From Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An, Mua Cave, & Bich Dong Tour

We’re excited to explore the stunning cultural and natural landmarks around Ninh Binh on this comprehensive 9-hour tour. From the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to the breathtaking Trang An Landscape Complex, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. With affordable pricing, convenient hotel pickup, and a delicious Vietnamese lunch included, it’s the perfect way to immerse ourselves in the beauty and history of this remarkable region.

Key Points

• This comprehensive 9-hour tour explores Ninh Binh’s top attractions, including Bich Dong Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and the Trang An Landscape Complex.
• Highlights include a scenic boat trip through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and an optional climb to the viewpoint of Mua Cave.
• The tour offers hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and lunch at a local restaurant, with additional costs for Mua Cave and Trang An Boat tickets.
• The tour is highly rated by previous customers, who praise the stunning scenery, helpful guide, and unique experiences.
• The tour provides a good value for money, with a price starting at $28.87 per person and free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

This tour offers a comprehensive exploration of Ninh Binh’s top attractions, providing visitors with a well-rounded experience.

Priced from $28.87 per person, the 9-hour tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.

Key highlights include visiting Bich Dong Pagoda, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and the scenic Trang An Landscape Complex, where you’ll take a boat trip through caves and landscapes.

The tour is likely to sell out, but you can reserve now and pay later. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.

With high ratings for the guide, transportation, and value, this tour is an excellent way to discover Ninh Binh.

Pickup and Initial Visits

After being picked up from our hotel in Ninh Binh, we first visited the Bich Dong Pagoda, which is situated in a picturesque setting amidst limestone cliffs.

We spent an hour exploring the tranquil temple complex and its beautiful natural surroundings.

Then, we’d the option to visit the nearby Mua Cave, where we could climb up the 500 steps to the stunning viewpoint overlooking the Ngo Dong River and the Ninh Binh countryside.

The climb to the Mua Cave viewpoint may be challenging, but the panoramic vistas overlooking the Ngo Dong River and Ninh Binh countryside make it well worth the effort.

Though the climb was challenging, the panoramic vistas from the top were well worth the effort.

Historical Exploration

Next, we visited the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the seat of power for the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th century.

Here, we explored the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, learning about the heroic figures who led battles against Chinese invaders during this tumultuous period.

The ancient citadel walls and ruins provided a glimpse into the fortifications and strategic positioning that allowed these rulers to defend their kingdom.

Though time has worn down the physical structures, the stories of valor and resilience still resonate, transporting us back to a pivotal moment in Vietnamese history.

Lunch Break

Following the tour of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, we enjoyed a 1.5-hour lunch break at a local restaurant.

The meal provided a welcome respite from the morning’s exploration. We savored authentic Vietnamese cuisine, including staples like pho, rice dishes, and fresh spring rolls.

The restaurant offered a tranquil setting, allowing us to recharge before the next leg of the tour. Refueled and refreshed, we were ready to continue our journey through the scenic landscapes of Ninh Binh.

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Scenic Boat Trip

The next stage of our tour was the scenic boat trip through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, which spanned 3 hours.

We climbed aboard the bamboo rafts and glided through the serene waterways, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and lush vegetation.

Our guide pointed out the Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Ba Giot Cave as we passed through the tranquil scenery.

The scenic boat tour showcased the Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Ba Giot Cave amidst the serene landscape.

The boat ride offered a peaceful respite and allowed us to fully immerse ourselves in the natural beauty of the region.

It was a truly memorable experience that capped off the day’s historical and cultural discoveries.

Return

After the scenic boat trip, we were transferred back to our hotels, arriving around 5:15 pm.

The return journey provided a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences. Our guide summarized the key historical and cultural highlights, helping us appreciate the significance of the sites we’d visited.

Despite the full itinerary, the pacing felt comfortable, allowing us to take in the scenery and immerse ourselves in the local culture.

Inclusions and Additional Costs

This tour includes a range of activities and services to enhance the experience. The package covers hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and bottled water on the van.

However, there are a few additional costs to consider:

1. The entrance ticket for Mua Cave is 100,000 VND per person.

2. The Trang An Boat ticket costs 250,000 VND per person.

These additional fees aren’t included in the tour price, so it’s important to budget accordingly.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Based on the 206 reviews, customers have generally rated this tour quite highly, with an overall score of 4.6 out of 5.

The guide and transportation services received particularly strong scores of 4.7 out of 5. Reviewers highlighted the stunning scenery, helpful guide, and unique experiences as tour highlights.

The tour’s guide and transportation services were highly praised, with reviewers highlighting the stunning scenery and unique experiences.

One UK customer described it as a "great experience with amazing views and a helpful guide." An American reviewer noted it was a "great day despite a late pickup, with dreamlike nature."

The tour seems to offer good value for money according to the 4.4 out of 5 rating in this area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may be suitable for children, but we’d recommend considering the long duration and activities. While the boat trip and scenic views could be enjoyable, the historical sites and cave visits may not suit all young travelers.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The maximum group size for this tour is not explicitly stated, but based on the details provided, we can expect a small to medium-sized group. The tour seems designed for personalized experiences, so the group size is likely limited.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?

Yes, we can customize the tour to your individual preferences. Just let us know if you’d like to adjust the itinerary or activities, and we’ll be happy to accommodate your needs.

Are All Activities Wheelchair Accessible?

Unfortunately, not all activities on this tour are fully wheelchair accessible. The boat ride at Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and the visit to Mua Cave may present some challenges for those using wheelchairs. We recommend checking with the tour operator for details on accessibility.

How Does the Weather Affect the Tour Schedule?

The weather can impact the tour schedule, as heavy rain or severe storms may require rescheduling or modifying activities for safety. We recommend checking the forecast before your trip and packing appropriate attire to enjoy the tour regardless of conditions.

The Sum Up

This comprehensive tour of Ninh Binh’s highlights offers an exceptional value. From the historic Hoa Lu to the serene Trang An boat trip, it showcases Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders. With convenient hotel pickup, an expert guide, and a delicious lunch included, it’s an excellent way to experience the region’s top attractions in a single day. Considering the rave reviews, this tour is well worth the affordable price.

You can check availability for your dates here: