Enchanting Full Day Ninh Binh Caves and Temples from Hanoi
Description
Discover dramatic landscapes of Ninh Binh, known as "Dry Ha Long Bay," on this full-day journey from Hanoi exploring karst formations, caves, and imperial temples. Travel 110 kilometers south through Red River Delta countryside to Tam Coc, meaning "Three Caves." Board traditional sampan boat for serene cruise along Ngo Dong River through limestone structures jutting from emerald rice paddies, resembling Ha Long Bay on land. Glide through natural cave formations carved by water over millennia. Enjoy lunch at local restaurant before continuing to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital. Explore temples of Dinh and Le royal dynasties from when this city served as administrative center. Visit the three-level Bich Dong Pagoda built in the 15th century. Energetic visitors can climb 200 steps to Dinh Tien Hoang and Dai Hanh temples for rewarding panoramic views of surrounding landscapes. Return 110 kilometers to Hanoi through Vietnamese countryside.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Your English-speaking guide and dedicated driver welcome you to your booked accommodation in downtown Hanoi for a leisurely drive in the direction of Ninh Binh. Along the way, moments of traditional Vietnamese life pass the revue, and with your guide eagerly explaining the ins and outs of his / her beloved Vietnam. After approximately 110 kilometres – with samples of the most beautiful landscapes of the Red River Delta passing you by just before reaching Ninh Binh- it is time to exchange the car seat for a more aquatic-based touring.
Continue on a sampan and explore the stunning beauty of Tam Coc or 'The Three Caves'. This majestic site is also known as "Dry Ha Long Bay" or "Ha Long Bay on land" for its resemblance to the famous Ha Long bay with its impressive rock formations jutting out of the rice paddies. Enjoy the beauty of imposing limestone structures lying amid rice fields as you move along the Ngo Dong River and through the caves.
After lunch at a local restaurant, you will visit the ancient capital of Vietnam, Hoa Lu, where the impressive temples of the Vietnamese royal dynasties of Dinh and Le are waiting to be explored. Little remains of the once imperial citadel of Hoa Lu, built when the city was the country's administrative centre. Now, Hoa Lu and the surrounding province of Ninh Binh are more commonly known for their unusual landscape. The three-level Bich Dong pagoda built in the 15th century will offer you some fascinating views of the surroundings. The energetic among us may undertake the climb of some 200 steps for a rewarding view for exploring the temples of Dinh Tien Hoang and Dai Hanh. In the late afternoon, we drive the 110 kilometres back to Hanoi and your home far away from home – your hotel room in the Vietnamese capital.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We can pick up from only hotels in Hanoi City centre, Transfer outside these areas, supplements apply.
Important Information
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for pregnant travelers
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide.
- Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Hanoi city centre. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the capital, harbour and the Hanoi International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
- Customers are advised that during the TET celebrations (celebration of Vietnamese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal.
- We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
- This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users. The obstacles comprise of unpaved roads, small boats and cruise embarkation and disembarkation and insufficient facilities to provide a comfortable sightseeing tour.
- Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
- We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
- Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
- Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
- We recommend wearing light, comfortable cotton clothing and comfortable shoes.
