Vietnam Tour – Highlights of Ninh Binh | Hoa Lu – Trang An/Tam Coc – Mua Cave SIC Tour
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Discover the breathtaking beauty of Ninh Binh, often referred to as "Halong Bay on Land," on this full-day shared tour from Hanoi. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cycle through peaceful countryside villages, cruise along the spectacular waterways of Trang An or Tam Coc, and conquer nearly 500 stone steps to the summit of Mua Cave for one of Vietnam's most iconic panoramic views. With comfortable round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, delicious Vietnamese cuisine, and carefully planned sightseeing, this tour perfectly combines history, nature, and authentic local experiences.
WHO IS THIS TOUR FOR?
✔ First-time visitors to Northern Vietnam
✔ Nature lovers and photographers
✔ Couples and families
✔ Culture and history enthusiasts
✔ Adventure seekers
✔ Travelers looking for a full-day countryside escape from Hanoi
Detailed Itinerary
07:00 – 07:40 | Pick-up from Designated Meeting Points
Our English-speaking tour guide and driver will welcome you at one of the designated meeting points in Hanoi's Old Quarter before departing for Ninh Binh via the modern Expressway.
Meeting Points
07:00 AM
- 4B Trang Thi Street
- 22 Trang Thi Street
07:10 AM
- 174 Phung Hung Street
- 1 Duong Thanh Street
- 2 Le Van Linh Street
07:20 AM
- 24–26 Tran Nhat Duat Street
- 6 O Quan Chuong Street
- Techcombank Cho Gao Street
- 2–4 Nguyen Huu Huan Street
07:30 AM
- 160 Tran Quang Khai Street
- 204 Tran Quang Khai Street
07:40 AM
- Hanoi Opera House
Please arrive at your selected meeting point at least 10 minutes before departure. As this is a shared group tour, the vehicle can only wait for approximately 5 minutes.
09:00 – 09:20 | Comfort Break
Enjoy a short break at a local rest stop before continuing your journey to Ninh Binh.
10:20 – 11:30 | Hoa Lu Ancient Capital & Countryside Cycling
Arrive at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant before beginning a leisurely cycling trip through peaceful villages to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Vietnam's first imperial capital during the Dinh and Early Le Dynasties.
Visit the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, admire their remarkable 17th-century architecture, and learn about Vietnam's early royal history.
Guests who prefer not to cycle may travel by shuttle bus to Hoa Lu and rejoin the group after the visit.
11:30 – 12:00 | Village Cycling Experience
Continue cycling through picturesque countryside roads, rice fields, and traditional villages before returning to the restaurant.
Experience the tranquil rural lifestyle that makes Ninh Binh one of Northern Vietnam's most charming destinations.
12:00 – 13:00 | Vietnamese Lunch
Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant overlooking the magnificent limestone mountains.
Depending on your transportation option:
- Luxury D-Car: Deluxe Set Menu
- Thaco Limousine / Shuttle Bus: Buffet Lunch
Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
13:15 – 15:30 | Trang An or Tam Coc Boat Experience
Choose one of Ninh Binh's two most famous boat excursions.
Option 1 | Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Board a traditional sampan boat and spend approximately two hours exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An.
Cruise through spectacular limestone mountains, peaceful rivers, mysterious caves, and breathtaking natural scenery that was featured in the movie Kong: Skull Island.
Option 2 | Tam Coc
Alternatively, enjoy a relaxing sampan boat ride through the stunning waterways of Tam Coc.
Float past golden rice fields (seasonal), dramatic karst mountains, and three magnificent natural caves, earning Tam Coc its famous nickname, "Halong Bay on Land."
16:00 – 17:00 | Mua Cave & Dragon Mountain Viewpoint
Continue to Mua Cave (Hang Múa), one of Ninh Binh's most spectacular viewpoints.
Climb nearly 500 stone steps to the summit of Dragon Mountain, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views overlooking Tam Coc's winding rivers, rice paddies, and limestone mountains.
This is one of the most photographed landscapes in Northern Vietnam.
17:00 – 19:30 | Return to Hanoi
Relax on the comfortable journey back to Hanoi after an unforgettable day exploring Ninh Binh.
Arrival in Hanoi is expected between 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM, depending on traffic conditions.
For weekends or special events, the vehicle may stop at the nearest accessible location in the Old Quarter due to temporary road closures.
TOUR PRICE
Please contact our travel consultants for the latest quotation based on:
- Travel date
- Number of travelers
- Seasonal promotions
- Group size
PACKAGE INCLUDES
✔ Shared shuttle bus or limousine transportation
✔ Professional English-speaking tour guide
✔ Entrance tickets to all attractions mentioned
✔ Vietnamese lunch
✔ One bottle of drinking water per person
PACKAGE EXCLUDES
✘ Drinks during lunch
✘ Cyclo ride (Optional)
✘ Water Puppet Show (Optional)
✘ Tips for guide and driver
✘ Personal expenses
✘ Any services not specifically mentioned under "Package Includes"
NOTES & TRAVEL INFORMATION
What to Bring
✔ Comfortable walking shoes
✔ Hat or umbrella
✔ Sunscreen
✔ Camera
✔ Cash for optional activities
Important Notes
- Guests not joining the included lunch will be picked up at approximately 1:30 PM.
- The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather or traffic conditions.
- Please wear appropriate clothing when visiting religious and historical sites.
- Vegetarian meals are available upon request.
CHILD POLICY
- Children under 5 years old: Free of charge when sharing services with parents.
Private Seat Supplement (1–4 years old):
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Luxury D-Car: USD 20/seat
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Thaco Limousine: USD 15/seat
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Shuttle Bus: USD 10/seat
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Children from 5–8 years old: 75% of the adult rate (applicable for one child only; the second child is charged at the adult rate).
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Children from 9 years old: Charged at the adult rate.
TERMS & CONDITIONS
Payment Policy
- Deposit: 50% upon booking confirmation.
- Remaining balance: 50% at least 15 days before arrival.
Cancellation Policy
- More than 30 days before arrival: Full refund (administration fee may apply).
- 15–29 days before arrival: 50% cancellation charge.
- Within 14 days before arrival or No-show: 100% cancellation charge.
