Explore the wonders of northern Vietnam with the Trang An Boat, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Mua Cave Full Day Tour. This comprehensive excursion immerses visitors in the region’s captivating cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes. From the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda to the serene Trang An waterways and the panoramic vistas atop Mua Cave, this tour promises an unforgettable day of discovery. Uncover the essence of Vietnam’s beauty and delve deeper into what makes this destination so captivating.
Key Points
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A full-day tour that visits the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest temple complex in Vietnam, and includes a boat trip through the scenic Trang An UNESCO site and a hike to Mua Cave.
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The tour starts with pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House area between 7:25-8:00 AM and ends with drop-off at Hanoi hotels around 7:30 PM.
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The Bai Dinh Pagoda visit includes exploring the 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a colossal 100-ton Buddha statue.
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A buffet lunch featuring local Vietnamese dishes is provided at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant, with vegetarian options available.
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The 2-hour boat trip through Trang An showcases the region’s limestone cliffs, rice paddies, and ancient temples, followed by a hike to the summit of Mua Cave for panoramic views.
Tour Overview
This tour, titled "Trang An Boat, Bai Dinh Pagoda, & Mua Cave Full Day Tour," is priced from $47.98 per person and lasts for one day.
Pickup is from Hanoi Old Quarter/Opera House between 7:25-8:00 AM, with a short break at 9:15 AM. Visitors will explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest temple in Vietnam, before enjoying a buffet lunch at 12:30 PM.
After pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter/Opera House, visitors explore Bai Dinh Pagoda before a buffet lunch at 12:30 PM.
The highlight is a 2-hour boat trip through the Trang An UNESCO site, followed by a hike to the top of Mua Cave.
The tour ends with drop-off at Hanoi hotels around 7:30 PM.
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Pickup and Departure
The tour begins with pickup from accommodations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House area, scheduled between 7:25 and 8:00 AM.
Guests will have a short break of 15-20 minutes at 9:15 AM before arriving at the first stop – Bai Dinh Pagoda.
This temple complex is the largest in Vietnam and Southeast Asia, featuring 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue.
The tour allows 30 minutes for exploring this impressive religious site before moving on to the next activity.
Bai Dinh Pagoda Visit
Arriving at the Bai Dinh Pagoda, guests will be greeted by the largest temple complex in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
Guests arriving at the Bai Dinh Pagoda are greeted by the largest temple complex in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.
This impressive site features:
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500 intricate stone Arhat statues.
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A 36-ton bronze bell.
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A colossal 100-ton Buddha statue.
Visitors can explore the expansive grounds, admiring the scale and grandeur of the pagoda.
The visit provides a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage and the architectural marvel that’s the Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Lunch
After the visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda, the tour group gathers for a buffet lunch at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant, scheduled for 12:30.
The menu features local dishes like goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice, and vegetable salad, with vegetarian options available.
The buffet-style service allows everyone to sample a variety of Vietnamese cuisine.
The lunch break provides an opportunity to refuel and recharge before the next part of the tour, the Trang An boat trip.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyTrang An Boat Trip
Following the completion of the buffet lunch at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant, the tour group boards boats to begin the Trang An boat trip.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its unique tunnel cave system. The 2-hour boat journey through the serene landscapes offers a tranquil experience:
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Gliding silently through the narrow waterways, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
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Drifting past lush, verdant rice paddies and picturesque villages.
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Admiring the dramatic karst formations and ancient temples along the riverbanks.
The Trang An boat tour immerses visitors in the natural beauty and cultural richness of this remarkable destination.
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Mua Cave Hike
The tour then proceeds to Mua Cave (also known as Dragon Peak) at around 16:00.
Visitors will hike almost 500 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. From the summit, they’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the Tam Coc region and nearby lotus paddy fields.
The steep but scenic climb offers a chance to stretch one’s legs and take in the stunning natural landscapes of the Ninh Binh province.
After exploring Mua Cave, the tour departs at 17:30, returning to Hanoi by around 19:30.
Return and Drop-off
The tour departs from Mua Cave at 17:30 and returns to Hanoi, with drop-off at hotels around 19:30. This marks the end of an exciting day exploring the highlights of Ninh Binh province.
Travelers can look back on:
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Marveling at the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest temple complex in Vietnam.
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Gliding through the serene Trang An waterways, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Climbing the 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic vistas.
The tour provides a comprehensive introduction to the natural and cultural wonders of this picturesque region, leaving guests with lasting memories of their time in northern Vietnam.
Inclusions
The Trang An Boat Tour includes pickup and drop-off at accommodations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, along with an English-speaking guide to provide commentary throughout the day. 2 bottles of water per person, a buffet lunch, and all entrance fees are covered. The lunch menu features local dishes like goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice, and vegetable salad, with vegetarian options available.
| Inclusions |
| — |
| Pickup and drop-off |
| English-speaking guide |
| 2 bottles of water per person |
| Buffet lunch |
| All entrance fees |
Tips and drinks are not included in the tour price.
Since You Asked
Can I Bring My Own Food or Snacks on the Tour?
Participants can bring their own food and snacks on the tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch, but additional food and snacks may be brought if desired.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour doesn’t offer customizable itineraries, but guests can discuss special requests with the tour provider. While bringing your own food isn’t encouraged, the buffet lunch provides a variety of local Vietnamese dishes, including vegetarian options.
What Is the Dress Code for Visiting the Bai Dinh Pagoda?
For visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda, visitors should wear modest clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Hats and sunglasses are also recommended to protect against the sun. Proper attire is expected to show respect for the sacred site.
Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Restrictions for the Mua Cave Hike?
The Mua Cave hike requires a moderate fitness level, as it involves climbing nearly 500 steps. There are no age restrictions, but the climb may be challenging for young children or those with limited mobility.
Can I Extend My Stay in Ninh Binh After the Tour?
The tour does not include an extended stay in Ninh Binh after the tour. Participants are returned to their accommodations in Hanoi around 7:30 PM. However, travelers can choose to stay longer in Ninh Binh on their own before or after the tour.
Final Words
The Trang An Boat, Bai Dinh Pagoda, & Mua Cave Full Day Tour provides an immersive experience into Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders. Visitors can explore the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, take a scenic boat trip through Trang An, and hike to the summit of Mua Cave for breathtaking views. This comprehensive tour offers a well-rounded introduction to some of Vietnam’s most captivating attractions.
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