Set out on a captivating 2-day journey from Hanoi to explore the mesmerizing landscapes and rich cultural heritage of Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong National Park. This tour promises an unforgettable experience, from the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda to the ancient ruins of Hoa Lu. Cruise serene waterways, climb Mua Cave for breathtaking vistas, and learn about nature at Cuc Phuong, where wildlife and ancient trees abound. With an affordable price tag, this tour offers a chance to uncover the wonders of northern Vietnam that few can resist.
Key Points
- A 2-day tour from Hanoi visiting the highlights of Ninh Binh, including Bai Dinh Pagoda, Hoa Lu, and boat rides, as well as Cuc Phuong National Park.
- The tour includes transportation, meals, entrance fees, accommodation, and travel insurance, starting at $199.26 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
- Explore the colossal Golden Buddha statue and serene courtyards of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital Hoa Lu, and scenic boat rides through Ninh Binh’s landscape.
- Visit Cuc Phuong National Park to observe rare animals at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and trek to the One-Thousand-Year-Old Tree and Prehistoric Man’s Cave.
- The tour is led by live guides fluent in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, and Japanese, and private group bookings are available upon request.
👉 Check out our guide to the 20 Best 2 Day Tours In Ninh Binh
Contents
- Key Points
- Tour Overview
- Day 1: Ninh Binh Highlights
- Bai Dinh Pagoda
- Hoa Lu
- Boat Rides
- Mua Cave
- Day 2: Cuc Phuong National Park
- Inclusions and Additional Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Is It Possible to Extend the Tour for an Additional Day?
- Can We Request a Private Tour Guide to Accompany Us Throughout the Trip?
- What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?
- Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Trekking Activities?
- Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks During the Boat Rides?
- Recap
- Our Top Picks in Ninh Binh
- More 2-Day Experiences in Ninh Binh
- More Tour Reviews in Ninh Binh
- Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ninh Binh we have recnetly reviewed
Tour Overview
This two-day tour of Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong National Park offers visitors a comprehensive exploration of northern Vietnam’s natural and cultural highlights, with prices starting from $199.26 per person.
The tour has a duration of 2 days and provides a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.
Live tour guides are available in multiple languages, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and more. The tour can also be booked as a private group upon request.
Key inclusions are transportation, meals, entrance fees, accommodation, and travel insurance, making it a convenient and comprehensive experience for travelers.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ninh Binh
Day 1: Ninh Binh Highlights
The tour kicks off with a visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, Vietnam’s largest pagoda, where travelers can marvel at the giant Golden Buddha statues and explore the ancient temples.
Next, they’ll explore the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital, Hoa Lu, and learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties that once ruled here.
Travelers can then choose between a 1.5-hour boat ride through rice fields and caves at Tam Coc or a 2.5-hour boat ride through the majestic mountains, caves, and rivers of Trang An.
The day concludes with a climb up 500 steps to the Mua Cave, offering breathtaking views of the rice fields and mountains at sunset.
Overnight accommodations are at a homestay or bungalow with a swimming pool in Ninh Binh.
Bai Dinh Pagoda
Visitors to the Bai Dinh Pagoda can explore Vietnam’s largest pagoda, marveling at the giant Golden Buddha statues and ancient temples that dot the sprawling complex. The Bai Dinh Pagoda offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage:
The highlight is the colossal 10-meter-tall Golden Buddha statue, one of the largest in Southeast Asia.
Visitors can wander through serene courtyards and temples, admiring the intricate carvings and architecture that date back centuries.
The panoramic views from the top of the pagoda provide a breathtaking vista of the surrounding limestone mountains and lush landscapes.
Exploring the Bai Dinh Pagoda is a captivating experience that allows visitors to connect with Vietnam’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
Hoa Lu
At Hoa Lu, travelers can explore the ruins of Vietnam’s first capital and explore the history of the Dinh and Le dynasties that once ruled the region. Among the highlights are the remnants of ancient temples, palaces, and fortifications that offer a glimpse into the architectural wonders of the past. Visitors can wander through the complex, imagining the bustling activities that once filled these halls. The site also provides an opportunity to learn about the influential Dinh and Le dynasties, which played a crucial role in shaping Vietnam’s early history. Exploring Hoa Lu allows travelers to connect with the rich cultural heritage of Ninh Binh.
| Dinh Dynasty | Le Dynasty |
|---|---|
| Ruled from 968 to 980 AD | Ruled from 980 to 1009 AD |
| Established Hoa Lu as the capital | Continued to use Hoa Lu as the capital |
| Consolidated Vietnam’s independence | Expanded Vietnam’s territory and influence |
| Patronized the arts and architecture | Promoted Confucian values and education |
| Strengthened the military and administration | Modernized the government and infrastructure |
Boat Rides
Nestled amid the verdant landscape of Ninh Binh, visitors can embark on captivating boat rides through the region’s iconic waterways, seeing the serene beauty of rice paddies, towering limestone cliffs, and tranquil caves.
The tour offers two options for these scenic boat excursions:
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Tam Coc: Experience a 1.5-hour boat ride through a dreamlike landscape, gliding past lush rice fields and three picturesque caves.
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Trang An: Set out on a 2.5-hour boat journey through majestic mountains, exploring a network of rivers, grottoes, and verdant valleys.
Plus, visitors can enjoy the experience at Mua Cave: Climb 500 steps to the top of the Mua Cave, where breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding rice fields and mountains can be admired at sunset.
Mua Cave
After exploring the serene boat rides, travelers can embark on a journey to the renowned Mua Cave, where they’ll climb 500 steps to the summit for a breathtaking panoramic view over the surrounding rice fields and mountains at sunset.
This challenging yet rewarding trek offers a unique perspective of Ninh Binh’s stunning landscape. At the top, visitors will be greeted by a serene pagoda and can take in the stunning vistas as the sun dips below the horizon.
This popular attraction is a must-visit for those seeking an adventure and a chance to witness Ninh Binh’s natural beauty from a different vantage point.
Day 2: Cuc Phuong National Park
On the second day, travelers enjoy a peaceful morning before heading to the captivating Cuc Phuong National Park, a haven for nature enthusiasts.
The itinerary includes:
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Wildlife Viewing: Visitors have the opportunity to see rare animals at the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, including langurs, monkeys, and gibbons, giving them a chance to appreciate the park’s biodiversity.
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Lunch: Travelers savor local cuisine at a nearby restaurant, seeing the region’s culinary delights.
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Trekking: Guests embark on a trek to the One-Thousand-Year-Old Tree and the Prehistoric Man’s Cave, a burial site from 7,500 years ago, allowing them to connect with the park’s rich history and natural wonders.
Inclusions and Additional Information
The tour package includes comprehensive transportation, meals, entrance fees, accommodation, and travel insurance, ensuring a seamless and worry-free experience for travelers. The inclusions are as follows:
| Inclusions | Details |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Pick-up from hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, round trip transfers, electric car in Bai Dinh |
| Meals | 2 lunches, 1 breakfast, and 1 dinner |
| Entrance Fees | All entrance fees and boat trips included |
| Accommodation | Homestay or bungalow with swimming pool |
Plus, travelers should note that tips for the tour guide and personal expenses are not included. Solo travelers may also incur an additional fee for a single room in Ninh Binh. For availability and booking, contact +84941692765 before your trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is It Possible to Extend the Tour for an Additional Day?
Yes, it’s possible to extend the tour for an additional day. The tour operator can customize the itinerary to include more activities and sights in the Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong region upon request, for an additional cost.
Can We Request a Private Tour Guide to Accompany Us Throughout the Trip?
Yes, a private tour guide can be requested for this 2-day trip. According to the knowledge provided, a private group option is available upon request. This would allow for a personalized experience with a dedicated guide throughout the tour.
What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?
The tour is available as a private group upon request. There’s no minimum group size specified, so solo travelers can book the tour privately if desired. The price may vary for private group bookings.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Trekking Activities?
The tour doesn’t appear to have any age restrictions for the trekking activities in Cuc Phuong National Park. Travelers of all ages can participate in the trek to the One-Thousand-Year-Old Tree and Prehistoric Man’s Cave.
Can We Bring Our Own Food and Drinks During the Boat Rides?
Guests are allowed to bring their own food and drinks during the boat rides. However, it’s recommended to avoid bringing items that could potentially litter or disturb the tranquility of the natural surroundings.
From Hanoi: Visit A Famous In Ninh Binh & Cuc Phuong 2 Days
Recap
This 2-day tour from Hanoi offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural heritage in Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong National Park.
Visitors will be awed by the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, explore the ancient ruins of Hoa Lu, and enjoy serene boat rides.
The tour also includes a climb to Mua Cave for stunning sunset views and a nature immersion experience in Cuc Phuong, making it an unforgettable adventure at an affordable price.
You can check availability for your dates here:
