This one-day luxury tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh offers a chance to explore the region’s stunning natural and historical attractions. Guests will visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cycle through picturesque villages, and take a serene boat trip on the Hoang Long River. The highlight, however, is the challenging hike to Mua Cave, which rewards adventurers with breathtaking panoramic views of the limestone landscapes. Those seeking an immersive cultural experience combined with outdoor adventure won’t want to miss this comprehensive Ninh Binh tour.
Key Points
- This full-day luxury tour from Hanoi offers an immersive experience in the natural and cultural attractions of Ninh Binh, including Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
- The tour includes transportation, activities, meals, and a guide, providing a seamless and comfortable journey for visitors.
- Highlights of the tour include cycling through local villages, a bamboo boat trip on the Hoang Long River, and a hike to the summit of Mua Cave.
- Visitors can explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, with its well-preserved temples and historical significance.
- The tour provides an opportunity to immerse in the rural Vietnamese lifestyle and witness the breathtaking landscape of Ninh Binh’s limestone formations and rice paddies.
Tour Overview
The Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave 1-Day Ninh Binh Luxury Tour is a full-day excursion priced at $48.39 per person.
Departing from Hanoi, guests will visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, explore temples, and enjoy free time to cycle around local villages.
After a buffet lunch, they’ll take a bamboo boat trip on the Hoang Long River to see the Tam Coc caves.
The tour culminates with a hike up 486 steps to Ngoa Long mountain for panoramic views from Mua Cave.
The tour includes transportation, activities, meals, and an English/Vietnamese-speaking guide.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ninh Binh
Itinerary Breakdown
The tour begins with pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House area between 7:15-7:45 AM, after which guests depart for Ninh Binh via limousine bus.
Guests are picked up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House between 7:15-7:45 AM and depart for Ninh Binh via limousine bus.
At 10:30, they visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, exploring the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple. Guests then have free time to cycle around local villages.
After a buffet lunch at 12:30, they embark on a 2-hour bamboo boat trip on the Hoang Long River to visit Tam Coc’s three caves.
Finally, they hike 486 stone steps to the Ngoa Long mountain for panoramic views at Mua Cave before returning to Hanoi.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Exploration
Visitors explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, roaming the ruins of the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple. These historical sites offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich past. The temples, nestled among the limestone peaks, evoke a sense of wonder and reverence.
| Hoa Lu | Dinh King Temple | Le King Temple |
|——–|——————|—————-|
| Ancient capital of Vietnam | Dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang | Dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh |
| Ruled by Dinh and Le dynasties | Constructed in 10th century | Constructed in 10th century |
| Showcases Vietnam’s heritage | Impressive architecture | Ornate carvings |
Visitors wander the grounds, imagining the grandeur of these long-gone kingdoms.
Cycling Through Local Villages
After exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, visitors can look forward to cycling around local villages. This provides a unique opportunity to enjoy rural Vietnamese life.
The tour offers several highlights:
Winding through narrow paths, stopping to interact with locals, and admiring picturesque landscapes.
-
Winding through narrow paths, passing by traditional houses and rice paddies.
-
Stopping to interact with friendly locals, learning about their daily routines and customs.
-
Admiring the picturesque landscapes, including lush greenery and limestone formations.
This cycling excursion offers a refreshing contrast to the historic monuments, allowing travelers to connect with the vibrant, living culture of the Ninh Binh region.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTam Coc Boat Trip
Following the afternoon’s exploration of Hoa Lu, the tour proceeds to the serene Hoang Long River for a two-hour bamboo boat trip through the breathtaking Tam Coc region. Travelers gently float past limestone karsts, lush rice paddies, and quaint villages. The boat experience is a highlight, offering a peaceful respite from the day’s activities.
| Tam Coc Boat Trip | |
|——————–|———————-|
| Duration | Approximately 2 hours |
| Highlights | Limestone karsts, rice paddies, villages |
| Transportation | Traditional bamboo boats |
| Mood | Serene, peaceful |
| Included | In tour package |
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ninh Binh
- Luxury Private Tour: Ninh Binh 1day: Hoa Lu-Tam Coc-Mua Cave
- Ha Long Bay: Luxury Cruise 2-Day With All Activities & Guide
- 3-Day Ninh Binh – Bai Tu Long Bay Luxury Junk
- From Ninh Binh: AMANDA 5Star Cruise Ha Long Bay, Luxury Cabin
- Hanoi: 3-Day Luxury Ninh Binh & HaLong Bay 5-Star Cruise
- Luxury Private Tour: Hoa Lu – Trang An 1 Day From Hanoi
Mua Cave Hike and Panoramic Views
As the afternoon’s boat excursion along the Hoang Long River concludes, the tour then heads to the Mua Cave site.
Visitors must climb 486 stone steps to reach the summit of Ngoa Long mountain. This strenuous, 30-minute hike rewards explorers with breathtaking, panoramic views:
-
Limestone karst formations rising from the lush valley below.
-
The tranquil, winding Hoang Long River snaking through the landscape.
-
Emerald green rice paddies stretching to the distant horizon.
The payoff for this arduous climb is an unparalleled vista showcasing Ninh Binh’s natural splendor.
Transportation and Pickup Details
The tour includes pickup and drop-off service from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or the Hanoi Opera House for those staying outside the area.
Travelers are picked up between 7:15-7:45 AM and transported to Ninh Binh via limousine bus. The return journey to Hanoi departs at around 5:00 PM, arriving back in the city between 7:00-7:30 PM to conclude the tour.
Complimentary bottled water is provided on the bus. This seamless transportation service allows guests to fully enjoy the day’s activities without the hassle of arranging their own logistics.
Inclusions and Important Information
This luxury tour in Ninh Binh includes several key inclusions to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
Pickup and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter via Limousine Bus, a boat trip in Tam Coc, and entrance fees for Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and Tam Coc are all covered.
Plus, a buffet lunch, mineral water on the bus, bicycle rental, and an English and Vietnamese-speaking tour guide are provided.
It’s important to note the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, and alcohol and drugs are prohibited.
With a flexible cancellation policy, this tour offers an exceptional value.
Since You Asked
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Photography is generally allowed during the tour, but visitors should be respectful of others and follow any rules or restrictions in place at the various sites. Some areas may have limited photo opportunities.
Can I Bring My Own Lunch or Snacks?
Passengers are generally allowed to bring their own lunch or snacks on the tour. However, a buffet lunch is provided as part of the tour package, so bringing outside food may not be necessary. It’s best to check with the tour operator for any specific policies.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour is suitable for children, as it includes a boat trip, exploring ancient temples, and hiking to scenic viewpoints. However, the long durations and strenuous activity may not be ideal for younger kids.
Does the Tour Include Travel Insurance?
The tour does not include travel insurance. Travelers should purchase their own travel insurance policy to cover any unexpected incidents or emergencies during the trip.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
The tour operator may allow some customization of the itinerary to accommodate personal preferences, though the core activities and schedule are generally fixed. Travelers should inquire about flexibility when booking the tour.
Final Words
This luxurious Ninh Binh tour from Hanoi offers a well-rounded cultural and natural adventure. Visitors can explore the historic Hoa Lu ancient capital, cycle through scenic villages, take a serene boat trip on the Hoang Long River, and hike to the breathtaking Mua Cave viewpoint. With convenient transportation and an inclusive itinerary, this tour provides an immersive and rewarding experience in northern Vietnam’s stunning landscape.
You can check if your dates are available here:More VIP Experiences in Ninh Binh
- From Hanoi: Luxury Ninh Binh Tour With Lunch and Cycling
- Luxury Day Tour Bai Dinh, Trang An & Mua Cave
- Ninh Binh Luxury: Bai Dinh, TrangAn, Mua Cave, Limousine Bus
- From Ninh Binh Transfer to Ha Long Bay by Luxury Limousine
- From Ninh Binh Transfer to Cat Ba by Luxury Limouisine Van
- Hanoi: Ninh Binh Transfer by Luxury Limousine
More Tours in Ninh Binh
- Ninh Binh Jeep Tour:2 Hours Visit Bich Dong, Thai Vi Temple
- From Hanoi: Water Puppet Show & City Sightseeing Tour
- Group or Private Tour Hoa Lu Trang an Mua Cave W Boat
- From Ha Noi: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour Daily Full Day
- Ninh Binh Backroad Jeep Tour Full Day Highlight & Hidden Gem
- Ninh Binh Tour to Cuc Phuong – Van Long Reserve – Jeep Tours
More Tour Reviews in Ninh Binh
- Ninh Binh Jeep Tours From Hanoi: JEEP – BOAT – DAILY LIFE
- Private Day Trip To Cuc Phuong Van Long/Guide/Lunch/Car/Meal
- Hanoi: Ninh Binh Private Tour Hoa Lu – Trang an – Mua Cave
- Private Cuc Phuong National Park Day Tour With Female Guide
- NYNA Travel: 5D4N Hanoi – Quang Phu Cau – Ninh Binh – Halong
- From Hanoi: 3-Day Sapa, Fansipan, Ninh Binh Tour With Meals
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ninh Binh we have recnetly reviewed
- Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong National Park 2-Day Private Tour
- From Ninh Binh Luxury Cruise Lan Ha Bay, 2-3Days Kayaking
- From Hanoi: Ninh Binh 2 Days 1 Night Tour
- NINH BINH 2D1N: HOA LU-TAM COC – MUA CAVE – BAI DINH – TRANG AN
- Ninh Binh Private Adventure: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc
- From Ninh Binh : Bai Tu Long Bay 2-3 Days Garden Bay Cruise
- [Private] Ninh Binh Day Trip Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave
- QUANG PHU CAU INCENSE VILLAGE WITH BOAT TRIP OR PAGODA
- Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National Park 2-Day With Female Guide
- Ninh Binh Trang An, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Tour
- From Hanoi: Private Car to Incense Village & Ninh Binh 1-day
- Ninh Binh : Private Jeep Tour Hoa Lu , Trang An, Mua Cave