Hanoi – Hoa Lu or Bai Dinh – Trang An – Mua Cave – Tam Coc – Cycling

Useful information

Explore the very best of Ninh Binh with this 2 day, 1 night journey. From spiritual pagodas to ancient temples, majestic limestone landscapes, river grottoes, and peaceful countryside villages, this tour offers an unforgettable combination of culture and nature.

Itinerary

Day 1: Bai Dinh or Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave

Meals Included: Lunch, Dinner

07:00 – 07:45 – Pick-up in Hanoi

Your tour guide meets you at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Begin the 110–kilometer journey through the peaceful countryside. A short break will be made on the way.

Option 1: Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex

10:00 – Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda

Arrive at Bai Dinh, the largest pagoda complex in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Set at the foot of Dinh Mountain, the site offers breathtaking scenery overlooking river valleys and limestone karsts.
Highlights include:

• 500 stone statues of Arhats

• Two enormous bronze bells (27 tons and 36 tons)

• The thousand-armed, thousand-eyed Quan Yin statue

• The impressive Gautama Buddha statue

Option 2: Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel → Trang An

10:00 – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

Visit the historic capital of Vietnam and explore Dinh King Temple, dating back to the seventeenth century. Learn about the early dynasties that shaped Vietnamese history.

12:00 – Lunch at a Local Restaurant

Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese meal featuring authentic local cuisine.

13:00 – Trang An Grottoes

Transfer to the Trang An Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of towering limestone mountains, peaceful valleys, freshwater ponds, and jungle.

Board a traditional sampan and journey through a series of caves including Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, Thanh Truot Cave, and visit spiritual sites such as Cao Son Temple, Suoi Tien Temple, and Vu Lam Temple.

15:30 – Mua Cave and Ngoa Long Mountain

Climb to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain for one of the most spectacular panoramic views in northern Vietnam. Enjoy sweeping views of rice fields, limestone peaks, and the surrounding countryside.

17:00 – Check-in at Homestay or Bungalow

Relax, swim, read, or enjoy the peaceful atmosphere before dinner at 19:00.

Note: Tour guide is not available until the next afternoon.

Day 2: Tam Coc Boating – Cycling – Hanoi

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Morning

Breakfast is served at your bungalow. Free time to swim, relax, or explore the surrounding area.

11:30 – Check out and have lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon – Tam Coc Boat Trip

Your guide takes you on a sampan journey along the Ngo Dong River through the famous three caves:

• Hang Ca

• Hang Hai

• Hang Ba

Tam Coc offers breathtaking scenery of river landscapes surrounded by limestone karsts, lush rice fields, and rich flora and fauna.

16:00 – Countryside Cycling Tour

Cycle through peaceful villages and rice fields, admiring the dramatic limestone ridges and charming hamlets. This is a refreshing and relaxing highlight of the tour, offering wonderful photography opportunities.

17:00 – Return to Hanoi

Board the bus and depart for Hanoi.

18:30 – Arrival in Hanoi

Drop-off at your hotel. The trip ends.

Inclusion

• Pick-up from hotel or accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter by Bus or Limousine Bus

• Round-trip transfers with two complimentary bottles of water per person

• English-speaking guide as indicated in the itinerary

• Meals: 2 lunches, 1 breakfast, 1 dinner

• All entrance fees included in the itinerary

• Accommodation in Homestay or Bungalow (twin or double room sharing)

• Cycling and swimming at the bungalow

Exclusion

• Beverages, travel insurance, personal expenses, and tips

• Electric car fee at Bai Dinh Pagoda (5 United States Dollars)

• Overnight guide service at the bungalow and next morning

• Children from 5–8 years old: 75 percent of adult price

• Children from 9 years old and above: full adult price

• Children under 5 years old: free of charge (excluding entrance tickets, meals, and bus seat)

• Single supplement for solo travelers