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:

• King Dinh Temple – dedicated to Dinh Bo Linh
• King Le Temple – dedicated to Le Dai Hanh
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You will learn about:

• The early Vietnamese kingdoms
• How Hoa Lu became the first capital
• The stories of the kings and their battles
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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.

• Expected arrival in Hanoi Old Quarter: around 19:00
• Drop-off at your hotel or a central point in the Old Quarter
•  

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