Explore the rich cultural heritage and stunning natural landscapes of Vietnam on this small group tour to Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave. We’ll immerse ourselves in the history of the ancient capital, indulge in a delectable buffet lunch, and then embark on a serene boat ride through the UNESCO-protected Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex. But the real highlight? Conquering the challenging climb to Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views. This excursion promises an unforgettable adventure – let’s discover what awaits us.
Key Points
- Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, including King Dinh and King Le Temples, to learn about Vietnam’s 10th-11th century history.
- Enjoy a scenic boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, featuring towering limestone formations and hidden caves.
- Indulge in a buffet lunch with a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes to fuel your adventure.
- Climb 500 steps to reach Mua Cave, offering a challenging yet rewarding 360-degree panoramic view of the natural wonders.
- Experience a small group tour designed for an enjoyable and convenient exploration of Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Mua Cave.
Tour Overview
While this small group tour takes you to some of the most picturesque and historically significant sites in Ninh Binh, we’ve designed the itinerary to ensure an enjoyable and stress-free experience.
The tour begins with a visit to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, where you’ll explore the temples and learn about Vietnamese history.
Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu and explore the captivating history of Vietnam.
Next, you’ll embark on a scenic boat ride through the UNESCO-listed Trang An Landscape Complex, enjoying the stunning natural beauty.
The final stop is the iconic Mua Cave, where you can climb 500 steps to the summit for panoramic vistas.
With convenient hotel pickup and drop-off, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Ninh Binh’s highlights.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Ninh Binh.
Exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
As we begin our tour, our first stop is the ancient capital of Hoa Lu.
We’ll explore the King Dinh and King Le Temples, learning about Vietnamese history from the 10th-11th centuries. The ruins provide a glimpse into the past, as we wander through the old stone structures and imagine what life was like centuries ago.
Our guide shares fascinating insights, bringing this historic site to life. We spend about an hour immersed in the rich cultural heritage of Hoa Lu before continuing our journey to the stunning Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Indulging in Buffet Lunch
After exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, we’re ready to indulge in a delicious buffet lunch. The buffet offers a variety of Vietnamese and international dishes to satisfy all palates:
| Dish | Description |
|——|————-|
| Pho | Traditional Vietnamese noodle soup |
| Banh Mi | Vietnamese baguette sandwiches |
| Spring Rolls | Crispy fried or fresh summer rolls |
| Grilled Fish | Freshly caught local fish |
| Vegetable Stir-Fry | Seasonal veggies in savory sauce |
The buffet setting allows us to sample a range of flavors and cuisines, fueling us for the adventures ahead in the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Discovering Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Following our delicious buffet lunch, we board the minivan and head to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After a delicious buffet lunch, we board the minivan and journey to the UNESCO-recognized Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
We embark on a serene bamboo boat tour, marveling at the towering limestone formations, verdant caves, and winding rivers. The experience is truly breathtaking:
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Glide through the serene waters, surrounded by lush landscapes
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Explore hidden caves and grottoes, each with its own unique charm
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Witness the stunning blend of land and water, a true work of nature
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Soak in the tranquility and beauty of this remarkable UNESCO site
Conquering Mua Cave
Next, we climb the 500 steps up Mua Cave, a popular photo spot offering panoramic views from the summit. The steep ascent challenges us, but the stunning vistas from the Lying Dragon Mountain make the effort worthwhile.
We pause frequently to catch our breath and admire the karst landscapes below. At the top, we’re rewarded with a breathtaking 360-degree panorama of the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
We snap countless photos, capturing the essence of this magnificent natural wonder before descending back down the steps to continue our journey.
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Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes several key amenities to enhance our experience.
To start, we’ll enjoy pickup and drop-off from our hotel or accommodation in Ninh Binh, as well as a cozy minivan with air conditioning and WiFi for our transportation needs. An English-speaking guide will be with us throughout to provide valuable insights.
Plus, we’ll receive one bottle of water per person and a delicious buffet lunch.
However, the tour doesn’t cover:
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Beverages and travel insurance
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Personal expenses
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Entrance fees for Hoa Lu (20,000 VND/person), Trang An boat ticket (250,000 VND/person), and Mua Cave (100,000 VND/person)
Important Information
Although this tour may not be suitable for children under 6 years old or people over 70 years, we recommend bringing long pants to ensure comfort during the activities.
This tour may not be suitable for children under 6 or people over 70, but long pants are recommended for comfort.
Alcohol and drugs aren’t allowed on this tour. The pickup and drop-off will be from your hotel or accommodation in Ninh Binh, and the return time is estimated between 5:00 PM and 5:30 PM.
Entrance fees for Hoa Lu (20,000 VND/person), Trang An boat ticket (250,000 VND/person), and Mua Cave (100,000 VND/person) aren’t included in the tour price.
Please keep in mind that the tour includes a minivan with air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Tour Highlights
Explore the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the former seat of power for Vietnam’s 10th-11th century dynasties.
On this tour, you’ll:
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Discover the intricate temples and palaces that offer insight into Vietnam’s rich history.
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Drift along the serene Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, taking in the limestone karsts, caves, and lush rice fields.
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Climb the 500 steps up Mua Cave to the Lying Dragon Mountain for breathtaking panoramic views.
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Capture stunning photographs at these picturesque locations, making lasting memories of your journey through Vietnam’s natural and cultural wonders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Photography Allowed During the Tour?
Yes, photography is allowed throughout the tour. We encourage you to capture the stunning landscapes, historical sites, and cultural experiences. Just be mindful of any restrictions at specific locations.
Can I Bring My Own Food or Drinks?
We’re sorry, but you can’t bring your own food or drinks on this tour. The tour includes a buffet lunch and a bottled water per person. Any other beverages or personal expenses are not covered and must be paid for separately.
Is There an Option for a Private Tour?
We don’t offer a private tour option for this group tour. However, you can still customize your experience by choosing your own pickup location and enjoying the sights at your own pace during the included activities. Let us know if you have any other questions!
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
We can certainly customize the itinerary to your preferences. Just let us know what you’d like to focus on or adjust, and we’ll be happy to create a personalized tour that fits your interests and needs.
What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?
For this tour, we recommend wearing comfortable, long pants. This helps protect your legs during the boat ride and when exploring the cave. Keeping covered up is best to fully enjoy the natural wonders along the way.
The Sum Up
Enjoy Vietnam’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes on this captivating small group tour. Discover the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, indulge in a delectable buffet lunch, and embark on a serene boat ride through the Trang An Landscape Complex. Conquer the challenging climb to Mua Cave, where panoramic views await. This enriching experience blends cultural heritage with breathtaking beauty, leaving you with unforgettable memories.
You can check availability for your dates here:More Tour Reviews in Ninh Binh
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