From Hanoi: Ninh Binh Highlights Day Tour - Hoa Lu, Tam Coc Sampan Boat & Mua Cave

See the highlights of Ninh Binh
in one day from Hanoi

This day tour departs from the Hanoi Old Quarter by limousine bus and visits Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Mua Cave in one day. An English-speaking guide accompanies you, and you return to Hanoi around 7 p.m.

Old Quarter hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water on the bus, a buffet lunch, all sightseeing tickets and boat fees are included, and hats and raincoats are provided free of charge during the trip.

Discover Vietnamese history in the ancient capital of Hoa Lu

Before arriving in Ninh Binh, stop at a local rest area for the restroom, a Vietnamese coffee or snacks. Your first stop is Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first capital in the 10th century. Explore the old royal palaces and traditional architecture set among limestone mountains while your guide tells you about the early dynasties.

Before lunch, those who wish can cycle for about 40 minutes through the countryside and limestone scenery. If you prefer not to cycle, you can stroll around the village or relax at the restaurant. Lunch is a buffet of local specialties such as Ninh Binh goat meat, with vegetarian options available.

Glide past the rice fields of Tam Coc by sampan boat

In the afternoon, drift slowly along the Ngo Dong River by small sampan boat and take in the scenery of Tam Coc, often called Ha Long Bay on land, with towering limestone mountains, caves and rice fields on both sides.

Towards the end of the boat trip, the rower may offer souvenirs or snacks for sale; buying is entirely optional. Tipping the rower is also optional.

Climb about 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint

Finally, head to Mua Cave and climb about 500 stone steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain. From the summit you can see the Ngo Dong River winding through the rice fields, limestone peaks and countryside.

After the visit, return to Hanoi by limousine bus, arriving around 7 p.m. depending on traffic.

※ The itinerary and route may change due to weather, crowd levels at sites, or traffic.
※ The color of the rice fields varies by season.