Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Tam Coc, Bai Dinh & Trang An 2-Day Tour

1. Day 1: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Mua Cave & Tam Coc Boat Trip

   07:00 | Hotel Pickup in Hanoi: Your tour guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi. Begin your 2-day journey to Ninh Binh, one of Northern Vietnam's most beautiful destinations, renowned for its spectacular limestone mountains, peaceful countryside, historic landmarks, and scenic waterways.

   09:00 | Short Rest Stop: Enjoy a 15–20-minute break along the journey before continuing toward Ninh Binh.

   10:30 | Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Vietnamese Historical Heritage

   • Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Visit Vietnam's ancient capital, which served as the political center of the country from 968 to 1010.
   • Discover the historical significance of Hoa Lu and learn about Vietnam's early feudal history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.
   • Explore the cultural heritage of this remarkable destination, surrounded by impressive limestone mountains and beautiful countryside landscapes.
   • Gain fascinating insights into the traditions, architecture, and historical importance of Vietnam's former royal capital.

   11:30 | Mua Cave & Lying Dragon Mountain

   • Continue by bus to Mua Cave (Hang Mua), one of Ninh Binh's most famous scenic attractions.
   • Challenge yourself with a climb of approximately 500 stone steps toward the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain (Ngoa Long Mountain).
   • Enjoy breathtaking panoramic views of the Tam Coc landscape, featuring winding rivers, rice fields, and dramatic limestone formations.
   • Capture memorable photographs of the picturesque countryside from one of Ninh Binh's most spectacular viewpoints.

   12:30 | Buffet Lunch with Local Specialties: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Ninh Binh dishes such as goat meat, fried rice, and other regional specialties. Vegetarian options are also available.

   13:30 | Tam Coc – Traditional Bamboo Boat Experience

   • Tam Coc: Discover one of Ninh Binh's most picturesque natural attractions, often referred to as Ha Long Bay on Land because of its remarkable limestone landscapes.
   • 1.5-Hour Bamboo Boat Trip: Enjoy a scenic boat journey along the peaceful waterways of Tam Coc, surrounded by beautiful rice fields, towering limestone mountains, and traditional countryside scenery.
   • Admire the fascinating combination of rivers, caves, green paddy fields, and impressive rock formations that creates the region's extraordinary natural beauty.
   • Experience the tranquil atmosphere and capture memorable photographs of the spectacular landscapes.

   15:30 | Cycling Through Tam Coc Countryside

   • Enjoy an approximately 45-minute cycling experience through a peaceful local village.
   • Discover the daily lifestyle of local residents and admire traditional houses, rural scenery, and agricultural landscapes.
   • Experience the relaxing countryside atmosphere while learning about local culture and village life.

   16:30 – 17:00 | Hotel or Bungalow Check-In: Arrive at your accommodation in the Tam Coc area and complete the check-in procedures. Enjoy free time to relax after a day of sightseeing.

   Evening | Dinner & Overnight in Tam Coc: Enjoy dinner at your hotel or a nearby restaurant, as arranged by the tour operator. Spend the night at a hotel or bungalow in Tam Coc.

2. Day 2: Bai Dinh Pagoda & Trang An Scenic Boat Trip

   07:30 | Breakfast at Hotel or Bungalow: Enjoy breakfast at your accommodation in Tam Coc and prepare for another day of exploring Ninh Binh's cultural and natural attractions.

   09:30 – 09:45 | Tour Group Pickup: Meet your tour guide and rejoin the sightseeing group for the second day's journey.

   10:30 | Bai Dinh Pagoda – Buddhist Cultural Heritage

   • Bai Dinh Pagoda: Visit one of Vietnam's most famous Buddhist temple complexes, renowned for its impressive religious architecture, grand scale, and important cultural significance.
   • 500 Arhat Statues: Admire the remarkable collection of stone Arhat statues displayed throughout the pagoda complex.
   • 36-Ton Bronze Bell: Discover the impressive bronze bell, one of the notable features highlighted in the tour program.
   • 100-Ton Buddha Statue: Admire the monumental Buddha statue and learn about its significance within the Buddhist complex.
   • Explore the peaceful spiritual atmosphere and appreciate the traditional Buddhist architecture surrounded by beautiful natural landscapes.

   11:45 | Buffet Lunch with Ninh Binh Specialties: Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant, featuring regional favorites such as goat meat, fried rice, and other traditional Vietnamese dishes. Vegetarian options are available.

   13:00 | Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex – UNESCO World Heritage Discovery

   • Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex: Discover the spectacular natural beauty of this destination, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2014.
   • Scenic Boat Trip: Enjoy a traditional boat journey through the breathtaking limestone landscapes of Trang An, surrounded by emerald-green waterways, towering mountains, and peaceful natural scenery.
   • Trang An Cave System: Discover fascinating natural caves and impressive limestone formations along the waterways.
   • Sang Cave (Light Cave): Admire the beautiful natural formations and atmospheric scenery associated with this cave.
   • Toi Cave (Dark Cave): Experience the mysterious atmosphere of Trang An's limestone cave system.
   • Nau Ruou Cave (Cooking Wine Cave): Learn about another distinctive cave highlighted in the itinerary.
   • Kong: Skull Island Filming Landscape: Discover the magnificent scenery associated with the filming of Kong: Skull Island, which brought international attention to the natural beauty of Trang An.
   • Enjoy opportunities to photograph the picturesque waterways, mountain formations, and scenic surroundings throughout the boat journey.

   15:30 – 16:00 | Return to Trang An Wharf: Complete your scenic boat trip and return to Trang An Wharf. Wait for the driver and prepare for the return journey to Hanoi.

   16:30 | Departure for Hanoi: Board your transfer vehicle and depart from Ninh Binh for Hanoi.

   19:00 – 19:30 | Arrival in Hanoi: Return to Hanoi and enjoy drop-off at your hotel or the tour operator's office, according to the program. End of the memorable Ninh Binh 2-day tour.

Important information

• Tour price includes

  Included

  • Transportation throughout the itinerary by Limousine or normal bus, according to the tour program.
  • Professional English-speaking tour guide.
  • Water and wet wipes provided on the vehicle.
  • One breakfast at the hotel or bungalow.
  • Two buffet lunches featuring local specialties.
  • One dinner on the first evening.
  • Approximately 45-minute cycling experience in Tam Coc.
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing attractions included in the itinerary.
  • One-night accommodation at a hotel or bungalow in Tam Coc, according to the selected package.
  • Value-added tax (VAT).

  Not Included

  • Drinks during lunch.
  • Tips and gratuities for the tour guide and driver.
  • Other services and personal items not specifically mentioned in the inclusions.
• Good to know

  Tour Information

  • Tour duration: 2 days and 1 night.
  • Departure location: Hanoi.
  • Day 1 hotel pickup time: 07:00.
  • Day 1 accommodation check-in: 16:30 – 17:00.
  • Day 2 tour group pickup: 09:30 – 09:45.
  • Day 2 departure for Hanoi: 16:30.
  • Day 2 scheduled return time: 19:00 – 19:30.
  • Final drop-off is provided at the guest's hotel or the tour operator's office in Hanoi.
  • Transportation is provided by Limousine or normal bus. The original document does not confirm which vehicle type applies to each departure.

  Accommodation Information

  • One-night accommodation in the Tam Coc area is included.
  • The original itinerary mentions both hotel and bungalow accommodation.
  • The listed package price of 2,650,000 VND per person applies to the Bungalow Option.
  • Hotel option pricing, accommodation names, room categories, and single-room surcharges are not specified in the document.
  • Dinner on Day 1 is served at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

  Meals Information

  • Day 1: Buffet lunch and dinner.
  • Day 2: Breakfast and buffet lunch.
  • Total included meals: One breakfast, two buffet lunches, and one dinner.
  • Buffet lunches include regional specialties such as goat meat and fried rice.
  • Vegetarian options are available during buffet lunches.
  • Drinks during lunch are not included.

  Activities & Sightseeing Information

  • Day 1 includes Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, Mua Cave, a 1.5-hour bamboo boat trip in Tam Coc, and approximately 45 minutes of cycling.
  • The Mua Cave viewpoint requires climbing approximately 500 steps to reach the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain.
  • Day 2 includes Bai Dinh Pagoda and a scenic boat trip through Trang An.
  • The Trang An itinerary mentions Sang Cave, Toi Cave, and Nau Ruou Cave. The exact boat route is not separately specified.
  • The original document lists entrance fees but does not separately itemize Tam Coc and Trang An boat fares. Their inclusion should be confirmed with the tour operator.
  • The original document does not separately confirm electric cart transportation at Bai Dinh Pagoda.

  Children Policy

  • Children aged 3 and under: Free of charge according to the general policy. Parents are responsible for their care, meals, and any applicable entrance fees.
  • Only one child under 3 years old is permitted free of charge for every two accompanying adults. The second child and each additional child are charged 50% of the tour price.
  • Children aged 4–9 years old: 75% of the adult tour price. Separate meals are provided, children may share accommodation with their parents, and sightseeing tickets are included.
  • Children aged 10 and above: Adult tour price applies.

  Additional Information

  • The original document contains inconsistent wording between children aged 3 and under and children under 3 regarding complimentary places.
  • The tour package includes accommodation, but the document does not specify room-sharing arrangements for adults.
  • The document does not specify a maximum group size.
  • The document does not provide a cancellation policy.