Ninh Binh Day Trip - Mua Cave - Tam Coc Boating

The Ninh Binh Day Trip is a captivating adventure that immerses travelers in Vietnam’s stunning landscapes and rich history. From exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to embarking on a scenic boat ride at Tam Coc, this excursion offers a well-rounded experience. The highlight, however, is the rewarding hike up Mua Cave, which promises breathtaking panoramic views of the lush countryside. Whether you’re a history buff or simply seeking an immersive natural encounter, this day trip promises to leave you with lasting memories. What intrigues you most about this itinerary?

Key Points

This Ninh Binh day trip offers a comprehensive exploration of the region’s historic, cultural, and natural highlights, including Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, and Mua Cave.
The tour includes pickup/drop-off, buffet lunch, entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide, with a full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance.
Visitors can enjoy a scenic boat cruise at Tam Coc, known as "Halong Bay on land," and a challenging hike to the Mua Cave summit for panoramic views.
The trip highlights the rich cultural heritage of Hoa Lu, the former 10th-century capital, and provides an optional 30-minute bike tour in Ninh Binh Province.
The tour is well-organized, with knowledgeable guides, comfortable transportation, and efficient scheduling, resulting in a seamless and enjoyable experience for travelers.

It's also worth checking out some other tours and experiences nearby.

Trip Overview and Pricing

The Ninh Binh Day Trip offers an immersive experience exploring the historic and scenic wonders of Ninh Binh Province.

Priced from $52.25 per person, this 11-hour tour takes visitors to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, the "Halong Bay on land" at Tam Coc, and the stunning Mua Cave.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a buffet lunch, all entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide.

Customers can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

With an impressive 5/5 rating based on 2 reviews, the Ninh Binh Day Trip is a must-do for those seeking a comprehensive exploration of this captivating region.

Itinerary Details

This Ninh Binh Day Trip begins with pickup from either Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Opera House, before traveling an hour to the historic Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

Visitors will spend 1 hour exploring this former Vietnamese capital from the 10th century. An optional 30-minute bike tour in Ninh Binh Province follows.

After a 1-hour lunch break, the group will embark on a 1.5-hour scenic boat cruise at Tam Coc, often referred to as "Halong Bay on land".

The final stop is a 1-hour hike up to the summit of Mua Cave, offering 360-degree views.

The tour then returns to Hanoi, with an estimated drop-off between 7:00 and 7:30 PM.

Highlights and Activities

Exploring the historic Vietnamese capital of Hoa Lu and embarking on a scenic boat ride at the picturesque Tam Coc are just two of the highlights of this Ninh Binh Day Trip.

Visitors will also hike nearly 500 stairs to the summit of Mua Cave, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the limestone karst landscape. Known as "Halong Bay on land," this region’s natural beauty is complemented by its rich cultural heritage, as reflected in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, which served as the seat of two consecutive Vietnamese dynasties from 968 to 1010 AD.

The diverse activities and sights on this day trip provide a well-rounded introduction to the stunning Ninh Binh Province.

Inclusions and Exclusions

The Ninh Binh Day Trip includes pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, a buffet lunch with vegetarian options, all entrance tickets, and an English-speaking guide.

Drinks and tips are also covered. However, personal expenses aren’t included.

Plus, there’s a surcharge of $10 per person during the Lunar New Year holiday from January 28 to February 1, 2025.

Customer Reviews and Feedback

Travelers have awarded the Ninh Binh Day Trip an impressive overall rating of 5/5 based on 2 reviews.

Reviewers praised the knowledgeable guide and the comfort of the transportation. They also noted that the excellent buffet lunch, which included vegetarian options, was a highlight.

The well-planned itinerary to avoid crowds was another point of appreciation.

Key features mentioned include:

Informative guide with deep knowledge of the region
Comfortable transportation for the day-long excursion
Delicious and varied buffet lunch
Efficient scheduling to minimize crowds
Seamless organization of the entire trip

Exploring Historic Hoa Lu

Nestled in the heart of Ninh Binh Province, the historic capital of Hoa Lu serves as a captivating starting point for the Ninh Binh Day Trip.

Visitors explore the remnants of this 10th-century capital, which was the seat of power for the Dinh and Early Le dynasties. The tour includes a visit to the ancient temples and palaces, providing a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich history.

As part of the experience, travelers can opt for a 30-minute bike ride through the picturesque countryside, offering a leisurely way to enjoy the local landscape.

The Hoa Lu portion of the tour sets the stage for the scenic boat ride and hike to come.

Scenic Boat Ride at Tam Coc

From Hoa Lu, the day trip moves on to the scenic boat ride at Tam Coc.

Often referred to as "Halong Bay on land," this tranquil waterway is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and verdant rice paddies. The boat ride provides a unique perspective to admire the stunning karst landscape.

During the 1.5-hour cruise, visitors can:

Glide through the three caves of Tam Coc
Spot local water buffaloes grazing in the fields
Observe traditional fishing techniques
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere and serene natural beauty
Take in the picturesque views of the limestone mountains.

Hiking Mua Cave for 360-degree Views

After the serene boat ride at Tam Coc, the day trip moves on to the highlight of hiking Mua Cave.

Towering nearly 500 stairs lead adventurers to the summit of Mua Cave, offering breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding karst landscapes. The hike may be challenging, but the panoramic vistas from the top are well worth the effort.

Visitors can gaze upon the verdant rice paddies, winding rivers, and distinctive limestone formations that define the Ninh Binh region. This exhilarating activity provides the perfect culmination to a day filled with cultural exploration and natural wonders.

Here's a few more nearby tours and experiences we think you'll like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Combine This Tour With Other Ninh Binh Attractions?

Yes, you can combine this tour with other Ninh Binh attractions. The tour’s flexibility allows you to add extra stops or customize the itinerary to suit your interests and explore more of the scenic Ninh Binh province.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit Ninh Binh?

The best time to visit Ninh Binh is during the spring or fall. The weather’s mild, crowds are smaller, and visitors can enjoy the region’s scenic landscapes without extreme heat or rain. Winter’s chilly, while summer’s hot and humid.

How Fit Do I Need to Be for the Mua Cave Hike?

The Mua Cave hike requires a moderate level of fitness. While the stairs are challenging, the hike is manageable for most visitors with average physical ability. Proper footwear and taking breaks as needed can make the ascent more enjoyable.

Are There Restroom Facilities During the Tour?

There are restroom facilities available at various stops throughout the tour, including at the lunch location and Mua Cave. Participants can use the restrooms as needed during the day’s activities.

Can I Take My Own Food and Drinks on the Boat Ride?

Yes, passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the boat ride. However, the tour operator recommends enjoying the provided lunch to fully experience the local cuisine during the excursion.

Not for you? Here's more of our most recent tour reviews happening neaby

Recap

The Ninh Binh Day Trip offers an unparalleled opportunity to take in Vietnam’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes. From exploring the ancient capital of Hoa Lu to experiencing the serene boat ride at Tam Coc and scaling the Mua Cave for breathtaking vistas, this excursion provides a comprehensive and unforgettable experience. Travelers can expect a well-curated itinerary that showcases the best of Ninh Binh’s cultural and natural wonders.