Ninh Binh Full Day Tour From Hanoi: Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave
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11h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Ninh Binh is often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land” because they both have impressive karsts and caves with boat rides for tourists.
Visit to Hoa Lu – the ancient Capital of Vietnam and Tam Coc with Halong type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious yet inviting caves.
Highlights
- Visit Hoa Lu Old Citadel with Dinh Temple and Le Temple
- Sampan boat trip in Tam Coc and visit three caves.
- Enjoy a Bufet lunch at local restaurant with vietnam food.
- Climb almost 500 stone steps to the peak of Lying Dragon Mountain for breathtaking views.
- Travel comfortably in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Door-to-door hotel pickup and and drop-off in the center of Hanoi’s Old Quarter
Available options
Ninh Binh Full Day Tour From Hanoi: Hoa Lu - Trang An - Mua Cave
Pickup included
What's included
Transfer round trip
English speaking guide
Boat trip & biking in Trang An
Entrance fees to Hoa Lu Temple and Trang An Boat
Lunch at local restaurant
Detailed itinerary
1
Stop 1
Pass by
07:15 - 7:20 Our guide will pick you up at your hotel location in Hanoi Old Quarter and start a 110km drive on a comfortable limousine vehicle through verdant landscape. Stop over for a rest on the way. If your hotels located outside the Old Quarter, please go to the meeting point (Hanoi Opera House) at 7:20am to join tour group (It is just a meeting point for pickup, not a site for a visit in the tour).
2
Stop 2
10:30 You will reach Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and visit 2 temples have been built on the ground of the old royal palace, one is dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the other is to King Le Dai Hanh. The visit offers a chance to know more about part of feudal dynasties and historical periods in Vietnamese history.
3
Today you will enjoy buffet lunch at local restaurant in Trang An area. The food is served with Asian style, local dishes, organic vegetable. Enjoy your lunch and take a rest before continue the journey to Trang An
4
After finishing your lunch, you will be taking the rowing boat (rowed by both hand and legs) at Trang An Scenic Landscapes, an outstanding natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometer rise dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Embark on a traditional sampan gently roweddown the exquisite river through numerous caves: Hang Toi ( Dark ) cave with 320 meter long, Sang (light) cave with 90 meter long, and Hang Nau Ruou (Cooking wine) cave with 250 meter long…, Every passages bring new surprise of mystery hidden inside isolated valleys of tranquility that likely transformed to the other world and time.
5
(OPTIONAL activity: You can choose not to do if you have back problem or not good physical health. If you want to take this activity, you need to confirm with the tour guide on the way from Hanoi to Ninh Binh so that the guide order ticket in advance. The ticket costs 100,000 VND or 4 USD). In case you do not want to hike up 500 steps, you can find a cafe nearby and order a drink (and pay for that) to relax and wait for the group visiting Mua cave.
Arrive at Mua Cave and start an amazing hiking 500 steps up to the top of Ngoa Long mountain for watching the spectacular rice valley with precious view of the nature. There are panoramic views from the peak above. A stone staircase beside the cave entrance zigzags through the karst (beware the goat droppings) and it’s almost 500 steps to a simple altar to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). Look west for the Ngo Dong River winding through Tam Coc. Then get back to the bus to return Hanoi
6
Stop 6
Pass by
17:00 Leaving Mua Cave and drive back to Hanoi. Arrive Hanoi at around 19:30 and drop off at your hotel in the Old Quarter or at the same meeting point (Hanoi Opera House). Finish unforgettable full day trip!
What's not included
Drinks and others not mentioned.
Tipping/ Gratuities
Entrance fee to Mua cave (100,000 VND or 4 USD)
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
16 reviews
5★
16
4★
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3★
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1★
0
Important information
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Important notes
When making a reservation, you will need to advise us of your accommodation details and contact.
About Hanoi
Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam, is a vibrant city steeped in history and culture. Known for its French colonial architecture, bustling Old Quarter, and rich culinary scene, Hanoi offers a unique blend of traditional and modern experiences.
Top Attractions
Hoan Kiem Lake
Hoan Kiem Lake is a serene oasis in the heart of Hanoi, surrounded by lush greenery and historical landmarks. The lake is a popular spot for locals and tourists to relax and enjoy the scenery.
Nature
1-2 hours
Free
Hanoi Old Quarter
The Old Quarter is the historic and cultural heart of Hanoi, featuring narrow streets lined with traditional shops, temples, and colonial-era architecture. It's a vibrant area with a rich history and bustling atmosphere.
Historical
Half day to full day
Free to explore, shopping and dining vary
Temple of Literature
The Temple of Literature is a historic Confucian temple dedicated to education and literature. It's a serene and culturally significant site, featuring beautiful architecture and a peaceful garden.
Historical
1-2 hours
30,000 VND
Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
The Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a significant historical site where the embalmed body of Vietnam's revolutionary leader, Ho Chi Minh, is displayed. The mausoleum is a place of pilgrimage and a symbol of Vietnam's history.
Historical
1-2 hours
Free
Hanoi Opera House
The Hanoi Opera House is a stunning example of French colonial architecture, featuring elegant design and a rich history. It's a popular venue for cultural performances and events.
Architecture
1-2 hours for a performance
Varies by event
Must-Try Local Dishes
Pho
A traditional Vietnamese noodle soup with a flavorful broth, rice noodles, and thinly sliced meat, typically beef or chicken.
Lunch/Dinner
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Bun Cha
Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce.
Lunch/Dinner
Contains meat
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with various ingredients such as grilled meat, pâté, pickled vegetables, and fresh herbs.
Snack/Lunch
Can be made vegetarian or vegan
Egg Coffee
A unique Vietnamese coffee made with strong drip coffee, condensed milk, and a frothy egg yolk mixture.
Drink
Contains eggs and dairy
Popular Activities
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay
Trekking in Sapa
Boat ride in Hoan Kiem Lake
Coffee at a local café
Exploring the Temple of Literature
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
Swimming and snorkeling in Ha Long Bay
Egg coffee tasting
Best Time to Visit
October to December
This period offers pleasant weather with lower humidity and temperatures, making it ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The city is less crowded compared to the peak tourist season.
15°C to 25°C
59°F to 77°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Vietnamese
- Widely spoken: English, French
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in other areas
Currency
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Time Zone
GMT+7
Electricity
220VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Hanoi is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, petty crime and scams can occur, and travelers should exercise caution and be aware of their surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation.
- • Use reputable taxi companies and insist on using the meter or agree on a price before starting your journey.
- • Be wary of strangers offering help or services, as they may be trying to scam you.
Getting there
By air
- Noi Bai International Airport • 28 km from city center
By train
Hanoi Railway Station
By bus
Giap Bat Bus Station, My Dinh Bus Station
Getting around
Public transport
The bus system in Hanoi is affordable and covers most of the city. However, it can be crowded and confusing for first-time visitors.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Grab, Gojek
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Old Quarter
French Quarter
Ba Dinh District
Tay Ho District
Day trips
Ha Long Bay
165 km from Hanoi • Full day to overnight
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its stunning limestone karsts and islets, emerald waters, and scenic beauty. It's a popular destination for cruises, kayaking, and exploring caves.
Ninh Binh
90 km from Hanoi • Full day
Ninh Binh is known as 'Halong Bay on land' due to its stunning limestone karsts, rice paddies, and historic sites. It's a popular destination for cycling, boat rides, and exploring ancient temples.
Sapa
320 km from Hanoi • Overnight to multi-day
Sapa is a mountainous region known for its stunning rice terraces, ethnic minority villages, and trekking opportunities. It's a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and cultural experiences.
Festivals
Tet Nguyen Dan (Lunar New Year) • January or February (based on the lunar calendar)
Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (based on the lunar calendar)
Hanoi International Film Festival • October or November (annual)
Pro tips
- Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals.
- Explore the city's hidden gems and lesser-known attractions, such as the Hanoi Ceramic Mosaic Mural and the Temple of Literature.
- Try local street food and visit markets for an authentic and delicious culinary experience.
- Use a navigation app, such as Google Maps or GrabMaps, to help you get around the city and avoid getting lost.
- Be cautious of your belongings, particularly in crowded areas and on public transportation, to avoid petty crime and scams.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
