Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc & Mua Cave
Description
Escape the bustling streets of Hanoi and discover the natural beauty and rich cultural heritage of Ninh Binh on this full-day tour. Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, once Vietnam’s capital in the 10th and 11th centuries, then climb 500 steps up Lying Dragon Mountain (Mua Cave) for panoramic views of the stunning karst landscape. Enjoy a peaceful boat trip along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc, gliding through majestic caves and lush rice paddies. Finish your journey with a relaxing bike ride to Bich Dong Pagoda, a historic site dating back to 1428, surrounded by serene natural scenery. Perfect for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike!
Tour Options
Itinerary
Between 7:15 AM and 7:45 AM, our friendly guide will pick you up from Hanoi Old Quarter to start your journey to Ninh Binh province, located approximately 100 km away. Enjoy a comfortable 2-hour-30 minutes drive with a short break along the way before arriving at this beautiful destination.
First, visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh Province, a land of stunning mountains and seas. This historic citadel offers a unique cultural identity, showcasing architectural and sculptural heritage linked to the founding legend of Dai Co Viet, the ancient name of Vietnam. Discover the rich history and charm of this must-see destination.
Enjoy a delicious set-menu lunch featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes. Afterward, embark on a peaceful sampan boat trip through Tam Coc, gliding past three stunning caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave). Following the boat ride, cycle through picturesque rice fields and charming villages to visit the historic Bich Dong Pagoda, a serene spiritual site nestled among limestone cliffs.
Next, visit Mua Cave (Dancing Cave) and climb 500 steps up Lying Dragon Mountain for stunning panoramic views of rivers and mountains. Located at the foot of Mua Mountain, the cave is famous for its historical legend: King Tran Thai Tong, the first king of the Tran Dynasty, often visited to enjoy dances performed by his court’s odalisques—hence the name “Mua Cave,” meaning “dancing cave.” Today, Mua Cave refers to the entire scenic tourist area, offering breathtaking vistas and rich cultural history.
Highlights
What's included
Pickup Locations & Times
We will pick up all the guests at hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter Area. Please be ready at your hotel lobby and our guide will come and call your name for the tour to Ninh Binh.
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Reviews(2)
I'd give this a 0 if I could. We made a special effort to get up early and make our way to the meeting point (at the lovely Apricot Hotel, which is quite nice!) by 7:15am, ready to be picked up at 7:30am. The tour operators never showed. We waited until 8:30am and contacted both the tour and Viator. Viator said they would investigate and possibly refund us the $158 after 72 hours depending on what the operators said. Very disappointing, as we had limited time in the area and dedicated from 7:30am (pick up) until 6:30pm (earliest drop off leaving Binh Ninh at 4pm as described) to this trip. I'd definitely caution against booking this specific tour, and I am wary about using Viator going forward due to their responses.
It was a wonderful experience with a very well-organized and carefully planned tour. The support team was always available and very helpful. A special thanks to Sarah — you were there for us every step of the way. Truly appreciated your kind gesture. These are memories we’ll treasure for a lifetime!
