Place: Ninh Binh
Overview
Ninh Binh, located just north of Hanoi, is a city steeped in beauty and history. A day trip to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc offers a fascinating journey through Vietnam’s rich cultural past and breathtaking natural landscapes.
In Hoa Lu, you’ll explore ancient tombs and ruins, and discover intriguing stories about the feudal system under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties. Then, visit Tam Coc, often referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land,” where you can enjoy spectacular views of limestone cliffs and tranquil rice paddies. This day trip is a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature, making it an ideal getaway from Hanoi.
Highlights
-
Convenient pick-up and drop-off service at your hotel in Hanoi
-
A knowledgeable guide to enrich your understanding of Hoa Lu’s history
-
A delicious lunch at a local restaurant
-
Cycling around the picturesque Tam Coc area
Itinerary
8:00 AM: The guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi and begin the drive to Ninh Binh. The journey takes approximately 2 hours, covering a distance of 110 km.
10:30 AM: Arrive at Tam Coc, known as the “Three Caves.” Your adventure begins with a peaceful 1.5-hour boat ride along the river, passing through three caves carved into limestone cliffs. Along the way, enjoy the serene beauty of the rice paddies, the ancient limestone formations, and the tranquil rural landscapes—an escape from the bustle of modern life.
12:00 PM: Stop at Thai Vi Temple for a brief cycling excursion around the nearby village. Afterward, enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. You can try local specialties like goat meat and fried rice, or if you prefer vegetarian food, there are plenty of dishes made from fresh jungle vegetables and herbs.
After lunch, take some time to relax or cycle around the village to observe the daily life of the locals, surrounded by mountains and picturesque scenery.
3:00 PM: Depart for Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, a 30-minute drive from Tam Coc. Explore the historic site, once home to the Dinh and Le dynasties. Recognized by UNESCO as part of the Trang An World Heritage Complex, Hoa Lu features impressive architectural ruins and tombs. Your guide will share captivating historical stories as you explore the area.
5:00 PM: Depart Hoa Lu and head back to Hanoi.
7:00 PM: Arrive back at your hotel in Hanoi, concluding your enriching day trip to Tam Coc and Hoa Lu.
Tour Price
-
Economy Tour: $33 per person
-
Deluxe Tour: $44 per person
-
Private Tour: Contact us for pricing
Tour Includes
-
Round-trip transport in an air-conditioned vehicle
-
Lunch (Vietnamese cuisine)
-
English-speaking guide
-
Boat ride and entrance fees
Tour Excludes
-
Additional food and drinks (unless specified)
-
Gratuities (recommended)
Cancellation Policy
-
More than 10 days before arrival: 10% of total tour price
-
5 to 10 days before arrival: 30% of total tour price
-
48 hours to 5 days before departure: 50% of total tour price
-
Within 48 hours of departure: 100% of total tour price
Pick-up Service
-
Group Tour: Pick-up time is flexible within a 15-minute window
-
Private Tour: Pick-up time is customizable to your preference
-
Pick-up is available from hotels in Hanoi’s central area. If your accommodation is located outside this area, please inform us in advance.
