Hanoi to Ninh Binh 1 Day: Trang An, Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, bike, boat
Description
Ideal for travelers with limited time, our day trip to Ninh Binh combines history, adventure, and breathtaking scenery. Cycle through the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, hike 500 steps to Mua Cave’s Lying Dragon Mountain for panoramic views, and savor a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch at 5-star restaurant. Enjoy the peaceful boat ride through the beautiful waterways of Trang An or Tam Coc, often called the most scenic spots in Vietnam. With comfortable shuttle bus & experienced English-speaking guide, ideal plan, this trip is your perfect trip to Ninh Binh! Whether you're a nature lover, history buff, or cultural explorer, this is the best way to experience Ninh Binh’s wonders in just 1 day.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Thank you for joining us on this unforgettable adventure. Be ready for a 2-day memorable journey with our local expert! 7:15 - 8:00: Our friendly guide will pick you up from Hanoi Opera House or your hotel in the Old Quarter and drive you to Ninh Binh, about 120km south of Hanoi. Enjoy scenic views along the way! 9:15: A quick 20-minute break to stretch and relax.
10:15 - 10:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh. Start your adventure with a 20-minute bike ride to Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Explore the historic temples of Kings Dinh and Le, dating back to the 10th century, and learn about the fascinating history of Vietnam's first emperors. (If cycling isn't your preference, no worries! We’ll comfortably transfer you by bus to Hoa Lu, where our guide'll meet & lead you through the ancient temples. After exploring, we’ll take you back to continue the journey). 11:30: Cycle for 30 minutes through charming villages, immersing yourself in the vibrant local life & stunning landscapes. (If you’d rather skip this bike ride, we’ll take you to the restaurant by bus for your convenience). 12:00: Have Lunch at 5-star Cozy Vietnam Restaurant. You'll admire the panoramic view of poetic mountains & river scenery of Ninh Binh while enjoying the delicious food. Vegetarian food are always available on both Deluxe Set Menu & Buffet.
13:00 - 13:30: Option 1: Visit Tam Coc by 1.5 hours on the boat ride - a nature masterpiece that Vietnamese call it “Halong Bay on land”. Glide past towering limestone mountains, winding rivers, and ancient caves, all set in a breathtaking landscape of rice paddies. Option 2: Visit Trang An, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014. Experience a peaceful boat ride through its spectacular cave system, made famous by the movie Kong: Skull Island. With our local experts, we'll show the best of what Ninh Binh can offer, ensuring that you'll have a fantastic time with detailed insights into Vietnam's history, culture & people.
16:00: Journey to Mua Cave & embark on an exhilarating climb of nearly 500 steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain. At the top, soak in the breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc’s winding river and lush rice fields—an unforgettable reward for your effort! We can't wait to show you all the best spots for you to take great photos & capture memorable moments of this stunning place & picturesque surroundings.
17:00 - 17:30: Begin our return journey to Hanoi with lovely mountain views along the way. 19:00 - 19:30: Arrive back in Hanoi & return to your hotel, leaving us an unforgettable journey through the landscapes & cultural treasures of Ninh Binh. Thank you for choosing us & see you soon in next adventure!
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
- Be ready at your hotel lobby 10 minutes before departure. - Free pick-up/drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter. - Airport pick-up available 24/7 with a small surcharge. - Pick-up/drop-off outside Hanoi center available with a small surcharge based on your address. - For the convenience, please provide us your WhatsApp/Email to easily contact & confirm the pick-up time & location. - Feel free to reach out anytime - We’re here 24/7 to support you with care & dedication!
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Children must be accompanied by at least an adult
- It's a daily tour & requires good weather. In case it has to be cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- We’ll update the weather forecast & let you know in advance so you can prepare accordingly.
- On the weekend, some roads will not allow vehicles to make room for the walking street; therefore, our transport will drop you off at the closest and suitable point in the Old Quarter instead.
- Share your WhatsApp/Email for easy contact. We’re here 24/7 for any questions or support!
- You're advised to bring small backpack, sun glasses, hat, water bottle, mosquito spray and sunscreen.
- Please wear comfortable shoes & clothing suitable for cycling and outdoor activities.
Reviews(1)
It’s ok. Felt a little rushed through at some parts. The boat ride is amazing, although you do not get hat to wear, which is shame as I was looking forward a lot to wear a hat and take scenic photos on the boat. You pay for a trip more than other providers, and end up with away too large group. Pick up didn’t happened, we have to make our own way which is ok.
Thank you very much for your feedback. As this is a one-day tour, the schedule can sometimes feel a bit fast-paced in order to ensure a timely return to Hanoi. We truly appreciate your comment and will work with our tour guide to see how we can better adjust the pacing for a more comfortable experience. Regarding the boat trip, hats are not provided on board, so guests are kindly advised to bring their own for sun protection. We also recommend wearing appropriate clothing when visiting certain temples and sacred sites along the way. For group tours, the group size is typically around 20 guests depending on the day. Our shuttle service offers complimentary pick-up within the Old Quarter along accessible routes. However, for locations that are further away or not convenient for vehicle access, guests may be kindly asked to come to a nearby meeting point. Additionally, due to local traffic regulations, there are certain areas where stopping or parking is restricted, which may occasionally cause some inconvenience. That said, we always do our best to arrange the most convenient pick-up possible and minimize the need for guests to travel on their own. Thank you again for your understanding and for sharing your experience with us. Your feedback is very helpful for us to continue improving our services. Warm regards, Vietmountain Travel
