Vietnam’s ancient capital of Hoa Lu holds a treasure trove of historical gems waiting to be discovered. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of the Dinh King and Le King temples, then embark on a captivating boat ride along the serene Ngo Dong River, gazing upon the stunning Tam Coc Bich Dong landscapes. But the adventure doesn’t stop there – a thrilling biking excursion through the tranquil countryside leads to the rewarding climb up Mua Cave, where panoramic vistas promise to leave a lasting impression. With so much to uncover, it’s clear that Hoa Lu and its surrounding wonders offer a truly enriching exploration of Vietnam’s rich heritage.
This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Ninh Binh.
Key Points
- Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, home to Dinh King and Le King temples, showcasing Vietnam’s rich history and cultural heritage.
- Set out on a serene boat trip along the Ngo Dong River through Tam Coc’s three caves, marveling at the stunning natural scenery.
- Enjoy a scenic biking tour around the Tam Coc area, immersing in the tranquil Vietnamese countryside with a refreshing tea break.
- Climb the 500 stone steps of Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and rivers.
- This full-day adventure in Ninh Binh province offers a comprehensive experience blending history, nature, and adventure, with round-trip transportation from Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
Tour Overview
Diving into the tour overview, this experience promises a full day of adventure and exploration in the picturesque Ninh Binh Province.
Priced from $156.99 per person, the 10-hour tour includes visits to Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, and Tam Coc Bich Dong, along with a boat trip and biking excursion.
The group size is limited to 10 participants, with English and French guides available, though additional charges apply for other languages.
Complimentary hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter are provided, and free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance.
This comprehensive itinerary showcases the region’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.
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Itinerary
The tour kicks off with a morning pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a scenic drive to Ninh Binh Province.
Upon arrival at 10:30 AM, guests visit the historic Dinh King and Le King temples in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
After a buffet lunch, the group embarks on a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, exploring three picturesque caves in Tam Coc Bich Dong.
The adventure continues with a relaxing bike ride around the Tam Coc area, including a Vietnamese tea break.
Inclusions
This tour includes a private car transfer to and from Hanoi’s Old Quarter hotels.
An English-speaking guide will accompany the group, with additional charges for other languages.
The boat trip along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc is included, as well as a biking tour around the Tam Coc area.
A Vietnamese cuisine buffet lunch is provided.
Tips and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price.
The experience highlights visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, exploring Tam Coc’s three caves by boat, and climbing Mua Cave for panoramic views of the countryside.
Experience Highlights
Visitors can explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which served as the seat of power for several Vietnamese dynasties.
The tour also includes a boat trip through Tam Coc‘s three enigmatic caves, where travelers can admire the stunning natural landscapes.
The scenic biking tour in the Tam Coc area offers a unique opportunity to take in the tranquil countryside.
Guests can also climb the 500 stone steps of Mua Cave to reach the summit, which provides breathtaking panoramic views of the Ngo Dong River and the surrounding countryside.
The tour package offers an immersive cultural experience, blending history, nature, and adventure.
Key experiences:
- Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam
- Boat trip through Tam Coc’s three caves
- Scenic biking tour in the Tam Coc area
- Climb Mua Cave for stunning panoramic views
- Immerse in the tranquil Vietnamese countryside
Booking Information
To book this tour, visitors have the option to reserve now and pay later.
The process involves providing the hotel name, address for pickup and drop-off, and a contact number such as mobile, WhatsApp, KakaoTalk, or WeChat for direct communication after the reservation.
Travelers can check availability for starting times and select the desired number of participants. The tour has a maximum group size of 10 people, and additional charges may apply for languages other than English and French.
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing flexibility for travelers.
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Departure Details
The tour begins with pickup from hotels in the Old Quarter of Hanoi at 8:00 AM.
Travelers then embark on a journey to Ninh Binh Province, with a short break along the way.
The first stop is Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, where visitors explore the Dinh King temple and Le King temple.
After a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch, the group embarks on a boat trip along the Ngo Dong river, navigating through the stunning Tam Coc caves.
The adventure continues with a scenic biking tour around the Tam Coc area, followed by a climb up Mua Cave for panoramic views.
The tour concludes with a return to Hanoi, arriving at approximately 7:00 PM.
Key Departure Details:
- Pickup at 8:00 AM from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Travel to Ninh Binh Province with a short break
- Arrive at Hoa Lu ancient capital site at 10:30 AM
Activity Descriptions
At Hoa Lu, travelers explore the ancient Dinh King temple and Le King temple, gaining insights into Vietnam’s rich history.
Next, they embark on a serene boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, gliding through Tam Coc’s three picturesque caves.
After a traditional Vietnamese lunch, the group sets out on a scenic biking tour around the Tam Coc area, stopping for a refreshing Vietnamese tea break.
The highlight of the day is the climb up Mua Cave, where 500 stone steps lead to a panoramic viewpoint overlooking the stunning countryside and winding river below.
Additional Information
This full-day tour provides an immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore the natural beauty and cultural heritage of Ninh Binh province.
With round-trip transportation from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, the tour offers flexibility for guests.
Key highlights include:
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
- Multilingual guides available (English and French, with additional charges for other languages)
- Small group size limited to 10 participants for a more personalized experience
- Convenient reserve now, pay later option
- Direct communication with the tour provider after reservation for any inquiries or adjustments.
The tour’s comprehensive itinerary and inclusions ensure a well-rounded exploration of Ninh Binh’s iconic landscapes and historic sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?
Yes, you can book a private tour instead of a group tour. The tour offers a private car transfer and an English-speaking guide, allowing for a more personalized experience. Additional charges may apply for private tours.
Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Tour?
Yes, the tour operator offers the flexibility to extend the duration of the tour. Travelers can customize the itinerary and add extra activities or sightseeing stops based on their preferences and budget.
Do I Need to Bring My Own Bike or Is It Provided?
The tour provides bicycles for the biking portion of the excursion, so participants don’t need to bring their own bikes. The bikes are included in the tour package and will be available for use during the countryside cycling activity.
Can I Request a Vegetarian/Vegan Lunch Option?
Yes, you can request a vegetarian or vegan lunch option for this tour. The tour provider offers a buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine, and they can accommodate dietary restrictions upon request.
Is There an Age Limit or Any Physical Restrictions for This Tour?
There’s no age limit for this tour, but some physical fitness is required for the Mua Cave climb and biking activities. Travelers with mobility issues should consult the tour operator before booking to ensure they can fully participate.
Recap
Hoa Lu, the ancient Vietnamese capital, offers a captivating historical experience. The Dinh King and Le King temples provide a glimpse into the country’s rich heritage. A scenic boat trip along the Ngo Dong River showcases the stunning landscapes of Tam Coc Bich Dong, while a countryside biking excursion culminates in a rewarding climb up Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views. This immersive adventure allows visitors to deeply experience Vietnam’s remarkable history and natural beauty.
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