Hoa Lu & Tam Coc – Biking With Buffet Lunch

Hoa Lu and Tam Coc offer a captivating blend of historical significance and natural beauty. This biking tour provides an opportunity to experience both, beginning with a visit to the ancient citadel of Hoa Lu followed by a delightful Vietnamese lunch. The highlight, however, is the scenic boat trip through the limestone caves of Tam Coc, which sets the stage for a leisurely cycling adventure through the enchanting countryside. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or simply seeking an immersive cultural experience, this tour promises to leave a lasting impression.

This experience made our list of the 20 Best Buffet Experiences In Ninh Binh.

Key Points

• The Hoa Lu & Tam Coc tour offers a full-day experience that includes visiting historical sites, a boat ride, and a cycling tour, all with roundtrip transportation and a local cuisine lunch.
• The tour takes visitors to explore the Ancient Citadel, Dinh King Temple, and Le King Temple in Hoa Lu, providing insights into the region’s historical significance.
• The 1.5-hour sampan boat trip in Tam Coc allows participants to experience the scenic limestone cliffs and caves, surrounded by the tranquil countryside.
• The cycling tour through the rural roads and villages after the boat ride offers an authentic exploration of the Vietnamese countryside at a leisurely pace.
• The tour is priced at $39.71 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and includes various inclusions such as transportation, entrance fees, and an English-speaking guide.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Overview and Pricing

The activity "Hoa Lu & Tam Coc – Biking with Buffet Lunch" is priced from $39.71 per person and lasts for one day.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve their spot now and pay later.

The tour includes roundtrip transportation from Hanoi, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, a complimentary lunch, and a bicycle for cycling.

However, beverages, travel insurance, tips, and optional activities like the Hang Mua cave ticket aren’t included.

This activity is suitable for adults, children, and infants, with English and Vietnamese language options available.

Itinerary Details

The activity begins with a pick-up from the hotel/stay between 07:30 and 08:00, followed by a 110km bus journey that takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.

Visitors will explore the Ancient Citadel, Dinh King Temple, and Le King Temple, dating back to the 17th century.

After the Hoa Lu visit, a local cuisine lunch is served at a restaurant at 12:00.

In the afternoon, participants embark on a 1.5-hour sampan boat trip through three caves, limestone cliffs, and the countryside.

The final activity is a leisurely cycling tour through rural roads and villages, departing at 15:30 before the return bus to Hanoi at 16:00, arriving between 18:00 and 18:20.

Hoa Lu Visit

Visitors explore the Ancient Citadel, Dinh King Temple, and Le King Temple during the Hoa Lu visit. These historical sites date back to the 17th century and offer a glimpse into the region’s rich heritage.

Site	Description	Duration
Ancient Citadel	Remnants of the ancient capital of the Dinh and Le dynasties	30 mins
Dinh King Temple	Dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang, the founder of the Dinh Dynasty	30 mins
Le King Temple	Devoted to King Le Dai Hanh, the founder of the Le Dynasty	30 mins

Visitors wander through the tranquil grounds, admiring the architectural details and learning about the sites’ significance from the knowledgeable guide.

Lunch

At 12:00, participants enjoy a local cuisine lunch at a nearby restaurant.

The spread features an array of authentic Vietnamese dishes, including pho, banh mi, and various vegetable and meat-based entrees.

Diners can savor the complex flavors and aromas of the freshly prepared food.

The intimate setting provides an opportunity to take in the local culinary culture.

After the satisfying meal, you will be energized for the next part of the day’s adventure – the Tam Coc boat tour.

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Tam Coc Tour

After the satisfying lunch, participants make their way to Tam Coc for a 1.5-hour sampan boat trip.

They’ll explore three caves, admire the limestone cliffs, and take in the scenic countryside. The peaceful boat ride allows them to appreciate the serene natural landscape.

Gliding along the river, they’re surrounded by towering mountains and lush green rice paddies. It’s a tranquil experience, a chance to escape the bustling city and enjoy the beauty of rural Vietnam.

The sampan boat tour is undoubtedly a highlight of the day’s adventures.

Cycling

Following the afternoon’s tranquil sampan boat ride, the activity shifts gears as participants hop on bicycles for a leisurely cycle through the rural countryside.

Riders will navigate peaceful rural roads and wind through picturesque villages, seeing the serene agricultural landscape.

The cycling portion provides a refreshing change of pace, allowing travelers to explore the area at their own leisurely tempo.

With the guidance of the English-speaking tour leader, guests can comfortably navigate the scenic routes and capture memorable moments of the Vietnamese countryside.

This cycling adventure is the perfect complement to the earlier boat tour, offering a well-rounded and authentic experience.

Return

The tour then makes the return journey, with the bus departing Tam Coc around 16:00 and arriving back in Hanoi between 18:00 and 18:20.

Guests are dropped off at their original pick-up location in the Old Quarter.

The return trip takes approximately 2.5 hours, with a comfortable bus ride through the Vietnamese countryside.

Along the way, guests can relax and reflect on the day’s adventures.

The tour provides a convenient and hassle-free way to experience the highlights of Hoa Lu and Tam Coc, with transportation and logistics taken care of from start to finish.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour package includes a pick-up and drop-off service from accommodations in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as round-trip transportation between Hanoi and the Hoa Lu and Tam Coc sites.

The package covers entrance fees to the specified attractions, complimentary water on the bus, and an English-speaking guide. Lunch featuring local cuisines is also included.

However, the package excludes:

1. Beverages, travel insurance, and an 8% VAT.
2. Tips for the guide and boat rower.
3. Admission to the Hang Mua cave (100,000 VND per person).
4. Surcharge for holidays in Vietnam (300,000 VND per person).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Bike for the Cycling Activity?

The activity’s details do not indicate that participants can bring their own bikes. The tour provides bikes for the cycling portion, so you would likely need to use the provided bikes during the tour.

Are Children Required to Wear Life Jackets During the Boat Tour?

Children must wear life jackets during the boat tour for safety. The tour company requires all participants, including children, to wear life jackets on the sampan boats to ensure their protection on the water.

Is the Buffet Lunch Suitable for Vegetarians or Those With Dietary Restrictions?

The buffet lunch includes vegetarian options, and the provider accommodates dietary restrictions. Customers should inform the company of any special dietary needs when booking to ensure their requirements are met.

What Happens if I Get Tired During the Cycling Portion of the Tour?

If a participant gets tired during the cycling portion, they can rest on the support vehicle that accompanies the group. The tour provides options for those who need a break from cycling at any point.

Can I Purchase Additional Souvenirs or Local Handicrafts During the Tour?

Yes, participants can purchase additional souvenirs or local handicrafts during the tour. There will be opportunities to browse and shop for these items at various stops along the way.

Recap

This Hoa Lu and Tam Coc biking tour with a buffet lunch offers a chance to explore Vietnam’s rich history and stunning landscapes. Visitors can experience ancient temples, a scenic boat ride through limestone caves, and a leisurely cycling adventure through the picturesque countryside, all while savoring local Vietnamese cuisine. It’s a well-rounded and immersive experience that allows travelers to fully appreciate the beauty and culture of this remarkable region.

You can check availability for your dates here: