Discover the wonders of Vietnam’s ancient landmarks and natural beauty on this comprehensive day tour from Hanoi. Explore the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, the historic significance of Hoa Lu, and the serene tranquility of Bich Dong Pagoda. Enjoy the vibrant birdlife of Thung Nham Valley and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine. With an experienced guide leading the way, this tour promises an unforgettable adventure that’ll leave you eager to uncover more of Vietnam’s captivating treasures.

Key Points

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Key Points

  • This full-day tour from Hanoi takes visitors to the historic Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Vietnam.
  • The tour includes cycling through the picturesque rice fields and majestic mountains of Ninh Binh, with opportunities for birdwatching in Thung Nham Bird Valley.
  • Visitors can explore the sacred Bich Dong Pagoda, situated within a mountain, and visit a temple on a sacred mountain during the tour.
  • The tour includes pickup from the Old Quarter of Hanoi, an English-speaking guide, lunch, entrance fees, and cycling, with the option to customize for private groups.
  • Multilingual guides, including English, Chinese, Japanese, and French, are available to enhance the tour experience and provide detailed explanations of the sites’ history and significance.

Tour Overview and Pricing

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour typically starts from around ₫1,585 per person and lasts for approximately 8 hours.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour covers several highlights, including the largest pagoda in Vietnam, a sacred ancient pagoda, the first capital of Vietnam, cycling through rice fields and mountains, and birdwatching in a unique valley.

The tour includes pickup from Hanoi, an English-speaking guide, lunch, entrance fees, and cycling.

Private group options are available, and travelers can check availability to find suitable start times.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Highlights and Activities

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Highlights and Activities

The tour offers several captivating highlights and activities.

Visitors can explore the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest pagoda in Vietnam, and uncover the rich history of Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital.

Cycling through the picturesque rice fields and majestic mountains provides a unique perspective on the region’s natural beauty.

Birdwatching in the Thung Nham Bird Valley allows visitors to observe diverse avian species.

The ancient Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled within a sacred mountain, offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s spiritual heritage.

These varied experiences provide a well-rounded exploration of Ninh Binh’s cultural and natural wonders.

Itinerary

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Itinerary

The tour begins with pickup from the hotel or accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

The scenic journey to Ninh Binh showcases the lush green rice fields and majestic mountains.

Visitors can choose between visiting the massive Bai Dinh Pagoda or exploring the historic Hoa Lu ruins, the first capital of Vietnam.

After this, the tour cycles through the beautiful Bich Dong, stopping at an ancient temple and a sacred mountain temple.

Inclusions

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Inclusions

The tour includes a pickup from the hotel or accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

It’s a fully escorted tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Travelers will receive:

  • 2 bottles of water per person
  • Lunch at a local restaurant
  • Entrance fees
  • Cycling tour
  • Beverages and travel insurance

The tour also includes tips for the guide, but personal expenses aren’t covered.

Live tour guides are available in English, Chinese, Japanese, and French.

Private group options are available as well.

Additional Information

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Additional Information

Travellers may choose from a variety of live tour guide options, with languages including English, Chinese, Japanese, and French. This provides flexibility for visitors from diverse backgrounds to fully engage with the tour and gain insights.

Plus, the tour can be customized for private groups, allowing for a more personalized experience. Interested parties are encouraged to check availability to determine the ideal start time for their schedule.

Pickup and Transportation

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Pickup and Transportation

When booking this tour, travellers are picked up from their hotel or accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi.

The scenic journey to Ninh Binh showcases the region’s lush green rice fields and majestic mountains.

The tour includes:

  • Comfortable transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle
  • Pickup and drop-off at your hotel or accommodation
  • Convenient meeting point in the Old Quarter
  • Experienced, English-speaking guide to provide commentary
  • Efficient transportation to maximize sightseeing time

The transportation and pickup logistics are designed to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience throughout the day’s activities.

Meals and Dining

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Meals and Dining

During the tour, a delicious lunch at a local restaurant is included. The meal showcases authentic Vietnamese cuisine, allowing you to savor the flavors of the region.

The menu typically features a variety of dishes, such as grilled meats, fresh vegetables, and fragrant rice. Vegetarian options are also available upon request.

The lunch provides a nourishing break amidst the day’s activities, giving you the energy to continue exploring the stunning landscapes and cultural sites.

With the meal taken care of, you can fully learn about the experience without having to worry about finding a place to eat.

Tour Guides and Languages

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Tour Guides and Languages

This tour features multilingual guides, allowing guests to experience the attractions in their preferred language.

The tour is led by professional English-speaking guides, and interpretation is also available in Chinese, Japanese, and French.

This diversity ensures every traveler can fully enjoy the cultural and historical significance of the sites.

The guide’s expertise enhances the experience, providing:

  • Detailed explanations of the sites’ history and significance
  • Insider knowledge about the local culture and traditions
  • Assistance with photography and navigation
  • Recommendations for the best vantage points and photo opportunities
  • Attentive care to ensure a smooth and memorable journey

Frequently Asked Questions

From Hanoi: Hoa Lu / Bai Dinh & Bich Dong & Thung Nham - Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Tour?

The tour doesn’t provide a specific policy on bringing your own food. However, most tours generally allow you to bring snacks or a packed lunch as long as they don’t interfere with the scheduled activities.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

Yes, the tour duration can be extended. Travelers can coordinate with the tour operator to customize the itinerary and length of the tour to meet their specific needs and preferences.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate. The tour is designed to be accessible for visitors of varying ages and abilities.

Can I Request a Specific Pick-Up Location in Hanoi?

Yes, guests can request a specific pickup location in Hanoi. The tour operator offers hotel/accommodation pickup from the Old Quarter of Hanoi. Travelers should provide their pickup address when booking the tour to ensure a convenient start to their day.

Is There a Discount for Group Bookings?

Yes, the tour offers group discounts. Customers can enjoy a 5% discount for groups of 4-6 people and a 10% discount for groups of 7 or more. Group pricing must be requested at the time of booking.

Recap

This comprehensive tour offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and natural wonders. Visitors can expect to be mesmerized by the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, the historic Hoa Lu, and the serene Bich Dong Pagoda. The cycling journey through picturesque rice fields and birdwatching at Thung Nham Bird Valley add to the immersive experience, complemented by authentic Vietnamese cuisine. A professional English-speaking guide ensures a seamless and informative exploration of this remarkable destination.