Discover the captivating beauty of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province on this full-day tour from Hanoi. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, float through the serene Trang An landscape, and climb to the top of Mua Cave for stunning panoramic views. With a delicious buffet lunch and a guided village cycling tour, this adventure offers an immersive experience that showcases the region’s rich culture and natural wonders. But the real question is – what hidden gems await along the way?
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs $44.65 per person and includes limousine transfer, buffet lunch, and entrance tickets.
- The tour features a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a 2-hour boat trip in the UNESCO-listed Trang An, and a hike up Mua Cave.
- Travelers can experience a bamboo boat ride, a cycling tour to explore local village life, and enjoy scenic waterways, limestone karsts, and ancient temples.
- The tour includes an English-speaking guide, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, and rain gear as needed.
- Pickup and drop-off are available at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or designated landmarks, and the tour ends by 7 PM.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The full-day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh costs $44.65 per person and is offered as a small group tour with a friendly guide.
The tour includes limousine transfer, a buffet lunch, and entrance tickets. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and customers can reserve now and pay later.
The tour highlights the ancient capital of Vietnam, a UNESCO World Heritage boat trip, a cycling tour, and a hike for panoramic views.
Complimentary amenities like Wi-Fi, water, hats, umbrellas, and raincoats are provided throughout the excursion.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ninh Binh
Itinerary Details
Departing from Hanoi Old Quarter between 07h30 and 08h00, the tour includes a short break at 09h15 lasting 15-20 minutes.
Departing from Hanoi Old Quarter between 07h30 and 08h00, the tour includes a short break at 09h15 lasting 15-20 minutes.
Visitors will explore the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, from 10h30. A buffet lunch at a local restaurant is served at 11h45.
The highlight is the 2-hour boat trip in the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscape complex, beginning at 13h00.
After, guests embark on a 45-minute cycling tour of a local village at 15h00, followed by a 1.5-hour hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views.
The tour returns to Hanoi by 19h00.
Activities and Highlights
One highlight of the tour is the bamboo boat experience in the Trang An landscape complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Gliding silently through the serene waterways, visitors marvel at the towering limestone karsts, lush greenery, and ancient temples. After the boat ride, the group embarks on a cycling tour to explore local village life. Later, they hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views overlooking the stunning Ninh Binh landscape. This full-day tour offers an immersive experience, allowing visitors to appreciate Vietnam’s natural beauty and historical significance.
| Activities | Highlights |
| — | — |
| Bamboo Boat | Trang An Landscape |
| Cycling Tour | Local Village Life |
| Mua Cave Hike | Panoramic Views |
Inclusions
A limousine bus with an experienced driver transports guests from Hanoi, providing free Wi-Fi and bottled water throughout the journey.
An English-speaking guide accompanies the group, offering insights into the region’s history and culture.
An English-speaking guide provides insights into the region’s history and culture, enriching the tour experience.
A delicious, locally-sourced buffet lunch is included, catering to both omnivores and vegetarians.
For the day’s activities, hats, umbrellas, and rain ponchos are provided as needed.
All entrance fees and experiences, like the scenic boat ride in Trang An and the hike up Mua Cave, are covered in the tour price, ensuring a hassle-free and enjoyable excursion.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyImportant Information
Pickup for the tour is available at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or designated landmarks like the Hanoi Opera House and St. Joseph Cathedral.
Travelers should wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Outdoor clothing is recommended, as the tour includes boat rides and hiking.
Smoking isn’t allowed on the vehicle or indoors during the tour.
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Ninh Binh
- Day Trip-Hoa Lu-Trang An-Mua Cave-Lunch-Transfer
- From Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park Guided Tour & Lunch
- Hanoi: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave by Limousine Bus & Lunch
- Ninh Binh: Trang An & Hoa Lu Full Day With Lunch Buffet, Bike
- Hanoi: Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave, Buffet Lunch & Cycling
- Hanoi: Ninh Binh 1 Day, Bai Dinh-Trang An, Cycling, Buffet Lunch
Departure and Pickup
When does the tour depart from Hanoi?
The tour departs from Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 7:30 and 8:00 AM.
Pickup is available at hotels in the Old Quarter or designated landmarks such as the Hanoi Opera House and St. Joseph Cathedral.
The tour includes:
-
Comfortable limousine bus with an experienced driver
-
Free Wi-Fi and bottled water on the bus
-
Usage of hats, umbrellas, and raincoats during the trip
-
Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi by 7:00 PM.
This convenient pickup and drop-off ensure a seamless start and end to your Ninh Binh adventure.
Local Cuisine and Lunch
After exploring the convenient pickup and drop-off arrangements, the tour next focuses on the local cuisine and lunch experience. Guests enjoy a buffet lunch at a restaurant, featuring a variety of authentic Vietnamese dishes. The menu includes both meat and vegetarian options, allowing everyone to savor the flavors of the region.
| Menu Item | Description |
| — | — |
| Pho | Traditional Vietnamese noodle soup |
| Banh Mi | Vietnamese baguette sandwiches |
| Nem Ran | Fried spring rolls |
| Bun Cha | Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles |
| Che | Vietnamese sweet dessert soup |
The lunch provides a delightful culinary encounter, complementing the tour’s cultural and natural sightseeing experiences.
Scenic Landscapes and Photography
Throughout the tour, visitors are treated to a stunning array of scenic landscapes that offer ample opportunities for breathtaking photography.
The journey includes:
-
The ancient capital of Hoa Lu, with its dramatic limestone karsts and remnants of 10th-century royal architecture.
-
The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An, where visitors glide through a network of serene waterways flanked by towering cliffs.
-
The Mua Cave, reached via a challenging hike that rewards travelers with panoramic vistas across the Ninh Binh countryside.
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Picturesque rural villages, where visitors can capture glimpses of traditional Vietnamese life.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
According to the tour information, outside food and drinks are not mentioned as allowed. The tour provides a buffet lunch, water on the bus, and other amenities, so bringing your own may not be necessary.
Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?
Yes, this tour is suitable for families with young children. The itinerary includes child-friendly activities like boat rides and village cycling, and the tour provides free usage of hats, umbrellas, and raincoats to ensure comfort for all.
Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Small Group?
Yes, the tour operator offers private tours upon request. Travelers can arrange a private version of the Ninh Binh tour for their group, which allows for a more personalized experience.
Do I Need to Purchase Travel Insurance for This Excursion?
Travel insurance isn’t required for this tour, but it’s recommended to protect against unforeseen events. The tour operator offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, so travel insurance may not be necessary unless you have additional concerns.
Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration or Activities?
The tour includes various activities and highlights, but there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the duration or add more activities. Customers can, however, request customized tour packages directly with the tour operator.
Final Words
Experience the cultural and natural wonders of Vietnam’s Ninh Binh province on this comprehensive full-day tour from Hanoi. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cruise through the stunning Trang An landscape, and hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views. With a locally-sourced buffet lunch and guided village cycling tour, this adventure offers an immersive glimpse into the rich heritage and breathtaking scenery of this remarkable region.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Lunch Experiences in Ninh Binh
- From Hanoi: Ninh Binh 1 Day, Bai Dinh-Trang An, Buffet Lunch
- From Ha Noi: Bai Dinh Trang An Ninh Binh Tour Full Day Lunch
- From Ninh Binh: Cuc Phuong National Park Day Trip With Lunch
- Hanoi: Trang An, Hoa Lư and Mua Cave 1-Day Trip With Lunch
- From Hanoi: Hoa Lu – Trang An-Mua Cave With Buffet Lunch
- From Ninh Binh: Longest Day Trip- Trang An, Mua Cave, Lunch
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