2-Day Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave & Cuc Phuong

The 2-day Ninh Binh tour offers a captivating exploration of Vietnam’s natural wonders and historical treasures. From the ancient temples of Hoa Lu to the serene boat rides through Tam Coc’s picturesque waterways, this tour promises an immersive experience that will leave visitors in awe. But the real highlight? The breathtaking vantage point atop Mua Cave, where one can witness the stunning landscapes of Ninh Binh in all their glory. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or a history buff, this tour provides an opportunity to uncover the rich tapestry of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and scenic beauty.

Key Points

• This 2-day Ninh Binh tour covers the top attractions, including Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Cuc Phuong National Park, providing an immersive experience.
• The tour is priced at over $150 per person with up to 10% savings and offers flexible booking options with pay later and free cancellation.
• The first day includes a transfer from Hanoi, visiting Hoa Lu, exploring temples, and a boat ride through the scenic Tam Coc waterways, followed by a climb to Mua Cave.
• The second day focuses on Cuc Phuong National Park, with a visit to the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and trekking to the "1,000-Year-Old Tree."
• The package includes transportation, meals, activities, and an English-speaking guide, offering excellent value for exploring the top attractions in Ninh Binh.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This 2-day Ninh Binh tour offers an immersive experience, taking travelers to the historic Hoa Lu, the scenic Tam Coc, the challenging Mua Cave, and the lush Cuc Phuong National Park.

Priced at just over $150 per person, the tour provides excellent value with up to 10% savings. Booking is flexible, allowing travelers to reserve now and pay later, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours prior.

The 2-day itinerary includes transportation, meals, activities, and an English-speaking guide, making it a convenient and inclusive package for exploring Ninh Binh’s top attractions.

Itinerary Highlights

The two-day Ninh Binh tour begins with a transfer from Hanoi to the historic province.

On the first day, visitors explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first imperial capital, and its temples. They can choose to cycle through nearby villages or relax at Trang An Heritage Garden.

The highlight is a boat ride through Tam Coc‘s scenic waters and a climb up 500 steps to Mua Cave for panoramic views.

• Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first imperial capital
• Cycle through villages or relax at Trang An Heritage Garden
• Boat ride through Tam Coc and climb 500 steps to Mua Cave

On the second day, the tour visits Cuc Phuong National Park, including the Endangered Primate Rescue Center and the "1,000-Year-Old Tree", before returning to Hanoi in the evening.

Day 1: Explore Ninh Binh

On the first day, the tour begins with a transfer from Hanoi to the historic province of Ninh Binh. The first stop is the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where visitors explore the temples of Dinh King and Le King. Guests can then choose between a cycling tour through the picturesque villages or relax at the Trang An Heritage Garden. After a delightful buffet lunch featuring local specialties, the group embarks on a boat ride through the stunning Tam Coc waterways. The day concludes with a challenging climb up 500 steps to the Mua Cave, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.

Activity	Duration
Transfer from Hanoi to Ninh Binh	2 hours
Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first imperial capital	1.5 hours
Cycling tour or Trang An Heritage Garden	1.5 hours
Buffet lunch	1 hour
Boat ride through Tam Coc	1.5 hours
Climb to Mua Cave	1 hour

Day 2: Visit Cuc Phuong

After an eventful first day exploring Ninh Binh’s historical sites and natural wonders, the tour journeys to Cuc Phuong National Park on the second day.

Visitors will:

• Explore the Endangered Primate Rescue Center, where they can learn about conservation efforts to protect vulnerable primate species.

• Trek to witness the awe-inspiring "1,000-Year-Old Tree," a testament to the park’s ancient and diverse ecosystem.

• Visit the Cave of Prehistoric Man, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich history and the lives of its earliest inhabitants.

The day concludes with a return transfer to Hanoi in the evening, allowing travelers to reflect on the incredible experiences of their 2-day Ninh Binh adventure.

Inclusions and Amenities

Comprehensive inclusions ensure a seamless and well-equipped 2-day Ninh Binh experience.

The tour package covers 1 buffet lunch, 1 dinner, and 1 breakfast, providing a taste of local specialties. Accommodation is provided at the Trang An Heritage Garden for 1 night.

Activities include a bicycle tour, entrance fees, and shared boat rides at Tam Coc and Trang An.

Transportation is via limousine/shuttle bus round trip and minivan transfers. An English-speaking guide, free Wi-Fi, bottled water, conical hats, and raincoats are also included. VAT is covered in the price.

Guests should bring comfortable shoes, sunglasses, hats, sunscreen, and insect repellent, as significant walking and climbing are involved.

Important Information

Climbers must be prepared to tackle the 500 steps required to reach the panoramic views from Mua Cave. This tour involves significant walking and climbing, so comfortable shoes are a must.

Visitors should also bring:

• Sunglasses and hat to protect against the sun
• Sunscreen and insect repellent for outdoor activities
• Cash for any additional expenses

It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the physical demands.

Vegetarian meal options are available upon request. While cycling is an optional activity, relaxation is also an alternative for those who prefer a more leisurely experience.

Recommendations

Packing essential items like sunglasses, hats, and sunscreen can enhance visitors’ enjoyment of the outdoor activities. Comfortable shoes are a must for navigating the terrain and climbing the 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint. Insect repellent is recommended to ward off any unwanted bugs. While pets are not allowed, visitors can explore the natural wonders at their own pace.

What to Bring	What’s Not Allowed	Recommended Activities
Sunglasses	Pets	Climbing Mua Cave
Hat	N/A	Cycling tour
Sunscreen	N/A	Relaxation
Insect repellent	N/A	N/A

Exclusions

The tour doesn’t include beverages, tips for the guide and driver, or any personal expenses.

Plus, any services not specifically mentioned in the inclusions are also excluded, and there may be a surcharge on public holidays.

• Beverages
• Tips for guide and driver
• Personal expenses

Travelers should keep these exclusions in mind when budgeting for their Ninh Binh tour experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Tour?

No, pets are not allowed on this tour. The tour details specifically state that "Not allowed: Pets" under the "Important Information and Recommendations" section.

Is There a Minimum Group Size Requirement?

There is no minimum group size requirement for this tour. The tour can accommodate individual travelers or small groups. Guests are advised to book early to secure availability.

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have a strict dress code, but comfortable, lightweight clothing and sturdy walking shoes are recommended. Visitors should dress for the warm, humid weather and be prepared for activities like hiking and boat rides.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join, though the itinerary involves significant walking and climbing, so it’s recommended that guests be reasonably fit.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to Suit My Preferences?

Yes, the tour can be customized to suit your preferences. The provider offers flexibility to adjust the itinerary based on your interests and needs. Simply discuss your requirements with the tour representative during booking.

Recap

Discover the natural wonders of Ninh Binh on this 2-day tour. Explore ancient temples, cruise through scenic waterways, and climb Mua Cave for breathtaking vistas. With comfortable accommodations, meals included, and flexible booking, this tour promises a memorable experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike. Don’t miss the opportunity to learn about Vietnam’s rich heritage and stunning landscapes.