Ninh Binh

From Hanoi: Explore Highlights of Ninh Binh – Private

Culture & History Tours

This Trip At a Glance

Dive into a 2-day excursion starting from Hanoi, filled with the enchantment of Ninh Binh. On the first day, experience the spiritual grandeur of Bai Dinh, the serene boat rides in Tam Coc, and the breathtaking views from Mua Cave, complemented with breakfast and lunch. The second day keeps the wonder alive with a visit to the historic Hoa Lu and a tranquil boat journey through the majestic Trang An grottoes, with meals provided. This journey culminates with a return to Hanoi, leaving you with lasting memories of Vietnam’s cultural and natural beauty.

What Makes This Trip Special

Visit the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the largest in Vietnam.
Explore the picturesque Tam Coc area, often referred to as “Halong Bay on Land”
Climb to Mua Cave, offering breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside
Discover the historical significance of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital
Experience a serene boat trip through the Trang An grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site

Detailed Itinerary

07:00 AM: Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, head to Ninh Binh. 09:00 AM: We’ll stop for a short break within 15 – 20 minutes, allowing you some time to stretch and relax. 10:30 AM: You will discover the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, renowned as Southeast Asia’s largest and most illustrious pagoda, boasting numerous records with its 500 Stone Arhat Statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue. 12:30 PM: Have a buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant. 01:30 PM: Then, we’ll take a 1.5-hour boat ride through Tam Coc, where you’ll see why people call this place “Halong Bay on land” with its beautiful fields, rivers, and caves. 04:00 PM: After that, we’re off to Mua Caves. Get ready to climb almost 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for an awesome view of Tam Coc below. 05:00 PM: To wrap up the day, we’ll take you to hotel or bungalow in Tam Coc. Dinner will be served at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

07:30 AM: Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel or bungalow and gear up for an exciting trip ahead. 09:30 – 09:45 AM: Our tour guide will pick you up for a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. 10:30 AM: Next, we’ll check out Hoa Lu, which was Vietnam’s capital a long time ago, from 968 to 1010. It’s a great place to learn about Vietnam’s history back in the days of the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties. 12:30 PM: Have a buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes. 01:30 PM: Then, we will venture into Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular tunnel cave system and natural beauty, which famously served as a location for the 2016 “Skull Island” film. Enjoy a boat trip navigating through breathtaking caves such as Light Cave (Hang Sang), Dark Cave (Hang Toi), and Cooking Wine Cave (Hang Nau Ruou), set against the backdrop of a verdant river and landscapes. 04:00 PM: Get on the Bus to return to Hanoi. 06:30 PM: We will take you back to Hanoi and we’ll ensure you’re dropped off at your hotel. End of tour.