Ninh Binh is a must-visit destination for travelers seeking a unique blend of history, culture, and breathtaking natural beauty. This small group tour to Hoa Lu and Trang An offers an immersive experience that showcases the region’s remarkable highlights. From exploring ancient temples to gliding through the serene limestone landscapes, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a delicious buffet lunch, it’s the perfect way to discover the hidden gems of Ninh Binh. Intrigued? Let’s dive deeper into the itinerary and uncover the reasons why this tour is a must-consider for your Vietnam travel plans.
Key Points
- Experience the historic temples of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, and the scenic limestone landscapes of Trang An on a small group tour.
- Tour pricing starts at $54.53 per person, including transportation, entrance fees, guide, and lunch.
- Pickup service available from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House.
- Tour highlights include guided explorations, a scenic boat cruise, and insights from a knowledgeable local guide.
- Flexible booking with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, but a surcharge applies during Lunar New Year holidays.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The tour offers a small group experience to explore the historic Hoa Lu and scenic Trang An in Ninh Binh.
Priced from $54.53 per person, the 1-day tour includes transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and lunch.
Travelers can conveniently be picked up from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House.
The itinerary covers Hoa Lu’s ancient temples, a cruise through Trang An’s limestone landscape, and returns to Hanoi in the evening.
Flexible booking options allow for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
A surcharge applies during Lunar New Year holidays.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary Details
After pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House between 7:00-8:00 AM, travelers embark on the 2-hour limousine journey to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital.
Here, they’ll spend 1.5 hours on a guided tour, exploring the historic temples and capturing stunning views.
The itinerary then offers:
-
An optional 1.5-hour lunch break at a local restaurant.
-
A 1.5-hour guided tour of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where travelers can cruise through limestone peaks and caves.
-
The 2-hour return trip to Hoàn Kiếm.
Tour Highlights
Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital, and discover its historic temples during a guided tour. Cruise through the serene Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, taking in the limestone peaks and caves. Enjoy an intimate experience with a small group setting, capturing stunning views of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty. A knowledgeable local guide provides insightful commentary on the region’s rich history.
| Tour Highlights | |
| — | — |
| Explore Hoa Lu | Discover historic temples |
| Cruise Trang An | Limestone peaks and caves |
| Small group setting | Intimate experience |
| Stunning views | Ninh Binh’s natural beauty |
Inclusions
This tour includes the entrance fees to all the featured attractions. The package also provides an English-speaking local guide to share insights into Ninh Binh’s history and culture.
Plus, the tour includes:
-
Pickup and drop-off service from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
-
Complimentary bottled water throughout the day.
-
A buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
All transportation during the tour activities is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle.
This comprehensive inclusions ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience exploring the highlights of Ninh Binh.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyAdditional Information
There are a few additional details to note about this Ninh Binh travel tour.
Noteworthy details about the Ninh Binh travel tour, including inclusions and exclusions.
While the entrance fees, guide, transportation, and meals are included, personal expenses and tips/gratuities are not.
There’s also a surcharge of $10 per person during the Lunar New Year holidays, as the dates vary with the lunar calendar.
It’s important to check availability for specific travel dates, as the itinerary is subject to change.
- From Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An & Mua Cave Small-Group Tour
- Day Trip-Hoa Lu-Trang An-Mua Cave-Lunch-Transfer
- Ninh Binh: 2-Day Excursion With Guide and Activities
- From Ninh Binh: 2-Day Guided Lan Ha Bay Cruise With Meals
- Luxury Private Tour: Ninh Binh 1day: Hoa Lu-Tam Coc-Mua Cave
- Hoa Lu – Trang An 1 Day Trip: Ninh Binh Tour
Getting to Hoa Lu and Trang An
The tour begins with a comfortable limousine transfer from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House, a journey that takes approximately 2 hours to reach the historic town of Hoa Lu.
Along the way, travelers can take in the scenic countryside, dotted with rice paddies and limestone formations.
Upon arrival, the group will have the opportunity to:
-
Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a site rich in cultural and historical significance.
-
Marvel at the stunning natural landscapes of the Trang An Scenic Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
Cruise through the serene waterways, surrounded by towering karst mountains.
Exploring Hoa Lu’s Historic Sites
After the scenic drive from Hanoi, visitors arrive at the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where they’ll embark on a guided tour to explore its historic sites.
The first stop is the Dinh and Le Dynasties’ temples, which showcase remarkable architecture and offer insights into Vietnam’s imperial past.
Travelers wander through the atmospheric temples, admiring the ornate carvings and learning about the influential kings who once ruled from this strategic location.
With a knowledgeable local guide providing context, visitors gain a deeper appreciation for Hoa Lu’s significance as the country’s original capital before the seat of power shifted to Hanoi.
Cruising Through Trang An’s Scenic Landscape
After exploring the historic sites of Hoa Lu, the tour continues on to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Guests embark on a peaceful boat cruise through the limestone peaks and hidden caves of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
A peaceful boat cruise through the limestone peaks and hidden caves of the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An.
The journey offers:
-
Stunning views of Ninh Binh’s dramatic natural landscapes.
-
Opportunities to spot native wildlife like herons, egrets, and monkeys.
-
Insights from the knowledgeable local guide about the site’s cultural and historical significance.
The serene boat ride allows visitors to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Trang An, completing the Ninh Binh experience.
Since You Asked
Can I Choose My Departure Location Within Hanoi?
Yes, you can choose your departure location within Hanoi for this tour. The tour includes pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House between 7:00-8:00 AM.
Is There a Dress Code for the Tour?
There’s no strict dress code for this tour. Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for sightseeing and boat rides is recommended. Avoid wearing flip-flops or sandals, as you’ll be walking on uneven terrain in some areas.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
You’re allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks on the cruise, but the tour includes complimentary bottled water. It’s best to avoid anything messy or disruptive that could impact the experience for other passengers.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour operator doesn’t offer any student or senior discounts. However, they provide a reserve now and pay later option, and there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Fit My Preferences?
While the tour has a set itinerary, the provider may be able to accommodate some customization requests. Travelers should inquire about potential modifications to the schedule or activities to better fit their preferences.
Final Words
Enjoy the captivating history and breathtaking scenery of Ninh Binh on this small group tour. Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, then cruise through the serene Trang An landscape, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs. With knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and a delightful lunch, this tour offers an unforgettable experience that showcases the best of this remarkable region.
You can check if your dates are available here:More Tours in Ninh Binh
- Ninh Binh Jeep Tour:2 Hours Visit Bich Dong, Thai Vi Temple
- From Hanoi: Water Puppet Show & City Sightseeing Tour
- Group or Private Tour Hoa Lu Trang an Mua Cave W Boat
- From Ha Noi: Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour Daily Full Day
- Ninh Binh Backroad Jeep Tour Full Day Highlight & Hidden Gem
- Ninh Binh Tour to Cuc Phuong – Van Long Reserve – Jeep Tours
More Tour Reviews in Ninh Binh
- Ninh Binh Jeep Tours From Hanoi: JEEP – BOAT – DAILY LIFE
- Private Day Trip To Cuc Phuong Van Long/Guide/Lunch/Car/Meal
- Hanoi: Ninh Binh Private Tour Hoa Lu – Trang an – Mua Cave
- Private Cuc Phuong National Park Day Tour With Female Guide
- NYNA Travel: 5D4N Hanoi – Quang Phu Cau – Ninh Binh – Halong
- From Hanoi: 3-Day Sapa, Fansipan, Ninh Binh Tour With Meals
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Ninh Binh we have recnetly reviewed
- Ninh Binh and Cuc Phuong National Park 2-Day Private Tour
- From Ninh Binh Luxury Cruise Lan Ha Bay, 2-3Days Kayaking
- From Hanoi: Ninh Binh 2 Days 1 Night Tour
- NINH BINH 2D1N: HOA LU-TAM COC – MUA CAVE – BAI DINH – TRANG AN
- Ninh Binh Private Adventure: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc
- From Ninh Binh : Bai Tu Long Bay 2-3 Days Garden Bay Cruise
- [Private] Ninh Binh Day Trip Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave
- QUANG PHU CAU INCENSE VILLAGE WITH BOAT TRIP OR PAGODA
- Ninh Binh, Cuc Phuong National Park 2-Day With Female Guide
- Ninh Binh Trang An, Mua Cave, Bai Dinh Tour
- From Hanoi: Private Car to Incense Village & Ninh Binh 1-day
- Ninh Binh : Private Jeep Tour Hoa Lu , Trang An, Mua Cave