rural tranquility. The cycling route offers a unique perspective, allowing visitors to interact with friendly locals and witness their daily routines.

| Sights Along the Way | Experiences |

| — | — |

| Lush green fields | Interacting with local farmers |

| Quaint village markets | Observing traditional crafts |

| Ancient temples and pagodas | Sampling fresh produce |

This cycling segment provides a refreshing break from the bus, inviting travelers to connect with the Ninh Binh countryside at a leisurely pace.

Buffet Lunch and Boat Tour in Trang An

After the cycling excursion, participants head to a local restaurant for a buffet lunch.

The spread offers a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes, catering to all dietary preferences, including vegetarian options.

A bountiful spread of Vietnamese and international dishes, catering to all dietary needs, including vegetarian options.

Following the meal, the group boards a boat for a peaceful cruise through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site boasts striking limestone karst formations, serene waterways, and lush greenery.

The boat navigates the tranquil waters, allowing travelers to admire the breathtaking natural scenery.

This portion of the day trip provides a relaxing contrast to the earlier active cycling adventure.

Optional Hike at Mua Cave

For those seeking an additional activity, the tour offers an optional hike at Mua Cave.

This 1.5-hour trek takes visitors up the 500 steps to the summit, offering panoramic views of the Trang An Scenic Landscape. The climb can be challenging, but the rewarding vistas of the karst mountains, river, and local villages make it worthwhile.

Guests should wear proper hiking shoes and bring water to stay hydrated.

Though not included in the base tour, the Mua Cave hike provides an opportunity to further take in Ninh Binh’s stunning natural landscapes.

Since You Asked

What Are the Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for travelers of all ages, though those with mobility issues may find the cycling and hiking portions challenging. The tour operator recommends checking with them if you have any special needs.

Can I Bring My Own Bicycle or Is One Provided?

Bicycles are provided for the cycling portion of the tour. Participants are not allowed to bring their own bicycles. The tour company handles all necessary transportation, including the bicycles used for the 45-minute cycling activity through local villages.

Is Alcoholic Beverages Included in the Buffet Lunch?

The buffet lunch included in the tour does not feature alcoholic beverages. It provides a selection of Vietnamese dishes, including vegetarian options, to cater to different dietary preferences during the day trip.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Groups or Students?

The tour doesn’t offer any specific group or student discounts. However, visitors can contact the tour operator to inquire about any available promotions or special pricing for larger groups or students at the time of booking.

Can I Extend the Tour to Include Additional Activities?

Yes, additional activities can be included to extend the tour. Travelers can opt for extra hikes, visits to pagodas, or additional scenic boat trips, though these may incur additional fees. The tour provider can coordinate customized itineraries upon request.

Final Words

This Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi offers a well-rounded experience, blending cultural sights, scenic cycling, and natural wonders. With round-trip transportation, a guided tour, and a delectable buffet lunch, it provides excellent value for the €38.51 price tag. The boat cruise through the Trang An complex and optional hike up Mua Cave add to the trip’s appeal, making it an enticing choice for those seeking an immersive exploration of this enchanting region.