Private day tour - Explore Ninh Binh in one day from Hanoi

Highlights

Inclusions

Itinerary

1. Our private tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel

   Passes by

2. Our private tour guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel for a 2-hour journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh. The first stop is Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (King Dinh & King Le Temples) Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, located in Ninh Binh Province, is one of Vietnam’s most important historical sites. It served as the nation’s first capital in the 10th century under the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. Surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and natural moats, Hoa Lu was strategically chosen for both defense and political stability. Today, visitors can explore the well-preserved temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, two national heroes who laid the foundation for Vietnam’s independence after more than a thousand years of Chinese domination. The temples feature traditional Vietnamese architecture, stone dragon carvings, ancient courtyards, and peaceful scenery that reflect the spirit of the former royal capital.

   45 minAdmission included

3. Second stop: Mua Cave Mua Cave (Hang Múa), located near Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province, is one of the most spectacular viewpoints in northern Vietnam. Often referred to as the “Great Wall of Vietnam,” the site is famous for its stone staircase of nearly 500 steps leading to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain. From the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc’s winding Ngo Dong River, golden rice fields, and dramatic limestone karsts rising from the valley below. The scenery changes beautifully with the seasons, especially during the rice harvest when the landscape turns vibrant yellow. At the mountain peak stands a majestic stone dragon statue, symbolizing power and prosperity, making it a favorite spot for photography. Combining natural beauty, light adventure, and iconic views, Mua Cave is a must-visit destination for travelers exploring Ninh Binh.

   1.5 hAdmission included

4. Next stop: doing the sampan boat along the river at Tam Coc Tam Coc, located in Ninh Binh Province, is one of Vietnam’s most picturesque destinations, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land.” The area is renowned for its stunning limestone karst formations, peaceful countryside, and winding rivers flowing through vast rice fields. The highlight of Tam Coc is a traditional sampan boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, where local rowers skillfully navigate through three natural caves—Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. Along the way, visitors can admire dramatic cliffs, lush paddies, and rural villages that reflect the charm of northern Vietnam.

   2 hAdmission included

5. Last stop: Bich Dong pagoda Take the biking tour from Tam Coc to visit Bich Dong pagoda Bich Dong Pagoda, located near Tam Coc in Ninh Binh Province, is one of the most beautiful and ancient pagodas in northern Vietnam. Built in 1428 during the Later Le Dynasty, the pagoda is gracefully nestled against a limestone mountain and surrounded by peaceful rice fields and lotus ponds. The pagoda complex consists of three levels—Ha Pagoda (Lower), Trung Pagoda (Middle), and Thuong Pagoda (Upper)—each harmoniously integrated into natural caves and cliffs. From the upper pagoda, visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding countryside and karst landscape. With its quiet atmosphere, traditional architecture, and perfect blend of spirituality and nature, Bich Dong Pagoda is often called the “Green Pearl of Ninh Binh” and offers a serene cultural experience for travelers visiting the region.

   1.5 hAdmission included

6. Another 2-hour journey back to Hanoi after the tour

   Passes by

Cancellation

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.

Reviews

Ratings come from 4 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.

Know before you go

How it compares in Hanoi

• Its from-price is close to the median of the 9454 experiences we list in Hanoi.
• It is shorter than most of them.
• By number of reviews it ranks 1833 of 9454.
• The operator lists free cancellation on it.

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