Discover the breathtaking landscapes of northern Vietnam on this comprehensive 12-hour tour. Starting from Hanoi, you’ll visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, explore scenic villages by bike, and indulge in a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch. The highlight of the day? A boat trip through the stunning Trang An caves, followed by a challenging climb to Mua Cave for panoramic views of the magnificent countryside. At just $56.88 per person, this tour offers an unbeatable opportunity to learn about the natural wonders of this captivating region. But what else might you encounter along the way?
Key Points
- Comprehensive 12-hour tour from Hanoi to visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, and climb Mua Cave.
- Tour includes round-trip transport, buffet lunch, and exploration of historical and natural sites, providing a flexible discovery experience.
- Itinerary includes a visit to Dinh King temple, a 45-minute bike ride through a local village, and a 1.5-hour boat tour in the Trang An Scenic Landscape.
- Tour starts with hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and provides free WiFi, bottled water, and wheelchair accessibility on the bus.
- Highlights include panoramic views from the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain and the opportunity to experience Vietnam’s imperial past and natural wonders.
It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.
Tour Overview and Pricing
This tour offers a comprehensive package for visitors to explore the historical and scenic wonders of Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave from Hanoi.
Priced from $56.88 per person, the 12-hour tour includes round-trip transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a buffet lunch.
Highlights include visiting the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, exploring the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, and climbing the 500 steps to Mua Cave for panoramic views.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and an option to reserve now and pay later, this tour provides a hassle-free and flexible way to discover these UNESCO-listed attractions.
Itinerary and Highlights
The tour commences at 7:00 – 7:30 with pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
After a short 20-minute break, guests visit the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where they explore the Dinh King temple and learn about the site’s history.
Next, they enjoy a 45-minute bike ride through the local village before a 2.5-hour Vietnamese buffet lunch.
The tour then proceeds to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where guests take a boat trip to explore several caves.
Starting Location and Pickup
The tour departs from the Hanoi Opera House, located at No. 1 Trang Tien Street.
Free hotel pickup is available, with the bus arriving between 7:00 and 7:30 AM. For those not staying in the Old Quarter, you can meet the group at the Hanoi Opera House.
The bus is equipped with Wi-Fi and complimentary bottled water. The English-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the day’s activities.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and clothing, as the tour involves walking and exploring various sites.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
After the pickup, the tour heads to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam.
Visitors will explore the Dinh King temple and learn about the capital’s rich history spanning over 1,000 years.
The tour spends 1.5 hours at Hoa Lu, allowing ample time to wander the historic site.
Guests can admire the well-preserved architecture and imagine what life was like during the Dinh and Early Le dynasties.
This stop provides a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s imperial past before continuing the journey to the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Cycling and Buffet Lunch
Cycling around the village for 45 minutes follows the visit to Hoa Lu.
On a leisurely bike ride, guests will explore the peaceful countryside and get a glimpse of local life.
After working up an appetite, a 2.5-hour buffet lunch awaits at a nearby restaurant.
The spread features an array of traditional Vietnamese dishes, allowing travelers to sample the region’s renowned cuisine.
From steaming pho to refreshing summer rolls, the buffet caters to diverse palates.
Guests can relax and refuel while surrounded by lush greenery, preparing for the next leg of the excursion to the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Trang An Scenic Landscape
Following the buffet lunch, guests make their way to the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. This captivating site offers a boat tour through a network of caves, including the Sang, Toi, and Nau Ruou caves. As they glide across the serene waters, visitors can admire the towering limestone cliffs and lush greenery surrounding them. The tour provides a peaceful and immersive experience, allowing guests to fully appreciate the natural beauty of this remarkable landscape.
| Trang An Scenic Landscape Tour | |
|---|---|
| Duration | 1.5 hours |
| Boat Ride | Through 3 caves |
| Highlights | Limestone cliffs, lush greenery |
| UNESCO Status | World Heritage Site |
| Departure Time | 13:30 – 14:00 |
Mua Cave and Lying Dragon
The tour then proceeds to the captivating Mua Cave, also known as the "Dancing Cave."
Visitors embark on a challenging, yet rewarding, climb up the 500 steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain. The ascent offers panoramic views of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
At the top, guests are greeted with a breathtaking vista of the limestone karst formations and winding rivers below.
The descent from Lying Dragon Mountain marks the end of the day’s adventures, as the group returns to Hanoi, concluding this comprehensive exploration of northern Vietnam’s natural and historical wonders.
Inclusions, Amenities, and Information
This tour includes a limousine bus with an experienced driver and an English-speaking guide.
Free WiFi and water are provided on the bus. A buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine is included, as are the entrance fees and boating in Trang An.
However, personal expenses, insurance, taxes, and tips aren’t covered.
The meeting point is in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with free pickup and drop-off.
Comfortable shoes and clothes are recommended. Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed.
The tour is wheelchair accessible, and the guide speaks Bashkir and English.
Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Request a Vegetarian or Halal Meal Option?
Yes, you can request a vegetarian or halal meal option. The tour provider offers a buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese cuisine, so they should be able to accommodate dietary restrictions with advance notice.
Is There an Age Limit or Restrictions for This Tour?
The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Children of all ages are welcome to join. However, parents should ensure their children can handle the physical activities, such as the 500-step climb to Lying Dragon Mountain.
What Is the Group Size or Maximum Number of Participants?
The tour does not specify a maximum group size. However, it notes that free pickup and drop-off are provided in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, suggesting a reasonable group size that can be accommodated by limousine bus transportation.
Can I Extend the Tour or Add Additional Activities?
Guests can’t extend the tour or add additional activities. The itinerary and pricing are fixed. However, travelers can customize their experience by selecting from the tour’s various inclusions, such as the buffet lunch and boat trip. Additional costs may apply.
How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Mobility Challenges?
The tour is wheelchair accessible. The tour guide can accommodate individuals with mobility challenges. However, the climb to Lying Dragon Mountain may be difficult for some. Advance notice is recommended to ensure proper arrangements.
Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby
- From Hanoi: HOA LU – TAM COC – MUA CAVE 1 Day BY LIMOUSINE
- From Hanoi: Hoa Lu-Trang An-Mua Cave/Limousine Bus/Buffet
- From Ninh Binh: Motorbike Tour Visit The Best Destination
- Explore Ninh Binh in 1 Day: Trang An, Mua Cave & Hoa Lu
- Ninh Binh Full-Day Trip: Bai Dinh, Trang An and Mua Caves
- 1 Day – Travelling Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Hang Mua
- 1 Day in Ninh Binh: A Journey to Hoa Lu, Trang An, Hang Mua
- Explore Ninh Binh: Day Tour of Hoa Lu & Trang An
- Hanoi: Trang An, Bai Dinh, and Mua Cave Fullday Trip
- BAI DINH – HOA LU – TRANG AN – MUA CAVE By Minivan
- Ninh Binh: Bai Dinh Temple – Trang An Boat Tour – Mua Cave
- From Ninh Binh Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave Full Day
- Ninh Binh Full Day Trip to Hoa Lu – Trang an – Mua Cave
- Lamia Cruise – Hot Springs Tour On The Heritage River
- From Ninh Binh/ Ha Noi : Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave Trip
Recap
This comprehensive tour offers an immersive exploration of northern Vietnam’s stunning natural landscapes and historical sites. Experience the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, cycle through local villages, enjoy a Vietnamese buffet lunch, and discover the breathtaking Trang An caves and Mua Cave viewpoint. At just $56.88 per person, it’s an unbeatable value for a full-day adventure.