12 hours
Guided in English
Instant confirmation
Mobile ticket

Highlights

Ninh Bình province is home to a magnificent trio of destinations, blending history with stunning natural beauty. Hoa Lư, the ancient capital, stands as a sacred historical site, featuring temples dedicated to Vietnam's early emperors amidst a tranquil valley of limestone mountains. Nearby, Tam Cốc—often called "Ha Long Bay on land"—offers a peaceful journey through rice paddies and three natural caves, navigated by traditional rowing boats along the Ngo Dong River. Completing the scenic triangle is Mua Cave (Hang Múa). While not an actual cave tour, its main draw is the challenging climb up nearly 500 steps to a dragon-crested viewpoint, rewarding visitors with a spectacular panoramic view that captures the majestic expanse of the Tam Cốc river system and the surrounding karst landscape.

Inclusions

What's included

English Speaking Guide
Full transfers Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Hanoi
Cycling activity
Free usage of rain-coat and conical hat during the trip
Buffet Lunch
All Entrance fees and sharing boat at Tam Coc

What's not

Drinks
Personal expenses
Holiday surcharges
All services and items not mentioned specifically in the list above

Itinerary

7h15-8h00 : The tour guide will pick you up from your hotel. We take you to Ninh Binh province which is about 120 km far from Hanoi Old Quarter. 9h00-9h15 : Have a short break for 20 minutes to relax
2 h
10h15-10h30: Arrive Vietnam restaurant and start cycling 20 minutes to Hoa Lu ancient capital, then park the bicycle and walk to visit Hoa Lu. This is the first capital of Vietnam, you will be impressed by the outstanding architecture when entering temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17th century. (If you prefer not to cycle, we will transfer you by bus to Hoa Lu, where the tour guide will meet you and guide you to the temples. After the visit, we will transfer you back to Vietnam Restaurant) 11h30 : Continue cycling tour 30 minutes more around the village to discover the life of local people and come back to Vietnam restaurant. 12h00: Have Lunch at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant designed in a 5-star style. You can have a panoramic view of the poetic mountain and river scenery of Ninh Binh while enjoying the delicious foods.
3 h
13h00 – 13h30: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5- hour on the boat ride. During the boat trip, you will be surprised by the charming beauty here with paddy fields, river, water, cloud, sky and stunning cave system. All make a masterpiece which Vietnamese people call “Halong Bay on land”.
2 h
16h00-16:30 : Get on the bus to go to Mua Cave ( Dancing Cave). Walk up almost 500 steps, you can reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, and have an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc from here.
1 h
17h00 - 17h30 : Get on the Bus to return to Hanoi 19h00 - 19h30: Arrive in Hanoi and get dropped off at the Hotel. The trip ends !
2 h

Cancellation

All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.

Know before you go

Pickup: Pickup is included for everyone.
Ticket type: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group size: Up to 35 travellers
Operated by: Vietnam Explorer

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels

How it compares in Hanoi

Its from-price is 37% below the median of the 2545 day trips we list in Hanoi.
Its length is typical for the group.

About Hanoi

Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, mixes lakeside temples, French colonial boulevards and an Old Quarter where street food and scooters fill every lane.

The Old Quarter's narrow streets, each once devoted to a single trade, sit just north of Hoan Kiem Lake, where the red Huc Bridge leads to the Temple of the Jade Mountain. Wander at dawn to see tai chi by the water, or after dark when the pavements fill with food stalls and low plastic stools.

Top-ranked sights in Hanoi: Ha Long Bay, Hanoi Old Quarter, Long Bien Bridge (Cau Long Bien).

See all 9454 experiences in Hanoi