Private Day Trip to Ninh Binh: Mua Caves, Trang An & Hoa Lu

Hanoi , Vietnam

Private Day Trip to Ninh Binh: Mua Caves, Trang An & Hoa Lu

Active

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

Experience the best of Ninh Binh with a visit to the Dinh King Temple in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Ascend 500 steps to Mua Cave, where the climb to Lying Dragon Mountain rewards you with sweeping views of Tam Coc Village. Savor a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch at a local restaurant before setting off on a scenic boat tour through the enchanting Trang An Grottoes, known for their peaceful waterways and breathtaking landscapes. This journey through cultural heritage, natural wonders, and authentic cuisine offers a memorable exploration of Ninh Binh.

Available options

Private Day Trip to Ninh Binh: Mua Caves, Trang An & Hoa Lu

Pickup included

What's included

3 bottle of water per person

Professional English speaking tour guide

Hoa Lu ancient capital, Boat Ride at Trang An, Mua Cave Exploration

Indulge in a Traditional Vietnamese Lunch

Private transfer pick up & drop off at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter area

Cycle Through the Countryside

All sightseeing and boat fees

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

We will pick you up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter. Please be ready in the hotel lobby, our tour guide will pick you up at the reception before departing for Ninh Binh Province. The drive will take approximately 2 hours.

Arrive at Hang Mua, "Mua Cave" one of the most alluring places to get the panorama view in Ninh Binh, hiking up to the peak of Ngoa Long Mountain to take in your amazing views of the Tam Coc, Ninh Binh area.

Take a bike and start riding around the village to explore the gorgeous rice fields surrounded by limestone mountains with a unique route and visit a local family in the Tam Coc area. They are a traditional Vietnamese family with three generations living together. Here you will get the chance to see the house’s architecture and their daily lives. Then enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch prepared with the traditional cuisine.

Stop 4

Visit Trang An which was recognized by UNESCO as The world Heritage Site in 2014. Trang An has the wonderful tunnel cave system so that Kong’s Movie Group chose this place for New Version of Kong in 2016 – “ Skull Island “. Boat trip to visit Trang An to see the amazing beauty of this landscape with many caves such as : Sang Cave (Light Cave), Toi Cave (Dack cave), Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine), green river and natural view.

The first destination in this trip is visit Hoa Lu ancient capital. This is the first capital of Vietnam. Come to visit Hoa Lu, you will learn about why the capital was moved to Hanoi nowadays. You are impressed by the outstanding architecture when entering the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the first and second emperors of ancient Vietnam, built in the 17 century. Try to feel the ancient atmospheres in Hoa Lu ancient capital.

Stop 6

At the end of the day, guests say good bye Ninh Binh and get on private transfer to Hanoi City. Arrive in Hanoi Old Quarter and get dropped off at the Hotel. The trip end!

What's not included

Personal expenses & Drinks

Holiday Surcharge & Other services are not listed above

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

We can accommodate dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, etc. If you have dietary requirements, please indicate them when booking.

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.