From Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An, & Mua Cave Full Day

Nestled in the heart of northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh offers a captivating blend of historical landmarks and breathtaking natural beauty. This full-day tour promises to whisk visitors away on a journey of culture, showcasing the region’s most renowned attractions. From the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to the serene Trang An landscape and the challenging hike to the summit of Mua Cave, this comprehensive experience promises to leave a lasting impression. With a focus on authenticity and convenience, the tour ensures travelers can fully enjoy the rich tapestry of Vietnamese heritage and landscape.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Full-Day Tours In Ninh Binh.

Key Points

• A full-day tour exploring historical and natural wonders in Ninh Binh, including the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the scenic Trang An landscape, and the challenging hike to Mua Cave.
• The tour is priced at $60.97 per person, with a 9-hour duration and a maximum of 12 participants, and includes hotel pickup/drop-off, an English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, and water.
• Visitors can explore the well-preserved ruins and temples of the 10th-century Hoa Lu ancient capital, learning about its influential rulers and dynastic past.
• The tour includes a serene boat ride through the Trang An landscape, allowing guests to admire the dramatic limestone karst formations and spot local wildlife.
• The tour also offers a rewarding hike to the summit of Mua Cave, providing stunning panoramic views of the Ngo Dong River and the Ninh Binh region.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The full-day tour from Ninh Binh takes visitors to explore the historical and natural wonders of the region, including the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the tranquil Trang An landscape, and the scenic Mua Cave.

Priced at $60.97 per person, the tour lasts 9 hours and is limited to small groups of up to 12 participants.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are included, and the driver will meet guests in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time.

Throughout the day, travelers will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide and provided with a buffet lunch and two bottles of water.

The tour also covers all necessary entrance fees and boat tickets, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

Pickup and Transportation

For this tour, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, with the driver meeting guests in the lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled departure time and holding a sign with their last name. This ensures a smooth and convenient start to the day’s activities.

The driver will transport the small group of no more than 12 participants from their Ninh Binh hotels to the various tour sites throughout the day.

At the end of the excursion, the driver will return guests to their hotels, providing a hassle-free transportation experience from start to finish.

This inclusive pickup and drop-off service allows travelers to focus on enjoying the sights and activities without worrying about navigating the local transportation.

Exploring Hoa Lu

Nestled in the Ninh Binh province, Hoa Lu ancient capital welcomes visitors to explore its rich history as the 10th century seat of power in Vietnam.

Established in 968 AD, this former capital boasts a collection of temples, shrines, and historical sites that offer a glimpse into the country’s dynastic past.

Travelers can wander through the well-preserved ruins, marveling at the intricate architecture and learning about the influential rulers who once reigned over the region.

The Dinh and Le temples, dedicated to the Dinh and Le dynasties, are highlights of the site.

Visitors can also explore the ancient citadel walls and gates, providing a tangible connection to Vietnam’s storied history.

Trang An Boat Ride

After exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the tour continues to the serene Trang An landscape, often dubbed the ‘Ha Long Bay on land’ for its striking limestone karst formations and winding waterways.

Guests board a traditional sampan boat and float along the tranquil river, surrounded by lush greenery and dramatic cliffs.

The boat ride offers a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty, allowing visitors to:

1. Admire the dramatic landscape, with its towering limestone mountains and hidden grottoes.
2. Spot local wildlife, such as egrets and cormorants, as they glide across the water.
3. Discover ancient temples and pagodas nestled within the scenic surroundings.

The Trang An boat ride is a captivating and peaceful interlude, providing a refreshing contrast to the earlier historical exploration.

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Hiking Mua Cave

Following the exploration of the Trang An landscape, the tour venture continues to Mua Cave, where visitors can embark on an invigorating hike to the summit. The climb up the 500 steps offers a challenging yet rewarding experience, with stunning vistas of the surrounding karst landscapes unfolding at every turn. Upon reaching the top, guests are treated to a panoramic view that spans the Ngo Dong River and the iconic Ninh Binh region. The hike is a testament to the natural beauty and cultural richness of this area, providing an unforgettable opportunity for visitors to enjoy the breathtaking scenery.

Difficulty Level	Duration	Elevation Gain	View from the Top
Moderate	30-45 minutes	500 steps	Panoramic view of Ngo Dong River and Ninh Binh

Local Vietnamese Cuisine

During the tour, participants savor a delectable buffet lunch featuring a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. The spread showcases the rich culinary heritage and diverse flavors of the local cuisine, allowing visitors to enjoy the vibrant gastronomic culture of the region.

From fragrant rice dishes to freshly prepared seafood specialties, the lunch provides a well-rounded introduction to the beloved flavors that have been refined over generations in Ninh Binh.

The lunch menu may include:

1. Pho, the iconic Vietnamese noodle soup
2. Banh Mi, the delectable Vietnamese-style sandwiches
3. Fresh spring rolls, a light and refreshing starter

The authentic flavors and diversity of the Vietnamese cuisine leave a lasting impression on the tour participants, enriching their cultural experience in Ninh Binh.

Included in the Tour

The tour’s comprehensive inclusion of key services and amenities ensures a seamless and enriching experience for participants. The package includes round-trip hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as an English-speaking guide to provide informative commentary throughout the day’s activities. Plus, the tour provides bottled water and a buffet lunch, allowing travelers to refresh and refuel during their explorations. The entrance fees and Trang An boat ticket are also covered, eliminating the need for participants to worry about additional costs. This all-inclusive approach allows visitors to fully enjoy the natural and historical wonders of the region without hassle.

Included Items	Quantity
Hotel Pickup/Drop-off	1
English-speaking Guide	1
Bottled Water	2
Buffet Lunch	1
Entrance Fees & Boat Ticket	1

Exclusions to Note

While the tour includes a comprehensive set of services, there are a few exclusions that travelers should be aware of. Specifically, the tour doesn’t cover the cost of any large luggage or bags that participants may wish to bring along.

Plus, gratuities for the tour guide and driver aren’t included in the tour price, allowing travelers the flexibility to provide a tip based on their satisfaction with the service.

The key exclusions to note are:

1. Luggage or large bags
2. Gratuities for the tour guide and driver
3. Any additional personal expenses not mentioned in the inclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for People With Mobility Issues?

The tour may not be suitable for people with mobility issues. It involves hiking to the peak of Mua Cave, which could be challenging for those with limited mobility. Guests should consider their physical abilities before booking this tour.

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

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour includes a buffet lunch. Bringing extra snacks or drinks is allowed, but not required. The tour provides 2 complimentary bottles of water per person.

Is There a Discount for Children or Senior Citizens?

The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The $60.97 per person rate applies to all participants regardless of age. Tour operators generally do not provide special pricing for this type of small-group sightseeing excursion.

What Is the Cancelation Policy for the Tour?

The tour has a 24-hour cancellation policy. Customers can cancel their booking and receive a full refund if they notify the operator at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Cancellations made within 24 hours are not eligible for a refund.

Can I Take Photos During the Boat Ride and Hiking Activities?

Yes, participants can take photos during the boat ride and hiking activities. The tour allows ample opportunities to capture the stunning landscapes and scenery throughout the day’s excursion.

Recap

This full-day tour from Ninh Binh provides a well-rounded exploration of the region’s historical and natural wonders.

Visitors will discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, float along the serene Trang An landscape, and hike to the summit of Mua Cave for breathtaking views.

With hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a buffet lunch, and all entrance fees included, it’s a hassle-free cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: