Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu- Tam Coc- Mua Cave 1 Day

Ninh Binh, Vietnam’s hidden gem, beckons adventurers to discover its captivating blend of cultural heritage and natural wonders. This one-day excursion promises an immersive experience, exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, gliding through the serene Tam Coc waterways, and scaling the heights of Mua Cave for breathtaking vistas. Whether you’re a history buff, nature enthusiast, or simply seeking an unforgettable day of exploration, this tour offers a diverse and enriching journey that will leave you eager to uncover more of Ninh Binh‘s captivating secrets.

Key Points

• This one-day tour covers the top attractions in Ninh Binh, including the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the scenic Tam Coc River, and the Mua Cave viewpoint.

• The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, a bamboo boat ride, and cycling, with pickup from the provider’s office or select Hanoi hotels.

• The tour has a maximum group size of 16 travelers and operates daily, with free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start time.

• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and pregnant travelers are advised against participation due to the physical demands.

• The tour price starts from $52.31 per person, with a $7 surcharge during the Lunar New Year period.

Tour Overview

This day trip offers travelers the opportunity to explore the captivating landscapes of Ninh Binh, a province in northern Vietnam known for its striking karst formations, ancient temples, and serene waterways.

The tour, provided by The Church Travels in Hanoi, lasts one day and costs from $52.31 per person. The maximum group size is 16 travelers. Included in the price are transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, a bamboo boat ride, and cycling.

Pickup is available from the provider’s office or hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with the tour ending at the original meeting point. Confirmation is received at the time of booking, and free cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

Inclusions

The Ninh Binh day trip includes an air-conditioned vehicle for transportation, an English-speaking guide to provide commentary, and the necessary entrance fees.

Lunch and a bamboo boat ride on the Tam Coc river are also provided. Travelers can enjoy cycling through the scenic countryside.

Bottled drinks and tips are covered, though personal expenses and travel insurance are not. There’s a surcharge of $7 per person for tours during the Lunar New Year period.

The tour starts at 8:00 am, with pickup options from the provider’s office or select hotels within the Old Quarter, and returns to the original meeting point.

Meeting and Pickup

The Ninh Binh day trip includes pickup options from either the provider’s office at 62 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi or from select hotels within the Old Quarter.

Participants will be transported in an air-conditioned vehicle and accompanied by an English-speaking guide.

The tour ends at the original meeting point, allowing for a hassle-free experience.

Booking confirmation is provided, and there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the tour start time.

The tour operates daily, with a scheduled start time of 8:00 am, ensuring a seamless and well-organized itinerary for the day.

Schedule

The Ninh Binh day trip starts promptly at 8:00 am. Confirmation of the booking is received at the time of reservation. Travelers have the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience begins, based on the local time.

Pickup	Start Time	End Point
The Church Travels office (62 Au Trieu, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi)	8:00 am	Return to the original meeting point
Hotel pickup within Old Quarter

The tour concludes with a return to the original meeting point, providing a seamless start and end to the Ninh Binh adventure.

Additional Information

Designed to accommodate a wide range of travelers, the Ninh Binh day trip isn’t wheelchair accessible.

However, it’s located near public transportation, making it accessible for most visitors.

Pregnant travelers aren’t recommended to participate as the trip may be physically demanding.

The tour is suitable for most travelers who can comfortably participate in the activities, which include cycling and a bamboo boat ride.

Travelers are advised to reserve their spots in advance, as the tour has a maximum capacity of 16 participants.

With free cancellation available up to 24 hours before the start, the Ninh Binh day trip offers flexibility for last-minute changes.

Destination Highlights

This day trip to Ninh Binh offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam’s breathtaking natural landscapes and rich cultural heritage.

Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, home to the 10th-century temples and palaces of the Dinh and Le dynasties.

Float along the serene Tam Coc waterways, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and verdant rice paddies.

Challenge yourself with a hike up the steps of Mua Cave for panoramic views over the Ngo Dong River and its stunning karst formations.

The combination of culture and outdoor adventure makes this tour a must-do for anyone visiting northern Vietnam.

Itinerary

After being picked up, the tour begins with a scenic drive through the Vietnamese countryside to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Visitors will explore the historic temples and ruins of this former seat of power before hopping into a traditional bamboo boat for a peaceful cruise along the Tam Coc River, also known as "the inland Ha Long Bay." The tour then continues with a hike up the Mua Cave viewpoint, offering stunning panoramic vistas of the surrounding karst landscape. Throughout the day, travelers will enjoy a delicious local lunch and have the opportunity to cycle through the picturesque rural areas.

Time	Activity
08:00	Pickup from meeting point
09:30	Arrive at Hoa Lu, tour ancient capital
11:00	Boat ride on Tam Coc River
12:30	Lunch
13:30	Hike up Mua Cave viewpoint
15:30	Depart for Hanoi, return to meeting point

Pricing and Booking

The tour is priced from $52.31 per person, with a surcharge of $7 per person during the Lunar New Year period.

This includes an air-conditioned vehicle, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, lunch, a bamboo boat ride, and cycling.

Pickup is available from the tour provider’s office or hotels within the Old Quarter.

The tour has a maximum of 16 travelers.

Travelers can confirm their booking and enjoy free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, but most travelers can participate.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ninh Binh?

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during the dry season from March to May or September to November. The weather’s pleasant, and you’ll avoid the crowds and rainy conditions of the summer and winter months.

Are There Any Group Size Discounts Available?

The tour provider doesn’t offer group size discounts. The price of $52.31 per person is fixed, regardless of the group size, which is capped at a maximum of 16 travelers.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable and weather-appropriate attire is recommended. Light, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes are advised for the activities involved, such as cycling and boat rides.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the tour, but the tour provider includes lunch and drinks as part of the package. Bringing additional snacks or beverages is allowed, but not required.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. It’s suitable for most travelers, though it’s not recommended for pregnant individuals. The tour is open to participants of all ages, as long as they can participate in the activities.

Recap

This tour offers a captivating glimpse into Ninh Binh’s rich history and stunning natural beauty. Exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, drifting along the serene Tam Coc waterways, and hiking up Mua Cave provide an unforgettable experience. With a local lunch and guided excursions, this day trip is a perfect way to take in the region’s cultural and geographical wonders.