NINH BINH: BAI DINH - TRANG AN

Ninh Binh, a captivating province in northern Vietnam, boasts a wealth of natural wonders that have captivated visitors from around the world. This full-day tour promises to unveil the region’s most impressive sights, guiding travelers through the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the serenity of Trang An boat ride, and the breathtaking vistas of Mua Cave. With a seamless itinerary and inclusions designed to enhance the experience, this excursion offers an opportunity to take in the heart of Ninh Binh’s dynamic cultural and natural landscapes. As the journey unfolds, one can’t help but wonder what other hidden gems this remarkable destination holds in store.

Key Points

A full-day excursion to Ninh Binh province, including visits to the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, Trang An boat ride, and the Mua Cave overlook.
The tour offers hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Opera House, and a 90-minute scenic journey to Ninh Binh.
Highlights include the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, a relaxing boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscapes, and a challenging climb to the Mua Cave overlook.
A buffet lunch featuring local specialties is included, providing energy for the afternoon’s activities.
The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and additional amenities like a 2-way electric car and bottled water.

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Tour Overview

This day tour whisks visitors away to the picturesque Ninh Binh province, showcasing its cultural and natural wonders over a 12-hour excursion.

Priced from Kč1,366 per person, the tour includes hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Opera House, with an extra charge for other locations.

Highlights include the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda, a scenic boat ride through the Trang An UNESCO site, and a climb to the Mua Cave overlook.

Lunch is a buffet of local specialties.

The tour has a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Itinerary Highlights

The day tour begins with morning pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Opera House, with an additional charge for other locations.

After a scenic 90-minute journey to Ninh Binh Province, the group takes a 15-20 minute break to relax.

The first major stop is Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, featuring 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue.

Following a buffet lunch at Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant, the group embarks on a scenic boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An landscapes, surrounded by limestone karsts and lush greenery.

The tour culminates with a climb to the Mua Cave overlook for panoramic views of the golden fields and mountain scenery.

Morning Pickup and Journey

The day tour begins with hotel pickups in the Hanoi Old Quarter and Opera House areas, with an additional charge for pickup from other locations.

The journey to Ninh Binh Province takes around 2 hours, with a 15-20 minute break along the way for travelers to relax.

The estimated arrival time at the first stop, Bai Dinh Pagoda, is 10:30 AM.

This allows guests ample time to explore the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, which features impressive sights like 500 stone Arhat statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a colossal 100-ton Buddha statue.

Bai Dinh Pagoda

Arriving at 10:30 AM, guests can explore the grandeur of the Bai Dinh Pagoda, Southeast Asia’s largest pagoda complex. The highlights include:


500 Stone Arhat Statues	Impressive collection of stone statues representing enlightened Buddhist disciples.
36-Ton Bronze Bell	One of the largest bronze bells in Vietnam, casting a serene atmosphere.
100-Ton Buddha Statue	A colossal bronze statue of Buddha, emphasizing the site’s spiritual significance.

The scale and architectural details of the Bai Dinh Pagoda provide a captivating introduction to the cultural and religious heritage of the Ninh Binh region.

Lunch

Following a scenic boat ride through the Trang An landscapes, guests reconvene at 12:30 PM for a buffet lunch at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant.

The menu features a variety of local specialties, including:

Goat meat
Spring rolls
Fresh fish
Chicken dishes
Fried rice and salads

Vegetarian options are also available.

The spread offers a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine, providing the necessary energy to continue the day’s adventures.

After a satisfying meal, the tour resumes, allowing guests to further explore the captivating Mua Cave overlook.

Trang An Boat Ride

After the satisfying lunch, the tour continues with the scenic boat ride through the Trang An landscapes.

Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its limestone karsts, lush greenery, and tranquil waterways. The boat ride offers a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing travelers to explore this serene environment.

Along the way, they’ll witness the stunning natural beauty of the region, including the towering rock formations and the serene waters.

The boat ride is an integral part of the tour, providing a unique opportunity to experience the natural wonders of Ninh Binh up close.

Mua Cave Overlook

Travelers then make their way to conquer the Mua Cave overlook, which offers panoramic views of the golden fields and stunning mountain landscapes surrounding Ninh Binh.

The strenuous climb up 500 stone steps is rewarded with breathtaking vistas, showcasing:

Rolling hills and karst formations
Lush greenery and sparkling waterways
Serene temples and pagodas in the distance
Local farmers tending to their fields
Picture-perfect photo opportunities at every turn

The challenging yet gratifying hike to the Mua Cave overlook allows visitors to fully enjoy the natural splendor of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Inclusions

The tour includes a limousine bus with 17 seats, an English-speaking guide, a bottle of water per person, all entrance fees, a 2-way electric car, and a buffet lunch.

Visitors can also use complimentary conical hats and raincoats if needed.

The buffet menu offers a variety of local dishes, including goat meat, spring rolls, fish, chicken, fried rice, and salads, with vegetarian options available.

Excluded from the tour price are drinks, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses.

Guests are advised to dress comfortably and bring necessary items like sunglasses, sun hats, and cameras to make the most of this comprehensive Ninh Binh experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Available on Weekends?

The tour operates daily, including on weekends. There is no indication in the overview that the tour is only available on certain days of the week.

Can the Tour Be Customized for Our Group’s Preferences?

The tour can likely be customized to some degree based on the group’s preferences, such as dietary requirements. However, the core itinerary and inclusions are set. It’s best to discuss any specific requests with the local operator.

What Is the Group Size for This Tour?

The group size for this tour is flexible, as it is available for both private and shared tours. The tour can accommodate small groups as well as larger groups, depending on the preference of the travelers.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour to Include Additional Sites?

The tour company does not offer an option to extend the tour and visit additional sites. The full-day itinerary is fixed, and the price covers the listed inclusions. Customized extensions or add-ons are not available for this particular tour.

Can We Request a Specific Type of Vehicle for the Transportation?

Customers can request a specific type of vehicle, such as a larger bus or van, when booking the tour. However, this may incur an additional charge depending on the requested vehicle size and availability.

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Recap

This full-day tour offers a remarkable opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Ninh Binh. Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, drift through the serene Trang An landscapes, and climb to the Mua Cave overlook for stunning panoramic views. With a delicious included lunch, this comprehensive tour provides an unforgettable experience of Ninh Binh’s breathtaking beauty.