Ninh Binh 1 Day Tour from Hanoi
Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave Viewpoint
A full-day escape from Hanoi to the “Halong Bay on land” – limestone mountains, rice fields, ancient temples and peaceful riverside villages.
Detailed Itinerary
07:30 – 08:15 | Pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter
Your guide and driver pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter.
After a short introduction, you leave the busy streets of Hanoi and head south towards Ninh Binh.
Enjoy the scenic 2–2.5 hour drive through the Red River Delta, passing rice fields, villages and local markets.
10:00 – 11:00 | Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Arrive in Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam in the 10th–11th centuries.
Your guide will take you to visit:
You will learn about:
The early Vietnamese kingdoms
How Hoa Lu became the first capital
The stories of the kings and their battles
This part brings history to life before you head into nature.
11:15 – 12:15 | Optional Cycling through the Countryside
From Hoa Lu area, you can choose to cycle (optional, if included in your program) on quiet village roads.
Ride past rice fields, limestone mountains and small local houses
See farmers working in the fields and water buffalo by the roadside
Enjoy the fresh countryside air and peaceful scenery
If you prefer not to cycle, you can relax in the car and drive directly to Tam Coc.
12:30 – 13:30 | Vietnamese Lunch in Tam Coc
Arrive in the Tam Coc area and enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
A variety of local dishes (meat, vegetables, rice, spring rolls)
Vegetarian options available on request
Take a short rest before the boat trip
13:45 – 15:15 | Tam Coc Sampan Boat Ride
Board a traditional sampan boat rowed by a local villager along the Ngo Dong River.
This 1.5–2 hour journey is the highlight of Ninh Binh:
Drift between spectacular limestone cliffs
Pass golden or green rice fields (depending on the season)
Go through three natural caves (“Tam Coc” means “three caves”)
Enjoy the silence, broken only by the sound of water and birds
This is often called “Halong Bay on land” – a perfect moment for photos and slow travel.
15:30 – 17:00 | Mua Cave Hike & Viewpoint
A short drive brings you to Mua Cave (Hang Mua).
Climb approximately 500 steps to the top of the viewpoint:
Panoramic view over Tam Coc, rivers and vast rice fields
Limestone mountains stretching to the horizon
One of the most impressive viewpoints in North Vietnam
Those who prefer not to climb can relax at the base area, enjoy a drink or walk around the lotus ponds.
17:00 – 19:00 | Drive Back to Hanoi
Say goodbye to Ninh Binh and board the car back to Hanoi.
End of services.
✔ What’s Included
Pick-up & drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter
A/C car or minivan with experienced driver
English-speaking local guide
Entrance fees to Hoa Lu, Tam Coc and Mua Cave
Sampan boat ride in Tam Coc
Vietnamese lunch (vegetarian option available)
Bottled water during the day
Optional bicycle rental (if specified in your booking)
✘ Not Included
Personal travel insurance
Drinks during lunch (soft drinks, beer, etc.)
Tips for boat rower, guide and driver (optional)
Other services not clearly mentioned
What to Bring
Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
Light clothing, hat and sunscreen
Camera or smartphone for photos
Light jacket (in cooler months)
Small cash for drinks, snacks, tips
💚 Why You’ll Love This Tour
Perfect full-day escape from Hanoi
Combines history + culture + landscape in one day
Easy logistics: we arrange everything from hotel pick-up to drop-off
Ideal for couples, friends, families, and solo travelers
A beautiful introduction to the countryside of North Vietnam