Set out on a captivating day trip from Hanoi that showcases some of Vietnam’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Explore the expansive Bai Dinh Pagoda, the UNESCO-listed Trang An cave system, and the stunning Mua Cave. This enriching excursion includes round-trip transportation, a guided tour, and a delectable local lunch. Enjoy the spiritual ambiance and picturesque landscapes of Ninh Binh province. What awaits you on this remarkable adventure?
Key Points
- This day trip from Hanoi explores the top attractions in Ninh Binh, including Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An cave system, and Mua Cave.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation, a guided tour, buffet lunch, and all entrance fees, providing a hassle-free experience.
- Highlights include a boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Trang An caves and a climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint.
- The tour is suitable for most travelers, but not recommended for those with limited mobility or certain medical conditions.
- Past travelers have rated this tour highly, praising its focus on the spiritual and natural beauty of the sites.
Trip Overview
This day trip from Hanoi offers travelers the opportunity to explore three of Ninh Binh’s most renowned attractions: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An cave system, and Mua Cave.
Priced from $68.98 per person, the 6-hour excursion includes round-trip transportation, a guided tour, a buffet lunch, and all entrance fees.
Highlights include visiting the largest pagoda in Southeast Asia, taking a boat trip through the UNESCO-listed Trang An caves, and climbing to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option are available.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary Highlights
As part of this day trip, visitors will first explore the Bai Dinh Pagoda, which is known as the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia. After, they’ll take a 2-hour boat trip through the Trang An cave system, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The final highlight is climbing 500 steps to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views of Tam Coc.
| Highlight | Description | Duration |
| — | — | — |
| Bai Dinh Pagoda | Largest pagoda in Southeast Asia | – |
| Trang An Cave | 2-hour boat trip through UNESCO site | 2 hours |
| Mua Cave | Climb 500 steps for panoramic views | – |
Visitors will also enjoy a buffet lunch at the Ninh Binh Excursion Restaurant featuring local dishes.
Transportation and Pickup
The day trip includes round-trip transportation by limousine, with pickup and drop-off at accommodations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hanoi Opera House.
This convenient transportation option ensures a seamless start and end to the excursion. Travelers can sit back and relax as they’re transported to and from the various sites on the itinerary.
The limousine provides a comfortable and efficient way to navigate between Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, and Mua Cave, allowing visitors to make the most of their time and fully enjoy the experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The day trip includes several inclusions, such as an English-speaking guide, a buffet lunch featuring local dishes, the boat trip through the Trang An cave system, and entrance fees to Bai Dinh Pagoda and Mua Cave.
However, the tour excludes:
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Personal expenses
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Tips
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Drinks at lunch
It’s important to note that this tour isn’t suitable for:
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Children under 6 years
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Pregnant women
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People with back problems
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Wheelchair users
Important Information for Travelers
Travelers should keep a few important points in mind when booking this day trip.
This tour isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, people with back problems, or wheelchair users. Participants should wear comfortable shoes and bring a hat, camera, sunscreen, and water. Smoking and flash photography aren’t allowed.
The tour includes pickup and drop-off at accommodations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Opera House, and round-trip transportation by limousine.
With a 5/5 rating from a past traveler, this day trip offers an exciting opportunity to explore Bai Dinh, Trang An, and Mua Cave near Hanoi.
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Bai Dinh Pagoda: The Largest Pagoda in Southeast Asia
Bai Dinh Pagoda stands as the largest Buddhist temple complex in Southeast Asia, sprawling across a vast 700-acre site in the Ninh Binh province.
The pagoda’s highlights include:
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The main sanctuary, home to a 10-story-tall bronze Buddha statue
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A collection of over 500 Buddha statues carved from precious materials
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A 13-story bell tower, the tallest in Vietnam
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A peaceful meditation garden with ancient trees and serene ponds
Visitors can explore the grand architecture, enjoy the spiritual ambiance, and witness the impressive scale of this renowned religious landmark.
Trang An Cave System: A UNESCO World Heritage Site
After marveling at the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the day trip continues with a 2-hour boat ride through the picturesque Trang An cave system.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site features a network of interconnected limestone caves, rivers, and grottoes. Visitors glide peacefully along the serene waterways, surrounded by striking rock formations and lush, verdant landscapes.
The Trang An experience offers a chance to take in the region’s remarkable natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. With its awe-inspiring scenery and tranquil atmosphere, the boat tour is a highlight of this comprehensive Ninh Binh excursion.
Mua Cave: Climbing to the Panoramic Views
From the serene Trang An boat ride, the day trip moves on to the next highlight – scaling the 500 steps of Mua Cave.
This challenging climb rewards visitors with panoramic views of the Tam Coc landscape.
Key highlights of the Mua Cave experience include:
Reaching the summit for stunning vistas, exploring the picturesque cave interior, capturing Instagram-worthy photos, and refueling with a local buffet lunch.
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Reaching the summit for stunning vistas of the surrounding limestone karsts and winding river
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Exploring the picturesque cave interior, with its unique geological formations
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Capturing Instagram-worthy photos from the viewpoint tower
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Refueling with the included buffet lunch featuring local Ninh Binh cuisine
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Visit the Sites Independently Instead of on a Tour?
Yes, you can visit the sites independently. The Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An cave system, and Mua Cave are all publicly accessible and don’t require a guided tour. However, using a tour may be more convenient and provide additional insight.
Are There Any Age Restrictions or Required Fitness Levels?
This day trip isn’t suitable for children under 6, pregnant women, those with back problems, or wheelchair users. Visitors should be able to climb 500 steps and board a boat for the cave trip.
Can I Book the Tour With a Different Language Guide?
Yes, travelers can request a guide in a different language, though availability may vary. It’s best to inquire with the tour provider when booking to see if they can accommodate the desired language.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Mentioned?
The tour pricing doesn’t mention any additional fees or taxes. The total cost of $68.98 per person covers all specified inclusions, and there aren’t any hidden charges or taxes beyond what’s listed in the details.
Is There an Option to Customize the Tour Itinerary?
There doesn’t appear to be an option to customize the tour itinerary. The package includes set activities and destinations, though travellers can decide what optional extras they’d like to add during the trip.
The Sum Up
This captivating day trip from Hanoi provides an immersive exploration of Ninh Binh’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. Visitors can marvel at the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, navigate the serene Trang An cave system, and climb to the stunning vistas of Mua Cave, all while enjoying convenient transportation, a guided tour, and local cuisine. It’s an enriching experience not to be missed.
You can check availability for your dates here:More 1-Day Tours in Ninh Binh
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