Hanoi: Ninh Binh – Halong on Land: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave

Nestled in the heart of northern Vietnam, Ninh Binh offers a unique blend of natural and cultural wonders. This full-day tour from Hanoi promises an unforgettable adventure, taking visitors through the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the serene Tam Coc River, and the breathtaking Mua Cave. With a delectable local Vietnamese lunch, opportunities for biking and photography, and the expertise of an English-speaking guide, this small group excursion unveils the true essence of Ninh Binh – a region that’s often referred to as "Halong Bay on land." What awaits those who embark on this journey is a captivating exploration of Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and rich heritage.

Key Points

• This full-day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh covers major attractions like Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Tam Coc River, and Mua Cave.
• The tour includes a buffet lunch, boat trip, biking, and trekking, led by an English-speaking guide in a small group.
• Hotel pickup and drop-off, as well as all entrance fees, are included in the $48.35 per person price.
• Recommendations to bring a camera, wear comfortable clothing, and charge your smartphone for the best experience.
• The tour is wheelchair accessible, and there is a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The full-day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is priced at $48.35 per person.

The full-day trip to Ninh Binh from Hanoi is priced at $48.35 per person.

This small group tour accommodates a maximum of 17 people, led by a professional English-speaking guide. The duration is one day, which includes various activities and sightseeing.

Highlights consist of visiting the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, leisurely cycling through villages and canals, enjoying a buffet lunch featuring local cuisine, embarking on a 1.5-hour boat trip in Tam Coc, and trekking to Mua Cave for panoramic views.

The tour includes full lunch, all entrance fees, boat trip, biking, hotel pick-up/drop-off, and two bottles of water per person.

Itinerary Highlights

After hotel pick-up from the Old Quarter in Hanoi at 7:30-8:10 AM, the tour visits the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel at 10:30.

Here, guests explore the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, ancient royal sites.

Next, they cycle through picturesque villages and canals, arriving at noon for a local Vietnamese buffet lunch.

The highlight is the 1.5-hour boat trip on the Tam Coc River, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

Finally, the group treks to Mua Cave for panoramic views over the rice valleys before the return journey to Hanoi, arriving at the hotel around 6:45 PM.

Included Services

This full-day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh includes a range of services to enhance the experience.

The tour provides a full buffet lunch featuring local cuisine. Travelers will enjoy a boat trip in Tam Coc and a biking tour through villages and canals.

A full buffet lunch of local cuisine, a boat trip in Tam Coc, and a biking tour through villages and canals.

All entrance fees are covered, and travelers receive pick-up and drop-off at their hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Two bottles of water per person are included.

While tips and beverages are optional, the tour ensures convenience and immersion in Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural attractions.

Important Information

Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance allows for a full refund should plans change.

There’s also a reserve now, pay later option for convenience. This tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive.

Pickup and drop-off can be arranged from the Hanoi Opera House or Cathedral.

Travelers should bring a camera, comfortable clothes, sports shoes, and a charged smartphone.

Pets and smoking aren’t permitted in the vehicle or indoors.

If not booking hotel accommodations, inform the tour operator about the preferred meeting point to ensure a smooth start to the day’s adventure.

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Recommendations

To make the most of this tour, travelers should bring a camera to capture the stunning landscapes, along with comfortable clothing and sports shoes for the activities. It’s also recommended to bring a charged smartphone to stay connected. Pets and smoking are not allowed, so visitors should plan accordingly. To ensure a smooth experience, travelers who haven’t booked a hotel can inform the tour operator about their preferred meeting point.

| What to Bring | What Not to Bring | Meeting Points | Flexibility |

|—————|——————-|—————-|————-|

| Camera | Pets | Hanoi Opera House | Inform about preferred meeting point if hotel not booked |

| Comfortable clothes | Smoking (in vehicle or indoors) | Hanoi Cathedral | – |

| Sports shoes | – | – | – |

| Charged smartphone | – | – | – |

Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel

The Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, once the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties, stands as a testament to the country’s rich history.

Visitors can explore the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, which offer insights into the region’s important cultural and political past.

The citadel’s well-preserved architecture and serene atmosphere provide a glimpse into Vietnam’s centuries-old heritage.

As part of the tour, guests have the opportunity to enjoy the tranquil countryside, cycling through villages and canals before embarking on the boat trip in Tam Coc.

Tam Coc Boat Trip

After exploring the historical Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the tour moves on to the serene Tam Coc region.

Travelers embark on a 1.5-hour boat ride, gliding through the captivating limestone cliffs and verdant countryside. The serene waterways offer a peaceful respite, as the boat gently navigates the meandering rivers.

Surrounded by the dramatic karst landscape, passengers can marvel at the natural beauty unfolding before them. This tranquil boat excursion provides a unique perspective on the region’s stunning scenery, allowing visitors to enjoy the tranquil ambiance of Tam Coc.

Mua Cave Trek

Following the boat trip through the serene Tam Coc waterways, the tour then leads participants on a trek to the renowned Mua Cave.

Perched atop a steep staircase, Mua Cave offers panoramic vistas over the rice valleys below. Trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree views after ascending the 500 steps.

Perched atop a steep staircase, Mua Cave rewards trekkers with breathtaking 360-degree views over the rice valleys below.

This strenuous but worthwhile hike provides a unique perspective on the iconic limestone formations and lush, undulating landscape of Ninh Binh.

With expert guides leading the way, visitors can fully enjoy the natural splendor of this scenic destination.

Since You Asked

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

This tour has a maximum group size of 17 people. The tour is a small group experience with a professional English-speaking guide, as mentioned in the tour overview.

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on the tour. The tour policy explicitly states that pets are not permitted in the vehicle or indoors during the tour activities.

Is There an Option to Pay Later Rather Than Upfront?

Yes, the tour offers a "Reserve now & pay later" option, allowing you to book the trip and pay at a later time. This provides flexibility in planning your travel arrangements.

Can the Tour Accommodate Wheelchair Users?

Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible. The itinerary includes a boat trip and trekking, but the operator can accommodate wheelchair users and make adjustments as needed to ensure a comfortable experience.

Do I Need to Book a Hotel to Participate in the Tour?

No, you don’t need to book a hotel to participate in the tour. The tour includes pick-up and drop-off from your hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

Final Words

This full-day tour from Hanoi provides an immersive experience in Ninh Binh’s captivating landscapes. Visitors will explore the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, embark on a serene Tam Coc River boat trip, and trek to the stunning Mua Cave. The tour includes a delectable Vietnamese buffet lunch and opportunities to discover the region’s rich cultural heritage. This small group tour, led by a knowledgeable guide, offers an unforgettable adventure in Vietnam’s picturesque countryside.

You can check if your dates are available here: