Highlight Ninh Binh Full Day Tour:Tam Coc, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu

The Ninh Binh Full Day Tour takes visitors on a captivating journey through the heart of Vietnam’s natural and historic wonders. From exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to gliding along the serene Tam Coc waterways, this immersive experience showcases the region’s unparalleled beauty. The highlight, however, is the challenging yet rewarding hike up Mua Cave, where travelers are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the stunning karst landscape. With a well-rounded itinerary and convenient transportation, this tour offers an unforgettable opportunity to discover the essence of Ninh Binh’s remarkable heritage and natural splendor.

Key Points

• Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and gain insights into Vietnam’s rich history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.
• Immerse in the vibrant Vietnamese culture through a scenic bike ride around local villages, interacting with the locals.
• Experience the tranquil boat ride through the serene waterways of Tam Coc, also known as "Halong Bay on land."
• Set out on a challenging hike to the Mua Cave viewpoint, offering breathtaking panoramas of the Tam Coc river and rice paddies.
• Enjoy a small group experience with a maximum of 17-20 participants, ensuring a personalized tour with an English-speaking guide.

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Ninh Binh Full Day Tour is a highlight reel of the region, covering the key attractions of Tam Coc, Mua Cave, and Hoa Lu.

Priced from $56.46 per person, the tour lasts 12 hours and offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can reserve their spot and pay later.

The tour includes limousine bus transfers, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, a boat ride, and a delicious lunch, ensuring a small group experience with a maximum of 17-20 participants.

Pickup is provided from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and personal expenses plus tips for guides and drivers aren’t included but appreciated for excellent service.

Itinerary Details

Departing from Hanoi between 7:30 – 8:00 AM, the tour first visits the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Here, guests will learn about Vietnamese history from 968-1010 under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

Next, they’ll explore local villages by bike, seeing Vietnamese culture. After a delicious lunch in Ninh Binh, the group embarks on a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride through Tam Coc, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land" for its stunning landscape of paddy fields, rivers, and caves.

The tour concludes with a hike up 500 steps to the Mua Cave, offering panoramic views of the Tam Coc river and rice paddies.

Inclusions

The tour package includes roundtrip limousine bus transfers from Hanoi, along with the services of a professional English-speaking guide. Entrance fees, a boat ride at Tam Coc, and a delicious lunch are also included. Guests will have the opportunity to explore Mua Cave and enjoy a small group experience with a maximum of 17-20 participants.

Included
Limousine Bus Transfer roundtrip
Professional English-speaking guide
Entrance fees
Boat ride at Tam Coc
Delicious lunch
Mua Cave exploration
Small group experience (maximum 17-20 guests)

Personal expenses and tips for guides/drivers are not included but are appreciated for excellent service.

Transportation and Pickup

Limousine bus transfers are provided from Hanoi and back to the city. Guests will be picked up from their hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter, and they should be ready at their hotel lobby.

The tour’s small group size ensures a personalized experience, with a maximum of 17-20 participants. While personal expenses and tips for guides and drivers aren’t included, they’re appreciated for excellent service.

Guests should check availability for starting times and participant selection to ensure they can join this immersive exploration of Ninh Binh’s natural beauty and cultural heritage.

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

After the limousine bus transfers from Hanoi, the tour explores Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010 AD.

Guests learn about the country’s history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. The visit provides insights into Vietnamese culture and heritage.

Guests have the opportunity to wander through the remains of the ancient citadel and temples, imagining the grandeur of the past. This stop allows travelers to connect with Vietnam’s rich history and appreciate the significance of this important site.

The visit to Hoa Lu sets the stage for the remainder of the day’s activities, providing context and depth to the overall Ninh Binh experience.

Biking Around Local Villages

After the exploration of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, guests then have the opportunity to bike around the local villages in Ninh Binh.

This excursion allows them to enjoy the vibrant Vietnamese culture. The bike ride takes them through scenic countryside, past rice paddies, and into quaint villages.

Guests can observe the daily lives of the local people, interact with them, and gain a deeper understanding of their traditions and way of life.

Some key highlights of the biking adventure include:

1. Visiting local craft workshops to witness traditional artisanal techniques.
2. Stopping at a local family’s home for a glimpse of their daily routines.
3. Exploring the tranquil backroads and hidden paths of the countryside.

Tam Coc Boat Trip

The highlight of the Ninh Binh Full Day Tour is the tranquil Tam Coc boat ride. For 1.5 hours, visitors glide through the serene waterways, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs and lush rice paddies.

The gentle rowing of the bamboo boats allows guests to fully enjoy the breathtaking natural scenery. Along the way, they’ll pass through three expansive caves, marveling at the stalactites and stalagmites formations.

This unique experience, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," is a must-do activity that showcases Ninh Binh’s stunning landscape and provides a peaceful respite from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

Mua Cave Hiking

Visitors then make their way to the Mua Cave, where they’ll embark on an invigorating hike up 500 steps. This challenging ascent rewards trekkers with panoramic vistas of the Tam Coc river and lush rice paddies.

The viewpoint atop Mua Cave offers:

1. Breathtaking panoramas of the entire Ninh Binh landscape
2. An opportunity to appreciate the region’s iconic karst formations
3. A chance to capture stunning photographs of the picturesque scenery

After taking in the spectacular views, explorers descend the stairs and rejoin the tour, eager to continue their immersive experience in this captivating region of Vietnam.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this tour for a private group. The tour operator offers small group experiences, so you can reserve the entire tour for your own group to enjoy the sights at your own pace.

Is There an Option to Customize the Itinerary?

Yes, there’s an option to customize the itinerary. Travelers can speak with the tour operator to adjust the activities, duration, and focus based on their interests and preferences for a more personalized experience.

What Should I Bring for the Hiking and Boat Trip?

For the hiking and boat trip, it’s best to wear comfortable shoes, bring sun protection like a hat and sunscreen, and pack a light jacket or sweater in case the weather changes. Don’t forget to bring water and snacks to keep you energized.

Is There a Children’s Discount Available?

Yes, there’s a children’s discount available for this tour. Kids under 10 years old receive a 20% discount on the standard tour price. Guests should check with the tour provider for the exact discounted rate.

Are There Any Restrictions or Dress Code for This Tour?

There are no strict dress code requirements, but comfortable walking shoes and light, breathable clothing are recommended. Guests should also bring sun protection like hats and sunscreen. The tour involves some hiking, so appropriate attire is advised.

Recap

The Ninh Binh Full Day Tour offers an exceptional opportunity to take in the captivating history and breathtaking natural wonders of Vietnam. From exploring the ancient Hoa Lu capital to experiencing the serene Tam Coc boat ride and the rewarding hike up to Mua Cave, this tour provides an unforgettable and well-rounded exploration of the region’s highlights. It’s a must-do for anyone seeking to discover the enchanting beauty and rich heritage of Ninh Binh.