Vietnam’s northern region offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures. Venture to Mua Cave, Trang An, and the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to uncover a journey that seamlessly combines picturesque landscapes with a deep dive into the country’s rich history. From the breathtaking vistas atop Mua Cave to the serene boat rides through Trang An’s limestone formations, this itinerary promises to leave a lasting impression. But the true gem lies in Hoa Lu, where the remnants of the Dinh and Le dynasties transport visitors back in time, inviting them to discover the essence of Vietnam’s captivating heritage.
Key Points
- This comprehensive 10-hour tour from Hanoi visits the Mua Cave, Ngoa Long Mountain, Trang An Scenic Complex, and Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- The tour includes hotel pickup/drop-off, English-speaking guide, transportation, lunch, and admission tickets to the key attractions.
- Highlights of the tour include panoramic views from Ngoa Long Mountain, a boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Complex, and a guided tour of Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
- Optional services include pickup/drop-off outside Hanoi’s Old Quarter, travel insurance, and additional activities or tours beyond the standard itinerary.
- Flexible booking and cancellation options are available, with no immediate payment required and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
Tour Overview
This tour, named "Mua Cave – Trang An – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital", typically lasts 10 hours and is priced from £52.53 per person.
Travelers can conveniently book this tour and pay later, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The itinerary includes visiting Mua Cave, hiking to the Ngoa Long Mountain for panoramic views, biking through rice fields, exploring the Trang An World Heritage site by boat, and touring the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
Inclusions feature an English-speaking guide, pickup and drop-off in Hanoi, lunch, and transportation.
Guests can also opt for additional services like hotel pickup outside the Old Quarter or purchase travel insurance.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary: Morning
The tour begins with pick-up from the hotel or a private address in Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 7:15 and 7:45 AM.
After a scenic 2-hour drive, the group arrives at Mua Cave around 9:30-10:00 AM. Guests then hike up to Ngoa Long Mountain, taking in the panoramic views of the Tam Coc region.
Following the hike, the group enjoys a leisurely bike ride through the surrounding rice fields, with a stop to visit a local family and learn about their daily life.
This intimate cultural experience concludes around 11:30 AM, as the tour prepares to head to the next destination.
Itinerary: Afternoon
At noon, the group stops for a Vietnamese lunch featuring local cuisine.
After the satisfying meal, they depart for Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The 2-hour boat tour takes them through the serene limestone formations, exploring water caves and visiting ancient temples.
As they navigate the peaceful waterways, they admire the picturesque landscapes that have made Trang An a natural wonder.
The tour then moves on to Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam. Here, they visit the temple of King Dinh, learning about the rich history of this ancient site from a knowledgeable local guide.
Itinerary: Evening
After exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the group departs Ninh Binh around 17:30 to head back to Hanoi.
The journey takes approximately 1.5 hours, with the group arriving in Hanoi’s Old Quarter between 19:00 and 19:30.
The air-conditioned minivan provides a comfortable ride, and the guide ensures a smooth return.
Upon arrival, the group is dropped off at their hotel or private address, completing the day’s exploration of Mua Cave, Trang An, and the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.
This comprehensive tour offers an immersive experience, showcasing the natural beauty and cultural heritage of the Ninh Binh region.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyInclusions
This tour package includes a comprehensive set of services and amenities to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience.
The inclusions feature an English-speaking guide, pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter, a Vietnamese lunch, all sightseeing and boat fees, air-conditioned transportation, and 3 bottles of water per person.
Specifically, the tour provides:
- Expert local guidance to navigate the destinations and bring the history to life.
- Convenient door-to-door service to eliminate the hassle of transportation.
- Authentic regional cuisine to immerse you in the local culinary culture.
- All necessary admission tickets and passes to access the key attractions.
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Optional Extras
While the tour package includes a comprehensive set of services, there are some optional extras available for guests to consider.
For travelers who reside outside the Hanoi Old Quarter, an additional 600,000 VND per group can be paid for pick-up and drop-off at their location. Guests may also want to purchase drinks beyond the three complimentary bottles of water per person.
Plus, travel insurance and tips for the tour guide and driver are optional.
Finally, visitors can explore any other activities or tours that aren’t part of the standard itinerary.
These optional extras provide flexibility for customizing the tour to individual preferences and needs.
Experience Highlights
From the personalized small group tour to the unique biking route through scenic landscapes, this experience offers a well-rounded exploration of northern Vietnam’s natural and cultural treasures.
Highlights include:
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Interaction with local families to learn about Vietnamese culture and traditions firsthand.
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Panoramic views from the Ngoa Long Mountain, overlooking the picturesque Tam Coc region.
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Exploration of the Trang An Scenic Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring limestone formations, water caves, and ancient temples.
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Guided tour of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the seat of two ancient Vietnamese dynasties, providing insights into the region’s rich history.
Booking and Cancellation
To book this tour, visitors can reserve their spot without immediate payment through the "Reserve now & pay later" option. This allows travelers to secure their place on the tour and pay later, providing more flexibility. The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, giving visitors the freedom to change their plans if needed.
Booking | Cancellation |
---|---|
Reserve now & pay later | Cancel up to 24 hours in advance |
No immediate payment required | Full refund upon cancellation |
Secure spot on the tour | Flexible travel planning |
Convenient booking process | No hidden fees or penalties |
Multiple payment options available | Peace of mind for travelers |
This tour’s booking and cancellation policies ensure a hassle-free and flexible travel experience for visitors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?
The tour offers a small group experience, though the maximum group size is not specified. This allows for a more personalized and interactive tour, catering to each guest’s needs and preferences.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?
There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, from children to seniors, as long as they are able to handle the moderate activities involved.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour can be customized to some extent – travelers can opt to pick up and drop off at locations outside the Hanoi Old Quarter for an additional fee. However, the core itinerary is fixed.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?
Yes, you can bring your own food and drinks on the tour. However, a Vietnamese lunch is included in the tour price, and there are 3 bottles of water provided per person. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is optional.
What Is the Dress Code or Recommended Attire for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes are recommended. Dress in layers as the weather can change during the day, and bring sun protection.
Recap
This remarkable tour offers a captivating window into Vietnam’s natural splendor and cultural legacy. From the panoramic vistas of Mua Cave to the serene boat rides of Trang An and the historical depth of Hoa Lu, visitors are immersed in a tapestry of breathtaking landscapes and profound heritage. This comprehensive experience leaves a lasting impression, showcasing the diverse wonders that make Vietnam a truly enchanting destination.
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