Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Caves Full-Day: Biking, Boating, Lunch

Explore the captivating landscapes of northern Vietnam on this full-day tour that blends culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, savor a delicious Vietnamese lunch, and embark on a serene bamboo boat ride through the stunning Tam Coc region. Then, test your fitness with a hike to the Mua Caves, where breathtaking panoramic views await from the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. This comprehensive experience provides a glimpse into the rich history and diverse natural wonders that make this corner of Vietnam so alluring.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Lunch Experiences In Ninh Binh.

Key Points

• This full-day tour covers the highlights of Ninh Binh province, including the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the scenic Tam Coc river, and the Mua Caves.
• The tour includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi, a Vietnamese buffet lunch, and various activities such as biking, boating, and hiking.
• The tour features an English-speaking guide and allows for free cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
• Participants should wear comfortable, closed-toe shoes and modest attire, especially for visits to historical sites and temples.
• Special dietary requirements can be accommodated if communicated in advance to the tour operator.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour offers an immersive exploration of the historic and picturesque regions of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Caves.

Guests will visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, enjoy a serene boat trip on the Tam Coc River, and hike up Lying Dragon Mountain to the Mua Caves.

The tour includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi, a buffet lunch, and the services of an English-speaking guide.

Prices range from VND 1,288 to VND 1,224 per person, with the possibility of a 5% discount.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from the hotel between 7:30 and 8:30 AM.

From there, travelers embark on a 2.5-hour bus journey to Ninh Binh.

Upon arrival, they’ll explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu for an hour. Following the guided tour, a Vietnamese buffet lunch is served.

Next, visitors board a bamboo boat for a 1.5-hour trip along the Tam Coc River, known as "Halong Bay on Land."

After the boat ride, they’ll cycle for 30-45 minutes through local villages.

The final stop is the Mua Caves, where guests hike for 1.5 hours and enjoy panoramic views from Lying Dragon Mountain.

The tour concludes with a 2.5-hour bus ride back to Hanoi.

Highlights

What makes this tour so special? This one-day excursion offers a diverse range of activities that showcase the best of Ninh Binh province.

Visitors will explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which was the seat of power during several Vietnamese dynasties.

They’ll then embark on a serene boat ride through the stunning Tam Coc region, often called "Halong Bay on Land."

Cycling through local villages provides a glimpse into daily life.

The tour also includes a hike to the Mua Caves, rewarding travelers with panoramic vistas from Lying Dragon Mountain.

Throughout the day, guests will enjoy a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch with vegetarian options.

Inclusions

The tour package includes round-trip limousine bus transfer from Hanoi, with pickup and drop-off provided.

An English-speaking professional guide accompanies the group throughout the day.

Entrance fees, biking, and boat ride at Tam Coc River are covered.

Mineral water is available on the bus, and a delicious buffet lunch with vegetarian options is included.

Exploring the Mua Cave is also part of the experience.

To make the most of the tour, guests are advised to bring a passport, comfortable shoes, a hat, an umbrella, a change of clothes, and sunscreen.

Special dietary requirements should be communicated in advance.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Return

The tour starts with pickup from the Hoàn Kiếm district in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, between 7:30 and 8:30 am.

Travelers then embark on a 2.5-hour bus ride to Ninh Binh province.

After exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and enjoying a Vietnamese buffet lunch, the group continues to Tam Coc for a 1.5-hour boat ride along the river.

Following the boat tour, they cycle through local villages for 30-45 minutes.

The final stop is the Mua Caves, where they hike for 1.5 hours before boarding the bus back to Hanoi, arriving around 7:30 pm.

What to Bring

Travelers are advised to bring a few essential items for the Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Caves tour.

First and foremost, don’t forget to bring your passport, as it’s required for entry. Comfortable, closed-toe shoes are a must for the day’s activities, which involve biking and hiking.

A hat, umbrella, and sunscreen will help protect you from the sun. It’s also a good idea to pack a change of clothes, as you may get wet during the boat ride.

Special Requirements

Guests should inform the tour operator of any special dietary needs, such as vegetarian, vegan, or halal requirements, to ensure the provided lunch can accommodate their preferences.

The tour includes a delicious Vietnamese buffet, and the operator is happy to cater to any dietary restrictions with advance notice. This will help ensure everyone can fully enjoy the meal during the lunchtime break.

Plus, guests should wear appropriate attire when visiting the temples, avoiding shorts, as per the dress code.

Providing a contact number or email is also recommended for pickup confirmation.

Dress Code

Temples in Vietnam, particularly those in historical sites like Hoa Lu, require modest attire.

This means visitors should avoid wearing:

1. Shorts
2. Sleeveless shirts
3. Revealing clothing

The tour operator emphasizes this dress code, as it’s important to respect the cultural and religious significance of the sites.

Adhering to these guidelines ensures a respectful and comfortable experience for all participants.

Failure to comply may result in being denied entry to certain areas.

Packing appropriate, loose-fitting clothing is highly recommended for this full-day excursion to ensure a pleasant and meaningful visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is not specified. Tour details do not mention the maximum or minimum number of participants. The size may vary depending on demand and availability.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Bringing your own food and drinks is generally not allowed on the tour. The tour includes a delicious buffet lunch, as well as mineral water on the bus, so there’s no need to bring additional provisions.

Is This Tour Suitable for Families With Young Children?

Yes, this tour is suitable for families with young children. The tour includes activities like boating, cycling, and visiting caves, which can be enjoyable for kids. Plus, the provided lunch caters to different dietary needs.

Are There Any Restroom Stops During the Bus Ride?

The tour includes regular restroom breaks during the bus transfers to and from Hanoi. Stops are made at designated rest areas where travelers can use the facilities as needed throughout the journey.

Can I Extend the Duration of the Tour?

Extending the tour duration is generally not possible, as the itinerary is pre-set. However, travelers can opt for additional activities or explore at their own pace during the scheduled stops. The tour provider should be contacted for any customization requests.

Recap

This full-day tour offers a captivating blend of culture, adventure, and natural beauty. Explore the ancient capital Hoa Lu, enjoy a serene boat ride through Tam Coc’s stunning landscapes, and hike to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views. With a Vietnamese buffet lunch, cycling through charming villages, and convenient pickup and return, this tour provides an unforgettable experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: