Exploring the picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh from Hanoi is an enticing prospect for many travelers. This 1-day tour offers a comprehensive experience, allowing us to uncover the region’s historical and cultural treasures. From the ancient Hoa Lu citadel to the serene boat ride through Trang An, the itinerary promises an enriching adventure. With round-trip transportation, a delightful buffet lunch, and an English-speaking guide, this tour seems to provide excellent value. Let’s delve deeper into the details and see if this is the perfect getaway for our next Hanoi excursion.
Key Points
- This 1-day small-big group tour from Hanoi covers the highlights of Ninh Binh, including Hoa Lu ancient citadel, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and boat trips in Trang An or Tam Coc.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and an English-speaking guide for a comprehensive and convenient experience.
- Customers rate the tour highly for its organization, guide knowledge, transportation quality, and value for money based on 46 reviews.
- Participants should wear comfortable shoes, avoid short skirts, and be prepared to tip boat rowers around 50,000-100,000 VND per person.
- The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, and a 300,000 VND surcharge applies for holidays.
Tour Overview
This 1-day Ninh Binh Highlight Small – Big Group Tour offers a comprehensive exploration of the picturesque Ninh Binh region.
Priced from $33 per person, the tour includes round-trip transport from Hanoi, all entrance fees, a buffet lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
The full-day itinerary covers top attractions like the Hoa Lu ancient citadel, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and boat trips through the scenic Trang An or Tam Coc waterways.
Cycling and trekking options are also available.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, this tour offers convenience and flexibility.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Hanoi.
Itinerary Highlights
The tour begins with an early morning pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, followed by a 2.5-hour bus ride to Ninh Binh.
Once there, we’ll visit the Hoa Lu ancient citadel or Bai Dinh Pagoda for about an hour.
Next, we’ll enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring over 20 local dishes.
The highlight is the 1.5-2 hour boat trip in Trang An or Tam Coc, gliding through the serene landscape.
Gliding through the serene landscape of Trang An or Tam Coc on a 1.5-2 hour boat trip is the highlight of the tour.
We can also explore the local villages by bicycle.
Finally, we’ll trek to Mua Cave for scenic views before returning to Hanoi around 7:30-8:00 pm.
Inclusions
The tour includes round-trip transportation between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, with all entrance tickets to the sites on the itinerary.
We also provide complimentary bottled water, an English-speaking guide, and an electric car ticket for the Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Lunch is a buffet featuring over 20 local dishes. Tips and personal expenses aren’t included, but we recommend 50,000-100,000 VND per person for the boat rowers.
Please note there’s a 300,000 VND surcharge for holidays.
We aim to deliver a hassle-free, value-packed experience to make the most of your time in Ninh Binh.
Important Information
Not suitable for wheelchair users, we recommend comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and a sun hat for your Ninh Binh tour.
Avoid short skirts when visiting pagodas. No pets are allowed.
Tips for boat rowers should be 50,000 – 100,000 VND per person. Plus, there’s a 300,000 VND per person surcharge for holidays.
We aim to provide a safe and enjoyable experience, so please keep these important details in mind as you prepare for your day exploring the highlights of Ninh Binh.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback
Based on 46 reviews, the Ninh Binh tour has an overall rating of 4.8 out of 5.
Reviewers praised the tour guide’s organization and knowledge, rating them 4.7 out of 5. The transportation was also well-received, scoring 4.8 out of 5.
Customers felt the tour provided good value for money, with a 4.7 out of 5 rating in this category. Positive comments highlighted the tour’s smooth execution, safety practices, and the delightful buffet lunch.
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Transportation
One key aspect of the Ninh Binh tour is the transportation.
We’re provided roundtrip transport between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, which takes about 2.5 hours each way. The bus is comfortable and air-conditioned, allowing us to relax during the journey.
The tour also includes electric car tickets to and from Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is convenient and eco-friendly.
Activities
The Ninh Binh tour offers a variety of engaging activities for visitors.
We’ll:
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Explore the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu or the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, immersing ourselves in the region’s rich history.
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Set out on a tranquil boat trip through the picturesque Trang An or Tam Coc waterways, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.
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Venture out on an optional cycling excursion to discover the charming local villages.
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Challenge ourselves with a hike up to the scenic viewpoint at Mua Cave.
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Savor a delectable buffet lunch featuring over 20 authentic Vietnamese dishes.
These diverse experiences promise to make our Ninh Binh adventure truly unforgettable.
Dining Experience
Although the tour includes a variety of engaging activities, the highlight for many visitors is the buffet lunch featuring over 20 authentic Vietnamese dishes. We’ve found that the diverse array of flavors and textures provides an excellent opportunity to explore the local cuisine. The lunch buffet includes:
| Dish | Description |
|——|————-|
| Pho | Traditional noodle soup with beef or chicken |
| Bun Cha | Grilled pork with vermicelli noodles |
| Banh Mi | Vietnamese-style baguette sandwiches |
| Goi Cuon | Fresh spring rolls with shrimp |
The buffet showcases the vibrant and nuanced flavors of Ninh Binh’s regional specialties, leaving visitors with a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culinary traditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Group Size Limits for This Tour?
We don’t have specific details on the group size limits for this tour. The description mentions it’s a "small – big group tour", so the size likely varies. You’d need to check with the tour provider for the exact group size range.
Is There an Option to Upgrade to Private Transportation?
We don’t see an option to upgrade to private transportation for this tour. The tour offers round-trip shared transportation between Hanoi and Ninh Binh, which is included in the price. However, you can ask the tour provider if a private option is available.
Can Children and Infants Join the Tour?
Yes, children and infants can join the tour. The itinerary doesn’t specify any age restrictions, so families are welcome to participate. We recommend bringing any necessary child items to ensure a comfortable experience for little ones.
Are There Any Discounts Available for Students or Seniors?
Unfortunately, there don’t seem to be any discounts specifically for students or seniors listed for this tour. However, the tour price is already quite affordable, starting at $33 per person. We’d recommend contacting the tour provider to see if any discounts may be available.
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Special Dietary Meal?
Yes, we can accommodate special dietary needs like vegetarian meals. Just let us know your requirements when booking the tour, and we’ll make sure to provide a suitable buffet lunch for you.
The Sum Up
The 1-Day Ninh Binh Highlight Small – Big Group Tour from Hanoi offers a comprehensive and enriching experience. With round-trip transportation, entrance fees, and a delightful buffet lunch, it provides excellent value for money. Exploring iconic sites like Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh Pagoda, as well as a scenic boat trip, ensures an unforgettable adventure. We highly recommend this tour for its seamless organization and the opportunity to immerse ourselves in Vietnam’s captivating natural and cultural heritage.
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