Hoa Lu – Tam Coc: Boat Trip and Bicycle Ride

Escape the bustling streets of Hanoi and venture into the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh province. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where the remnants of a bygone era stand tall. Cruise the tranquil rivers and limestone cliffs of Tam Coc by traditional sampan boat, enjoying the region’s natural wonders. But the adventure doesn’t end there – embark on a leisurely bicycle ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, uncovering the hidden gems that dot this captivating countryside.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Hanoi.

Key Points

• Explore the serene landscapes of Ninh Binh province, located 2 hours from Hanoi, with a boat trip and bicycle ride.
• Visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a 10th-11th century historical site with intricate architecture and cultural significance.
• Cruise along the picturesque rivers of Tam Coc on traditional sampan boats, surrounded by limestone cliffs and lush greenery.
• Bicycle through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, immersing in the tranquil countryside and local life.
• Savor a traditional Ninh Binh goat meat dish, a local culinary specialty, to refuel during the day’s exploration.

Escape the Hustle of Hanoi

A day trip to Ninh Binh province from the bustling capital of Hanoi offers travelers a chance to escape the fast-paced city lifestyle.

Located just two hours from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is known for its serene landscape of towering limestone cliffs, lush rice paddies, and winding rivers.

Visitors can explore this tranquil region by boat, bicycle, or on foot, experiencing a slower-paced way of life.

The trip includes visits to historical sites like Hoa Lu, the 10th- and 11th-century capital of Vietnam, providing a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Exploring Ninh Binh Province

The day-long excursion to Ninh Binh province allows visitors to enjoy the region’s captivating landscape and cultural heritage.

Travelers will visit the Hoa Lu Temple, the 10th- and 11th-century capital of Vietnam.

They’ll then cruise down the picturesque rivers on traditional sampan boats, gliding past the iconic limestone cliffs and lush rice paddies.

The tour also includes a leisurely bicycle ride around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, where they can explore small villages and historic pagodas.

Throughout the day, visitors can savor a traditional Ninh Binh goat meat lunch and stay hydrated with bottled water.

This intimate exploration of Ninh Binh provides a welcome escape from the bustling streets of Hanoi.

Visiting Hoa Lu Temple

After exploring the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh province, the tour moves on to the historic Hoa Lu Temple, the 10th- and 11th-century capital of Vietnam. Visitors can admire the intricate architecture and learn about the site’s rich cultural significance during this part of the excursion.

Hoa Lu Temple Features
Ancient Capital	10th-11th c.
Intricate Architecture	Impressive
Cultural Significance	Deeply rooted
Spiritual Atmosphere	Serene
Historical Importance	Significant

The tour guides provide insights into the temple’s history and the role it played in Vietnam’s past, allowing visitors to gain a deeper appreciation for the site’s cultural and historical importance.

Cruising Sampan Boat Ride

Next, visitors embark on a tranquil sampan boat ride through the captivating rice paddies of Tam Coc.

The traditional wooden boats gently glide along the peaceful waterways, allowing travelers to enjoy the serene natural surroundings.

The boat tour provides a unique perspective, offering panoramic views of the limestone cliffs, lush greenery, and traditional Vietnamese villages.

As the sampan navigates the winding river, passengers can observe the locals tending to their crops and catch a glimpse of their daily lives.

This peaceful boat excursion offers a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of Hanoi, providing a chance to connect with the natural beauty of the Ninh Binh province.

Bicycling Through UNESCO Site

Typically, visitors then embark on a bicycle ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An Landscape Complex, which features a picturesque landscape of limestone cliffs, ancient pagodas, and quaint villages.

Cycling through this stunning natural environment, travelers can explore the area’s serene countryside at a leisurely pace. Along the way, they’ll glimpse local life, passing by rice paddies, water buffaloes, and traditional wooden homes.

The peaceful bicycle ride allows visitors to fully enjoy the tranquil setting, providing a refreshing contrast to the bustling streets of Hanoi. This unique experience showcases the natural beauty and cultural richness of the Ninh Binh province.

Indulging in Local Cuisine

Travelers indulge in a traditional Ninh Binh goat meat meal during the lunch break, savoring the local flavors of the region.

The goat meat dish, a specialty of the area, is prepared using time-honored recipes and techniques. The tender meat is cooked to perfection, complemented by a blend of aromatic spices and herbs.

Diners relish the rich, savory notes of the dish, which provides a satisfying and authentic taste of Ninh Binh’s culinary heritage.

The lunch break allows visitors to recharge and refuel before continuing their exploration of the UNESCO-listed landscapes. With each bite, travelers enjoy the unique gastronomic traditions that make this destination so captivating.

Tour Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a traditional Ninh Binh goat meat lunch, a bottle of water per person, an English-speaking guide, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.

However, it doesn’t cover drinks, gratuities, buffalo rides for photos, or hotel pickup and drop-off outside the Old Quarter in Hanoi.

The tour’s key inclusions are:

• Lunch: a traditional Ninh Binh goat meat meal
• Bottled water
• Professional English-speaking guide
• Air-conditioned vehicle transportation

While the exclusions encompass:

• Drinks
• Gratuities
• Buffalo ride for photo opportunities
• Hotel pickup and drop-off beyond the Old Quarter

Meeting and Pickup Details

Participants can be picked up from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 8:00 – 8:30 am.

For those staying outside the Old Quarter, the meeting point is the Opera House at 8:30 am to join the tour.

At the end of the day, the drop-off point will be the same as the meeting location.

This ensures a convenient and efficient start and end to the excursion.

The tour guides make every effort to keep the group on schedule and maximize the time spent exploring the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh province.

With a designated pick-up and drop-off, participants can simply relax and enjoy the day without worrying about transportation logistics.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?

Photography is generally allowed during the tour. However, visitors should be mindful of their surroundings and obtain permission before taking photos of people or sensitive areas. Certain activities may have restrictions on photography.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour provider offers a traditional Ninh Binh goat meat lunch and bottled water as part of the included amenities. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is permitted.

Is There a Dress Code for the Bicycle Ride?

The tour has a casual, sporty dress code for the bicycle ride. Participants should wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows them to move freely and enjoy the activity.

Are There Storage Facilities for Personal Belongings?

The tour doesn’t provide storage facilities for personal belongings. Travelers are advised to bring only essentials and keep valuables with them during the activities. The tour focuses on exploring the scenic landscapes, so secure storage may not be available.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration if Needed?

The tour company doesn’t offer the option to extend the tour duration. However, customers can speak with the guide about their preferences and the guide may be able to accommodate any reasonable requests, subject to availability and logistics.

Recap

The tour of Ninh Binh province offers a serene escape from the bustle of Hanoi. Visitors can explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, glide along the tranquil rivers and limestone cliffs of Tam Coc by sampan boat, and cycle through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex.

Locals can also indulge in the regional specialty of Ninh Binh goat meat, seeing the culinary heritage of the area.