Explore the breathtaking landscapes of northern Vietnam on this 12-hour small group tour. Discover the historical Hoa Lu temples, enjoy a scenic rowboat ride along the Hoang Long River, and climb 500 steps to the Mua Cave for stunning panoramic vistas. With personalized attention from an English-speaking guide, a delicious buffet lunch, and round-trip transportation, this adventure promises an unforgettable experience. But what secrets might be unveiled during this extraordinary journey?
Key Points
- A 12-hour small-group tour from Hanoi that visits Hoa Lu temples, Tam Coc for a rowboat ride, and Mua Cave for panoramic views.
- Priced at $66 per person and includes transportation, English-speaking guide, buffet lunch, entrance fees, and bottled water.
- Free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
- Recommended for an immersive experience exploring the natural landscapes and cultural sites in the Ninh Binh region.
- Positive customer reviews praise the tour guide’s performance, service quality, and well-organized itinerary.
Tour Overview and Pricing
The Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Day Tour is priced at $66.00 per person.
The 12-hour small-group tour is limited to 9 participants. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Customers can also opt for the reserve now & pay later option.
The tour includes transportation with air conditioning, an English-speaking guide, a buffet lunch, entrance fees, and a bottle of water per person on the bus.
Travelers are advised to bring comfortable shoes, a hat, a camera, sunscreen, water, and comfortable clothes.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary and Locations
Pickup from hotels in The Old Quarter or Hanoi Opera House kicks off the day-long adventure.
Guests will visit Hoa Lu temples: Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, spending an hour exploring the historic religious sites.
After, they’ll enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant in Tam Coc.
The highlight is a 2.5-hour rowboat ride along the Hoang Long River and through the Tam Coc caves.
Then, they’ll climb 500 steps to reach Mua Cave for panoramic views before returning to Hanoi with drop-off at specified locations.
Inclusions
This tour includes round-trip transportation with air conditioning, an English-speaking guide, a buffet lunch, all necessary entrance fees, and a complimentary bottle of water per person on the bus. The inclusions ensure a hassle-free and enjoyable experience for all participants.
| Inclusions | Details |
| — | — |
| Transportation | A/C-equipped vehicles for the entire journey |
| Guide | English-speaking, knowledgeable guide |
| Meal | Buffet lunch at a local restaurant in Tam Coc |
| Fees | Entrance fees for all sites on the itinerary |
The inclusions provide excellent value for money, allowing you to focus on exploring the stunning landscapes and historical sites without worrying about additional costs.
What to Bring
Comfortable shoes are a must for this tour, as you will be exploring historical sites and climbing steps at Mua Cave.
A hat is recommended to shield from the sun, and a camera is essential for capturing the stunning landscapes and architecture.
Sunscreen is advisable to protect skin from the sun’s rays. Staying hydrated is crucial, so be sure to bring water.
Lastly, wear comfortable, breathable clothing that allows for easy movement during the activities.
With the right gear, travelers can fully enjoy the day’s adventures and soak in the beauty of Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Reviews
According to the reviews, the Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave Day Tour has received an overall rating of 5 out of 5 based on 2 reviews.
Customers praised the tour guide’s performance and the overall service quality. They noted the tour’s timely pickup and the quality of the provided lunch.
The reviews recommend this tour for its well-organized itinerary and enjoyable activities, such as the rowboat ride and the panoramic views from Mua Cave.
The customer feedback suggests this tour is an excellent choice for those seeking an immersive experience exploring Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
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Pickup and Drop-off
The tour begins with pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or the Hanoi Opera House.
Guests are transported to the first stop, the Hoa Lu temples, where they’ll spend an hour exploring the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple.
After the temple visit, the group travels to Tam Coc for a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant.
Following the meal, they embark on a 2.5-hour rowboat ride along the Hoang Long River and through the Tam Coc caves.
The final stop is the Mua Cave, where participants climb 500 steps to reach the panoramic viewpoint.
The tour then returns to Hanoi.
Rowboat Ride and Tam Coc Caves
After visiting the Hoa Lu temples, the group travels to Tam Coc, where they embark on a 2.5-hour rowboat ride along the Hoang Long River. The tranquil river winds through a landscape of limestone karsts, rice paddies, and caves. Along the way, the guide points out notable features and explains the cultural significance of the region. The rowboat ride takes the group through three natural caves, where they can admire the stunning rock formations and listen to the gentle lapping of the water.
| Rowboat Ride Details | | | |
|———————|————|————|————|
| Duration | 2.5 hours | | |
| Landscape | Limestone karsts | Rice paddies | Caves |
| Guide’s Role | Points out notable features | Explains cultural significance | |
| Key Highlights | Tranquil river | Natural caves | Rock formations |
Mua Cave and Panoramic Views
Following the rowboat ride through the Tam Coc caves, the group then heads to Mua Cave.
Climbing 500 steps up the mountain, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
From the top of Mua Cave, one can see:
-
Dramatic limestone karst formations
-
Winding rivers cutting through the valley
-
Emerald green rice paddies in the distance
-
An aerial perspective of the Tam Coc boat tour route
The views from Mua Cave provide a breathtaking vantage point to appreciate the natural beauty of this UNESCO-recognized region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Book the Tour for a Date Not Listed?
Yes, you can book the tour for a date not listed. The tour provider offers flexible scheduling and accepts reservations for custom dates, subject to availability. Contact them directly to inquire about booking the tour on your preferred date.
What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?
The maximum group size for the tour is 9 participants. The tour overview states that it is a "Small group limited to 9 participants", ensuring a more intimate and personalized experience.
Is There a Discount for Children or Seniors?
The tour does not offer any discounts for children or seniors. The price of $66 per person is the same regardless of age. The small group size is limited to 9 participants maximum.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to Visit Additional Sites?
Customers can customize the itinerary to visit additional sites, but it may incur extra costs. The tour operator can provide pricing information for any add-ons or changes to the standard tour package upon request.
How Much Time Is Allocated for Each Activity on the Tour?
The tour allocates around 1 hour for visiting the Hoa Lu temples, 1 hour for lunch, 2.5 hours for the Tam Coc river cruise, and 1 hour for climbing to the Mua Cave viewpoint.
The Sum Up
This day tour from Hanoi offers a compelling mix of historical, natural, and scenic highlights. Visitors can explore the ancient Hoa Lu temples, enjoy a relaxing river cruise through the Tam Coc caves, and climb to the top of Mua Cave for stunning panoramic vistas. With transportation, a buffet lunch, and a small group size, this tour provides a well-rounded and convenient way to experience northern Vietnam’s captivating landscapes.
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