Ninh Binh Day Trip from Hanoi

From₫60
12 hours
Halong Bay, Vietnam

About this activity

Experience Ninh Binh's natural beauty and historical sites on a guided day trip from Hanoi, including visits to Hoa Lu Temple, Tam Cốc, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Caves, and Thung Nham Bird Park.

Highlights

  • Explore Hoa Lu Temple's ancient architecture
  • Cruise through Tam Cốc's limestone karsts
  • Visit the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda
  • Hike up Mua Caves for panoramic views
  • Birdwatch at Thung Nham Bird Park

Full description

Discover the enchanting landscapes and rich history of Ninh Binh on this comprehensive day trip from Hanoi. Begin with a visit to the ancient Hoa Lu Temple, the former capital of Vietnam, where you'll marvel at its well-preserved architecture. Then, embark on a scenic boat ride through Tam Cốc, often referred to as 'Halong Bay on land,' to witness the stunning limestone karsts and lush greenery. Explore the impressive Bai Dinh Pagoda, home to the largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia. Hike up to Mua Caves for breathtaking panoramic views of the countryside. Conclude your day with a visit to Thung Nham Bird Park, a haven for birdwatching enthusiasts. This tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and natural beauty, ensuring a memorable experience for all travelers.

Included / Excluded

  • English-speaking tour guide
  • Round-trip bus transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Admission to Hoa Lu Temple, Tam Cốc–Bích Động, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Mua Caves, and Thung Nham Bird Park
  • Personal expenses

Itinerary

1

Our tour guide and driver will pick you up from the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter for the transfer to Ninh Binh.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
2

There are 7 attractions: Hoa Lu ancient captital, Mua Cave, Tam Coc, Bich Dong pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Trang An, Thung Nham. Depending to the tour grade you choose, the itinerary will included: 2 of 4 or 3 of 4 attractions with the following itineraries: 1- ITINERARY 1 - TOUR: HOA LU - TAM COC/ TRANG AN - MUA CAVE. FULL DAY TOUR 2- ITINERARY 2: TOUR: HOA LU - TAM COC/ TRANG AN. FULL DAY TOUR. 3- ITINERARY 3: TOUR: BAI DINH - TRANG AN - MUA CAVE. FULL DAY TOUR 4 – ITNERARY 4: TOUR: BAI DINH - TRANG AN. FULL DAY TOUR. 5 - ITNERARY 5: FULL DAY PRIVATE TOUR : TAM COC – BICH DONG – THUNG NHAM. - Customize Tour Note: After pick up in Old Quarter area (or the meeting point), the Bus will head to south of Hanoi (short break in middle way for 15 minutes)

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
3

10h30: Visiting Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from years 968 to 1010. Then you will visit the Temple of Dinh King and Le King to learn more about Vietnamese history under the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties. 11h15 - 11h45: It’s time to join our 30 minutes cycling activity to discover the life of the local people. Or stay behind and either relax in the restaurant for sightseeing and capture the views around lake, waterfall and valleys.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
4

13h15 - 13h30: Option 1: Tam Coc, known as “Halong Bay on the land”, where you will spend 1.5 hours on the boat to explore this area. On this excursion down the Ngo Dong River, you will pass through the beautiful paddy fields, limestone karst formation, and a stunning cave system including Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba caves for a unique experience.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
5

You continue your trip to Trang An, a World Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO in 2014. There, you can spend 1.5 hours on the boat ride to enjoy the beauty of this place, which owns a beautiful tunnel cave system and appears in the New Version of Kong in 2016 - “Skull Island”.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: NOT_APPLICABLE
6

The first destination to explore in Ninh Binh today is Bai Dinh Pagoda, one of the most famous pagodas in Vietnam and well-known for many Asian and Vietnamese records. In the pagoda, you can see 500-stone statues of Arhats, a Belltower with 27 tons and 36 tons of bronze bell, and a Golden statue of the Goddess of Mercy.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES
7

Our next destination is Mua Cave. There, you will climb 500 steps to reach the mountain's peak, overlooking the beautiful view of the city and Tam Coc below.

Duration: 1 hourAdmission: YES
8

Continue to Thung Nham Bird Valley. Get on a small sampan to discover Hang But (Buddhist Cave), about 500m in length, a magical view of the stalactites and stalagmites, and see a big Buddha-shaped stalactite sitting beside an underground river, as well as visit an orchard of tropical fruits in this area. The best time for the bird park in the afternoon, sit quietly on a boat and slowly paddle through Thung Chim (Thung Nham), discover the most features of this area with more than thousand birds of 40 species flying to inhabit every day. Your best chance to take nice photos and immerse yourself in the wild and nature.

Duration: 2 hoursAdmission: YES

Important information

Know before you book

  • The tour is not wheelchair accessible; participants should have a moderate physical fitness level.
  • Infants must sit on laps; please inform the tour operator in advance if you require a child seat.
  • Personal expenses, such as souvenirs and additional food or drinks, are not included in the tour price.

Know before you go

  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and attire suitable for outdoor activities.
  • Bring a hat, sunscreen, and insect repellent for sun protection and comfort.
  • Carry a camera to capture the stunning landscapes and historical sites.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation up to 1 days before the activity starts

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Accessibility

  • Infants Required On Laps

Traveler reviews

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Excellent Day Trip in Ninh Binh

This was an excellent Day Trip to Ninh Binh. I particularly enjoyed the boat ride at Tam Coc. The buffet was lovely as well, along with a list of restaurant recommendations at the end. Really fun tour! A variety of unique activities that had a really good mix of breaks and more intensive activities, suitable for all skill levels!

Curious10430051319May 21, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Love it

Our trip to Ninh Binh is very fantastic, our family really love the atmosphere in here and the view was magnificent. Recommended for everyone!!

811chunghMay 19, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Amazing trip

This is our best trip in Vietnam. We have the most beautiful time in Ninh Binh, it very peaceful in here, the tour guide is very humor, he always make us laught.

ph_c_cn2024May 19, 2024TRIPADVISOR

Amazingly trip

I have to say the view in Ninh Binh is macnicficent, our tour guide also is the best tour guide ever, he is very knowledgeable and hurmor make our trip very fun

B144GE_cdMay 19, 2024TRIPADVISOR

good travel

Our family have a wonderfull time when visiting Ninh Binh. This is our last day in Viet nam and i have to say we have no reget when choosing this our. the trip is amazing and we really enjoying it.

thangq2024May 19, 2024TRIPADVISOR