Ninh Binh, known as the "Ha Long Bay on land," offers a captivating array of natural wonders and historical treasures. This full-day tour from Hanoi promises to immerse visitors in the region’s rich cultural heritage and breathtaking landscapes. From the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to the serene boat ride through Tam Coc’s limestone karsts, and the rewarding hike to Mua Cave’s panoramic viewpoint, this excursion is sure to leave a lasting impression. With a knowledgeable guide, convenient transportation, and a delectable buffet lunch, this tour provides an exceptional opportunity to discover the essence of Ninh Binh‘s allure.
Key Points
- This full-day tour from Hanoi explores the historic capital of Hoa Lu, the scenic Tam Coc region, and the panoramic viewpoint of Mua Cave.
- The tour includes a boat cruise through paddy fields and caves, as well as an optional cycling excursion through local villages.
- Participants can climb nearly 500 stairs to the Mua Cave summit for a 360-degree view and also have the opportunity to swim at Can Gio Resort.
- The tour is priced from K₫1,181 per person and is limited to a group size of 15 for a personalized experience.
- Pickup and drop-off are provided within Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House, with transportation, entrance fees, lunch, and guide services included.
Tour Overview
This full-day tour of Ninh Binh from Hanoi lasts approximately 8 hours and is priced from K₫1,181 per person.
The group size is limited to 15 participants, and you’ll have a live English-speaking tour guide. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
You’ll be picked up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House, and the tour includes visiting historic Hoa Lu, an optional cycling excursion, a 1.5-hour boat cruise at Tam Coc, hiking at Mua Cave, and a buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine.
Entrance fees, drink orders, and tips are all included in the price.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour kicks off with a pick-up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House, followed by a visit to the historic capital of Hoa Lu, which flourished from 968 to 1010. Guests have the option to cycle through local villages before embarking on a 1.5-hour boat cruise at Tam Coc, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land". The highlight of the day is hiking up to the Mua Cave, or Lying Dragon Mountain, for panoramic views. Lunch is served as a buffet featuring Vietnamese cuisine, including vegetarian options.
| Activity | Duration |
|---|---|
| Visit Hoa Lu | – |
| Optional Cycling | – |
| Boat Cruise at Tam Coc | 1.5 hours |
| Hike to Mua Cave | – |
| Lunch Buffet | – |
Activities and Experiences
The tour offers a variety of engaging activities and immersive experiences for visitors.
They’ll tour Hoa Lu, the ancient capital, and learn about the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. The highlight is a scenic boat ride through the picturesque landscapes of paddy fields and caves, known as "Halong Bay on land".
Guests can also climb nearly 500 stairs to the summit of Mua Cave for a 360-degree view of Tam Coc. Plus, they’ll have the opportunity to swim at Can Gio Resort and explore the nearby beach.
With a live English-speaking guide, this full-day tour provides an authentic glimpse into Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural wonders.
Inclusions
For the Ninh Binh Tour, the inclusions cover a range of essential services and amenities.
Pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter are provided, ensuring seamless transportation.
A buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine, including vegetarian options, is included to satisfy diverse dietary needs.
Entrance tickets for all activities, such as the Hoa Lu Temple, boat ride, and Mua Cave climb, are covered, eliminating the need for additional fees.
Drinks are also included, keeping participants hydrated throughout the day.
Tips and personal expenses are taken care of, providing a hassle-free experience.
With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can fully enjoy the tour’s activities and sights.
Pricing and Group Size
From the comprehensive inclusions, the Ninh Binh Tour offers a competitively priced package starting from K₫1,181 per person.
The tour is limited to a group size of 15 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience. This full-day adventure from Hanoi lasts approximately 8 hours, providing ample time to explore the historic Hoa Lu, ride boats through the scenic Tam Coc landscapes, and climb to the summit of Mua Cave.
With a live English-speaking guide, travelers can learn about the region’s rich history and culture throughout the day. Guests also appreciate the flexibility of free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing for easy planning.
Pickup and Drop-off
Guests are picked up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House at the start of the tour. From there, the journey to Ninh Binh begins, with a comfortable and efficient transportation service. At the end of the day, participants are dropped off at the same location where they were picked up, ensuring a seamless start and finish to the tour.
| Pickup Location | Drop-off Location |
|---|---|
| Hanoi Old Quarter | Hanoi Old Quarter |
| Hanoi Opera House | Hanoi Opera House |
| Other locations may be accommodated with prior arrangements. |
Lunar New Year Surcharge
There’s a surcharge of $10 per person during the Lunar New Year period, which falls between January 28 and February 1, 2025.
This surcharge applies to the Ninh Binh day tour from Hanoi. The increased price reflects the higher demand and operational costs during this peak travel season.
Travelers should be aware of this additional fee when booking the tour. It’s important to check availability and book early, as spots may fill up quickly during the Lunar New Year celebrations.
The tour’s other inclusions, such as transportation, lunch, and entrance fees, remain the same throughout the year.
Availability and Reservations
Travelers can check the availability of the Ninh Binh day tour from Hanoi by contacting the tour operator.
The tour has a limited group size, so early booking is recommended. Participants can choose their preferred start time, though availability may vary.
To secure a spot, travelers should make their reservation in advance, as the tour is popular, especially during peak seasons.
Once the booking is confirmed, the tour operator will provide all necessary details, including pickup location and meeting time.
Customers can also inquire about any special requirements or modifications to the itinerary when making their reservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transportation Provided Between Hanoi and Ninh Binh?
Yes, the tour includes pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The 8-hour full-day tour covers the highlights of Ninh Binh, including transportation to and from the destination.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?
The tour itinerary can’t be fully customized, but there are some flexible options. Guests can choose between cycling or boat cruising in Tam Coc, and decide whether to climb Mua Cave. The rest of the program is fixed.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
The tour company doesn’t offer specific discounts for students or seniors. However, they may be flexible on pricing for larger groups or private tours. It’s best to inquire directly about any potential discounts or customization options.
Can I Store My Luggage During the Tour?
The tour provider doesn’t offer luggage storage services. Participants should make their own arrangements to store any extra bags or luggage they have before the tour starts. Travelers should plan accordingly.
Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for Participants?
There is no minimum age requirement for participants on this tour. The tour is open to individuals of all ages, though children must be accompanied by an adult throughout the day’s activities.
Recap
This full-day tour from Hanoi showcases the stunning natural beauty and rich history of Ninh Binh. Visitors can explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, take a scenic boat ride through Tam Coc, and hike to Mua Cave for breathtaking views. With a knowledgeable guide, convenient transportation, and an included buffet lunch, it’s an unforgettable day trip that allows travelers to experience the highlights of this captivating region.