The Ninh Binh Small Group Tour offers a captivating exploration of Vietnam’s cultural heritage and natural splendor. Visitors will enjoy the rich history of the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, home to the revered Dinh and Le King temples. The highlight, however, lies in the UNESCO-listed Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, where a scenic bamboo boat ride unveils a breathtaking wonderland of towering karst formations, serene waterways, and hidden caves. This immersive journey promises an unforgettable experience, leaving one eager to uncover more of Ninh Binh’s enchanting treasures.
Key Points
- A comprehensive 9-hour small group tour of Ninh Binh’s highlights, including the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, and Mua Cave.
- Guided visits to the historical Bich Dong Pagoda and 500-step hike to the top of Mua Cave for panoramic views.
- Exploration of the Dinh King and Le King temples at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, providing insights into the region’s rich history.
- 3-hour bamboo boat ride through the UNESCO-recognized Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, featuring limestone karst mountains and serene countryside.
- Includes round-trip hotel transfers, English-speaking guide, entrance fees, bottled water, and a 1.5-hour lunch at a local restaurant.
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Tour Overview
The Ninh Binh Small Group Tour: Hoa Lu, Trang An, Mua Cave is a 9-hour excursion that takes visitors on a journey through the stunning landscapes and rich history of the Ninh Binh province.
Priced from £39.18 per person, the tour is available in English and Vietnamese. Pickup is included from the Ninh Binh area, and cancellations can be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
With an impressive 5-star rating based on 2 reviews, the tour offers an immersive experience, including visits to Bich Dong Pagoda, Mua Cave, Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Itinerary Highlights
Bich Dong Pagoda kicks off the tour with a guided visit and sightseeing, lasting around an hour.
Next up, adventurers can opt for the Mua Cave hike, ascending 500 steps to the top for scenic views over the landscape.
History enthusiasts will enjoy exploring the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visiting the Dinh King and Le King temples to learn about 10th-century history.
After lunch at a local restaurant sampling regional cuisine, the highlight is the 3-hour bamboo boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, discovering caves and picturesque countryside.
Throughout the day, the English-speaking guide provides informative commentary.
Bich Dong Pagoda
Guided tour and sightseeing at this pagoda kick off the day’s adventure, lasting around an hour.
Bich Dong Pagoda, nestled in a lush valley, dates back to the 15th century. Visitors explore the three-tiered structure, admiring its intricate architecture and learning about its religious significance.
The guide shares stories of the pagoda’s history and the monks who once resided here. Guests wander the grounds, taking in the peaceful ambiance and picturesque natural surroundings.
This serene setting provides a tranquil start to an immersive journey through Ninh Binh’s cultural and scenic highlights.
Mua Cave
Departing Bich Dong Pagoda, the tour heads to Mua Cave, an optional highlight for adventurous travelers.
The hike up the 500 steps to the top of the cave offers stunning panoramic views of the Trang An Landscape Complex. Visitors can gaze out over the emerald-green rice fields, karst mountains, and winding rivers below.
Though physically demanding, the climb rewards with incredible vistas that can’t be found anywhere else. Those who prefer not to hike can explore the cave’s interior at ground level.
Whether scaling the heights or strolling through the cavern, Mua Cave provides a thrilling and memorable experience on the Ninh Binh small group tour.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
After the scenic boat ride at Trang An, the tour heads to the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. Here, visitors explore the Dinh King and Le King temples, learning about the 10th-century history of this former capital. The temples are beautifully preserved, offering a glimpse into the region’s rich cultural heritage.
| Dinh King Temple | Le King Temple |
|---|---|
| Built in 968 AD | Built in 1003 AD |
| Dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang | Dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh |
| Features intricate architecture | Features ornate carvings |
| Offers insight into ancient dynasties | Provides historical context |
| Evokes a sense of timelessness | Inspires awe and reverence |
This one-hour stop at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is a highlight of the tour, allowing visitors to explore the region’s storied past.
Lunch
The tour then transitions to a 1.5-hour lunch break at a local restaurant, where guests savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine.
The menu features a variety of regional specialties, showcasing the diverse flavors of Ninh Binh. Diners can expect fragrant rice dishes, flavorful curries, and fresh seasonal produce.
The relaxed atmosphere allows guests to recharge and reflect on the morning’s adventures before continuing the tour.
Lunch provides a glimpse into the local culinary traditions and culture, complementing the day’s exploration of Ninh Binh’s natural and historical wonders.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
Following their leisurely lunch, guests embark on the highlight of the tour – a 3-hour bamboo boat ride through the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
They’ll explore the limestone karst mountains, caves, and serene countryside. The boat glides through the picturesque waterways, providing a unique perspective on this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Guests witness breathtaking landscapes, including the famous Tam Coc "three caves" formation. Throughout the journey, the guide shares insights into the area’s rich history and natural wonders.
This tranquil boat ride immerses visitors in the beauty and peacefulness of Ninh Binh’s stunning scenery.
Inclusions
This tour includes a comprehensive package of services and amenities to enhance the overall experience.
The inclusions cover hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, bottled water, a delicious local lunch, admission tickets to Mua Cave and the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex.
Participants can enjoy a relaxing 3-hour bamboo boat ride through the tranquil caves and countryside of Trang An.
The tour also provides personal items such as comfortable shoes, sunglasses, a sun hat, and sunscreen, ensuring travelers are well-equipped for the day’s activities.
These inclusions contribute to a seamless and enjoyable journey, allowing guests to fully enjoy the natural beauty of Ninh Binh.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How Large Is the Small Group Size?
The tour group size is not explicitly stated, but is referred to as a "small group tour", typically indicating a group size of around 10-15 participants. The exact number may vary depending on demand and logistics.
Is There a Minimum Number of Participants Required?
The tour doesn’t specify a minimum number of participants. It’s a small group tour, so the size may vary, but there doesn’t appear to be a minimum requirement to run the tour.
Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?
The small group tour allows some flexibility to customize the itinerary to match individual preferences. Travelers can discuss modifications with the tour operator, who’ll work to accommodate requests within the tour’s overall structure and duration.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Included?
The tour price includes hotel pickup, guide, lunch, and entry tickets, but any personal expenses like souvenirs or extra snacks are not covered. There are no additional fees or taxes mentioned in the provided details.
Do I Need to Have Any Specific Skills for the Activities?
No specialized skills are required for the tour activities. The hike to Mua Cave involves climbing 500 steps, so a moderate level of fitness is recommended. The boat ride at Trang An doesn’t require any boating experience.
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Recap
The Ninh Binh Small Group Tour offers a captivating exploration of Vietnam’s rich history and stunning natural landscapes. From the ancient Hoa Lu capital to the breathtaking Trang An Scenic Landscape, this immersive excursion provides a well-rounded experience. With the chance to visit Mua Cave and savor local cuisine, this tour promises an unforgettable journey through Ninh Binh’s cultural and natural wonders.