Ninh Binh: Bai Dinh Temple - Trang An Boat Tour

Ninh Binh, often referred to as the "Ha Long Bay on Land," is a must-visit destination in Vietnam. This day tour offers a chance to discover the region’s stunning natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. From the grandeur of the Bai Dinh Temple to the serene Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, and the breathtaking vistas from Mua Cave, the itinerary promises an unforgettable experience. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, a cultural explorer, or simply seeking a day of adventure, this tour will leave you with lasting memories…

Key Points

Visit the Bai Dinh Temple, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, as part of the Ninh Binh tour.
Enjoy a 2-hour bamboo boat tour through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Trek up Mua Cave for panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, requiring approximately one hour.
Transportation, including hotel pickup and drop-off, is provided as part of the tour package.
The tour includes a Vietnamese-style lunch with vegetarian options available at a local restaurant.

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Tour Overview and Pricing

What does the Ninh Binh tour offer? The tour is priced from $58.13 per person and lasts one day.

Travelers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes hotel pickup, a professional English-speaking guide, lunch, and entrance fees.

Excluded are beverages, travel insurance, tips, and optional extras like the Limousine Bus.

The tour visits Bai Dinh Temple, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex for a bamboo boat tour.

Guests also trek up Mua Cave for panoramic views, though the hike isn’t suitable for those over 70.

Itinerary Highlights

The Ninh Binh tour’s itinerary highlights a visit to the Bai Dinh Temple, the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, where visitors can spend an hour exploring its expansive grounds.

Following this, the tour includes a lunch at a local restaurant, offering vegetarian options.

Next, visitors embark on a 2-hour bamboo boat tour through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, experiencing the caves and rivers.

The last stop is the Mua Cave, where guests can trek up the Ngoa Long mountain for panoramic views, a 1-hour activity.

Throughout the day, the tour provides hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and transportation back to Hanoi or Ninh Binh.

Transportation Details

The tour includes a 110km bus journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.

Guests will be dropped off at their hotel in either Hanoi or Ninh Binh at the end of the day.

At the Bai Dinh Pagoda, visitors have the option to take an electric car for 60,000 VND if they prefer not to walk.

The transportation details for this tour include:

110km bus journey from Hanoi
Drop-off at hotel in Hanoi or Ninh Binh
Optional electric car at Bai Dinh Pagoda for 60,000 VND

Inclusions and Exclusions

Included in the Ninh Binh Tour package are hotel pickup and bus transfer, a professional English-speaking guide, two bottles of water per person, a Vietnamese-style lunch, and all entrance fees as stated in the itinerary.

However, beverages, travel insurance, tips for the guide, and personal expenses aren’t included.

Plus, an optional Limousine Bus service is available for 100,000 VND per person roundtrip.

Guests should note the dress code for the Bai Dinh Pagoda and the hiking requirements for the Mua Cave trek.

The tour isn’t recommended for those over 70 years old, and pets, alcohol, and drugs aren’t permitted.

Important Information and Recommendations

Several important pieces of information and recommendations should be considered for the Ninh Binh Tour.

First, visitors must adhere to a specific dress code when visiting the Bai Dinh Pagoda – no sleeveless clothes, skirts/dresses above the knee, or shorts shorter than knee-length.

Plus, the hike to Mua Cave involves climbing 486 steps, so comfortable sports shoes and clothing are a must.

Finally, it’s advisable to bring water to stay hydrated, as the tour provider only supplies 2 bottles per person.

Dress code for Bai Dinh Pagoda: no sleeveless, short skirts/dresses, or shorts
Hiking requirements for Mua Cave: 486 steps, wear comfortable shoes and clothes
Bring water to avoid dehydration; tour provides 2 bottles per person

Restrictions

Certain restrictions apply to the Ninh Binh Tour. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals over 70 years of age.

Pets, alcohol, and drugs are strictly prohibited. This is to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all participants.

Visitors to the Bai Dinh Pagoda must adhere to a specific dress code, which includes no sleeveless clothing, skirts/dresses below the knees, and shorts at least knee-length.

The Mua Cave trek requires climbing 486 steps, so participants must wear sports shoes and comfortable clothing.

These restrictions are in place to preserve the cultural and environmental integrity of the tour sites.

Hotel Pickup and Transfer

The Ninh Binh Tour includes hotel pickup and bus transfer. Travelers are picked up from their hotel in either Hanoi or Ninh Binh, and then transported by bus for a 110km journey.

This convenient transportation makes it easy for guests to experience the tour’s highlights without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.

The tour includes:

Hotel pickup from Hanoi or Ninh Binh
Bus transfer to and from the tour sites
Approximate tour duration of 1 day

The bus transfer allows travelers to sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenic countryside as they make their way to the various stops on the tour itinerary.

Vegetarian Lunch Options

Lunch at a local restaurant is included in the Ninh Binh Tour, and vegetarian options are available.

The meal features a variety of Vietnamese dishes, allowing visitors to sample the local cuisine. Whether you’re a vegetarian or simply prefer meatless options, the restaurant caters to your dietary needs.

The lunch break provides a chance to recharge and refuel before continuing the day’s activities. With a selection of plant-based dishes, the lunch ensures that all participants can enjoy a satisfying mid-day meal as part of the comprehensive Ninh Binh tour package.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

No, you can’t bring your own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes lunch at a local restaurant and 2 bottles of water per person. Additional beverages and personal expenses are not included.

Is There a Discount for Children or Senior Citizens?

There’s no mention of discounts for children or seniors in the tour information. However, it’s best to check with the tour operator directly to see if any age-based discounts are available.

How Many People Are Typically in a Tour Group?

The size of the tour group typically varies, but it’s common for group sizes to range from 10 to 20 people. The exact number may depend on factors like popularity and availability.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

The tour operator allows some customization of the itinerary based on traveler preferences, though the core highlights of the tour – Bai Dinh Temple, Trang An Boat Tour, and Mua Cave – are fixed. Flexibility exists within the schedule to accommodate individual needs.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Mentioned?

The tour pricing includes the main costs, but there may be some additional optional fees mentioned, such as the electric car at Bai Dinh Pagoda and the Limousine Bus. Be sure to review all inclusions and exclusions carefully.

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Recap

This day tour of Ninh Binh offers a captivating blend of cultural, natural, and spiritual experiences. Visitors can enjoy the grandeur of Bai Dinh Temple, the serenity of a Trang An boat tour, and the panoramic views from Mua Cave. With a vegetarian lunch and convenient transportation, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Ninh Binh’s remarkable heritage.