The Dong Bang Song Hong region offers excellent river experiences that showcase Vietnam’s heartland. Full-day trips to Ninh Binh, combining Hoa Lu temples and Trang An grottoes, rank among the best options. I’m especially fond of the combined boat-and-bike tours through local villages – they provide an intimate look at rural life while avoiding the larger tourist crowds.
The small-group tours, particularly those including Mua Cave, stand out for their excellent guide commentary and flexible booking terms. These outings perfectly balance natural scenery with cultural insights.
Skip the big tourist boats and opt for the more personal Vespa or Jeep combination tours – they’re worth the extra cost for authentic local encounters.
Browse our favorite tours below to start planning your river adventure.
Key Points
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Ninh Binh, part of the Dong Bang Song Hong (Red River Delta) region, offers a variety of scenic boat tours through its limestone karst landscape, known as “Ha Long Bay on Land.”
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Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ninh Binh, features a 2-hour boat ride through caves and grottos, providing a tranquil and unique experience.
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Ninh Binh Vespa tours combine the thrill of riding a Vespa with boat cruises on the Ngo Dong River, allowing visitors to explore the region’s natural beauty and cultural attractions.
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Jeep tours in Ninh Binh offer an adventurous way to discover the countryside, rice paddies, and local culture, complemented by a boat journey along the Ngo Dong River.
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Small group tours in Ninh Binh combine the serenity of a boat ride through the Trang An landscape with the opportunity to explore the region’s villages and interact with local artisans.
From Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Trang An Boat, Mua Cave Hiking-Day Trip
This full-day trip from Hanoi whisks you away to the stunning province of Ninh Binh, known as the “Ha Long Bay on Land.”
You’ll begin with a 2.5-hour journey to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, dating back to the 10th century.
Next, you’ll embark on a 2-hour boat ride through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Trang An, surrounded by magnificent limestone cliffs.
After a delicious buffet lunch, you’ll hike up 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave, offering panoramic views of the Tam Coc region.
Throughout the day, you’ll enjoy hotel pickup and drop-off, round-trip transportation in a comfortable limousine bus, and all entrance fees and guided tours.
With free cancellation and a reserve now & pay later option, this trip offers excellent value at just Kč 1,068 per person.
Don’t miss the chance to explore this picturesque corner of Vietnam.
Read our full review: From Hanoi: Hoa Lu, Trang An Boat, Mua Cave Hiking-Day Trip Review
Book now: Check availability
Ninh Binh Vespa Tours From Hanoi: Vespa + Boat + Daily Life
Eager to experience more of Ninh Binh’s breathtaking landscapes? The Ninh Binh Vespa Tours from Hanoi offer an exciting way to explore the region.
Priced from $87.80 per person, this 12-hour small-group tour (limited to 8 participants) combines Vespa rides, boat cruises, and immersion in local daily life.
The day begins with a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, followed by a hike to the panoramic Mua Cave. Next, you’ll embark on a 1.5-hour boat journey through the Ngo Dong River’s natural caves.
The highlight is a Vespa tour through the Ninh Binh countryside, visiting Thai Vi temple and Bich Dong pagoda.
Included are an authentic local home lunch, English-speaking guides, and transportation.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a pay-later option, this tour offers flexibility and value.
Reviewers praise the stunning scenery, engaging activities, and knowledgeable guides, making it a must-do for your Dong Bang Song Hong explorations.
Read our full review: Ninh Binh Vespa Tours From Hanoi: Vespa + Boat + Daily Life Review
Book now: Check availability
Ninh Binh Jeep Tours From Hanoi: Jeep + Boat + Daily Life
Travelers seeking to enjoy the captivating landscapes of Ninh Binh can embark on the Ninh Binh Jeep Tours from Hanoi. This 12-hour excursion, limited to 8 participants, offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s natural and cultural wonders.
The tour begins with an early departure from Hanoi, followed by a 2-hour car journey and a hike to the picturesque Mua Cave for panoramic vistas.
Next, guests will enjoy a 1.5-hour boat journey along the Ngo Dong River, passing through underground caves and observing local life. A delightful lunch at a home-hosted restaurant precedes a 2-hour Jeep tour of the Ninh Binh countryside, visiting the Thai Vi Temple and Bich Dong Pagoda.
Throughout the journey, travelers will experience the region’s limestone karsts, rice paddies, and quaint villages, seeing the authentic local culture.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour provides a hassle-free way to discover the hidden gems of Ninh Binh.
Read our full review: Ninh Binh Jeep Tours From Hanoi: Jeep + Boat + Daily Life Review
Book now: Check availability
Ninh Binh Small Group From Hanoi: Boat, Bike & Daily Life
Ninh Binh’s natural beauty extends beyond the Jeep tours, inviting visitors to explore its tranquil waterways and quaint villages on the Ninh Binh Small Group From Hanoi: Boat, Bike & Daily Life tour.
This full-day excursion combines a scenic boat ride through the limestone caves and grottos of Trang An with a leisurely bike ride through the countryside, offering an immersive glimpse into the region’s daily life.
You’ll board a traditional sampan boat and glide along the Sao Khe River, admiring the dramatic karst formations and lush vegetation.
After the boat tour, you’ll hop on a bike and cycle through the picturesque villages, stopping to interact with local artisans and observe their traditional crafts.
The tour also includes a visit to the stunning Bich Dong Pagoda, a historic Buddhist temple nestled among the limestone cliffs.
With a small group size and knowledgeable local guides, this experience provides an authentic and intimate exploration of Ninh Binh’s natural and cultural treasures.
Read our full review: Ninh Binh Small Group From Hanoi: Boat, Bike & Daily Life Review
Book now: Check availability
The Sum Up
You’ll find a range of cruise and boat tour options to explore the stunning Dong Bang Song Hong region from Hanoi. Whether you prefer a day trip to Hoa Lu and Trang An, a Vespa or Jeep tour with boat rides, or a small group experience focused on the local daily life, there are plenty of ways to discover this beautiful destination.