Exploring the natural and historical wonders of Vietnam is an opportunity we shouldn’t miss. The Group or Private Tour Hoa Lu Trang An Mua Cave with Boat promises an enriching experience that allows us to immerse ourselves in the stunning landscapes, ancient citadels, and UNESCO-recognized sites. With a reasonable price tag and a range of inclusions, this tour seems like an excellent choice for discovering the captivating beauty of this region. Let’s dive deeper into what makes this tour stand out.
Key Points
- The tour includes a boat trip through Tam Coc, known as "Ha Long Bay on land," and a boat ride in Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- The tour offers the option to choose between a group or private tour, with the private tour providing a more personalized experience at an additional cost.
- The tour includes hotel pickup, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and bottled water, but lunch is an optional extra.
- A 30% surcharge applies for tours on Vietnamese holidays, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance.
- Customer reviews suggest the tour offers stunning scenery, but some mention disappointment with late pickups and large group sizes, and recommend arranging personal transportation for a better experience.
Tour Overview and Pricing
Though the Group or Private Tour Hoa Lu Trang An offers visitors a chance to explore Vietnam’s historic landscapes, the pricing for this 8-hour excursion is quite reasonable.
Priced at $38.54 per person, the tour includes a hotel pickup, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, boat trips, and bottled water. Travelers can choose between a group or private tour, with the latter offering a more personalized experience.
Plus, there’s free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. However, visitors should note that a 30% surcharge applies for tours on Vietnamese holidays, and lunch is an optional extra.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Itinerary Highlights
The Group or Private Tour Hoa Lu Trang An offers a compelling itinerary that showcases Vietnam’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes.
We’ll start by visiting the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the country’s first historic capital from the 10th century.
Next, we’ll embark on a boat trip through the breathtaking Tam Coc, often referred to as "Ha Long Bay on land."
Then, we’ll explore the UNESCO World Heritage site of Trang An, marveling at the towering mountains and lush rainforests.
Our lunch at a local restaurant will provide a taste of the region’s culinary delights.
This tour promises an unforgettable exploration of Vietnam’s cultural and natural wonders.
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Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, Vietnam’s first historic capital (10th century)
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Boat trip through Tam Coc, known as "Ha Long Bay on land"
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Explore Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site recognized in 2014
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Marvel at towering mountains and natural rainforest
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Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant
Activities and Experiences
As part of the Group or Private Tour Hoa Lu Trang An, we’ll start with hotel pickup in Hanoi before visiting the Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple at the Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel.
Next, we’ll have two options for boat trips. The Tam Coc boat trip lasts 1.5 hours and takes us through three caves with limestone cliffs and countryside landscapes.
Alternatively, the Trang An boat ride is 2.5 hours and features a tunnel cave system, which was used as a filming location for the 2016 movie "Kong: Skull Island."
Throughout the tour, we’ll enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.
Inclusions and Additional Costs
This tour includes car transfer, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and bottled water.
While lunch is optional, there’s a surcharge for other language guides. Additionally:
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There’s a 30% surcharge for holidays in Vietnam.
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Drinks and tips are additional costs.
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If you wish to have a more personalized experience, a private tour is available for an additional cost.
Be aware that popular tourist sites may be crowded, affecting the overall experience.
Review the customer feedback to set realistic expectations and determine if this tour best suits your preferences.
More Great Tours NearbyCustomer Feedback and Recommendations
According to customer reviews, the tour has an overall rating of 3.5 out of 5 stars based on 2 reviews.
While some were disappointed by the late pickup and large group sizes with limited English, others praised the stunning scenery. Reviewers suggested arranging your own transportation for a better experience.
Although the boat trips were noted for mass tourism, the Trang An tunnel cave system from the film "Kong: Skull Island" stood out.
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Exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
The Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, once the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, offers visitors a glimpse into the country’s storied past.
When exploring this historical site, you can:
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Marvel at the well-preserved remains of the Dinh and Le King Temples, which provide insight into the region’s royal heritage.
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Wander through the expansive citadel walls, imagining the bustling activity that once filled these spaces.
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Admire the stunning natural landscape, with towering limestone mountains serving as a dramatic backdrop.
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Learn about the strategic importance of Hoa Lu’s location, nestled among the rivers and valleys.
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Enjoy the tranquility of this ancient capital, disconnecting from the modern world.
Cruising Through Tam Coc and Trang An
Venturing beyond the ancient citadel, we embark on a captivating journey through the natural wonders of Tam Coc and Trang An.
In Tam Coc, we board a traditional boat and drift through the serene waterways, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and verdant rice fields. The 1.5-hour boat ride takes us through three remarkable caves, offering a unique "Ha Long Bay on land" experience.
At Trang An, we immerse ourselves in a 2.5-hour boat excursion, exploring a complex network of tunnels and caves carved into the dramatic landscapes. The UNESCO World Heritage site delivers an unforgettable opportunity to witness nature’s majesty.
Marveling at the Stunning Landscapes
As we explore the Hoa Lu and Trang An region, we’re captivated by the stunning landscapes that unfold before us. The towering limestone mountains rise majestically, their peaks piercing the sky.
Towering limestone mountains rise majestically, their peaks piercing the sky in the captivating landscapes of the Hoa Lu and Trang An region.
Lush, verdant forests blanket the slopes, teeming with diverse flora and fauna. Winding rivers and serene lakes reflect the natural beauty, offering tranquil boat rides through the serene waterways.
Centuries-old temples and historic sites dot the landscape, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Whether on land or water, the Hoa Lu and Trang An region enchants us with its breathtaking natural wonders.
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Towering limestone mountains
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Lush, verdant forests
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Tranquil boat rides on winding rivers and lakes
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Historic temples and sites
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Captivating natural beauty
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Get to the Meeting Point for the Tour?
We’ll get picked up from our hotel in Hanoi and transported to the tour meeting point. The tour company provides the transportation, so we don’t need to worry about getting there on our own.
What Is the Group Size Limit for the Tour?
We couldn’t find a specific group size limit mentioned in the details. However, the tour appears to have both group and private options, so the group size may vary. It’s best to check with the tour provider for the most up-to-date information.
Can I Request a Private Car for the Tour Transfer?
We can absolutely request a private car transfer for the tour. This provides a more personalized experience and allows us to avoid any issues with large groups or limited English. Just let the tour operator know your preference when booking.
Are There Any Additional Fees for Taking Photos During the Tour?
From the details provided, it doesn’t seem there are any additional fees for taking photos during the tour. The inclusions cover the main expenses, though we’d recommend checking with the tour operator to confirm their photography policy.
Can I Extend the Boat Ride Duration at an Extra Cost?
Unfortunately, the tour details don’t mention the option to extend the boat ride duration for an extra cost. The itinerary specifies the standard boat trip lengths, so we can’t customize the duration beyond what’s included.
The Sum Up
This tour offers an immersive experience of Vietnam’s natural wonders and historical significance. The combination of visiting the ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, cruising through the scenic Tam Coc or Trang An, and enjoying the stunning landscapes makes for an enriching day. At $38.54 per person, it’s a great value for the diverse activities and inclusions. If you’re looking to explore this captivating region, this tour is worth considering.
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