Highlights
- Discover Vietnam’s first capital at Hoa Lu with a private guide
- Take a scenic sampan ride through Trang An’s UNESCO caves and valleys
- Explore Van Long Nature Reserve — the “hidden Halong Bay on land”
- Optional cycling through rural villages and rice fields
- Climb 500 Steps to the Summit of Mua Cave
Description
Leave the bustle of Hanoi behind and enjoy a full-day journey into the cultural and natural heart of Ninh Binh province.
Start with a scenic two-hour drive to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s 10th-century capital. Explore the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, set among limestone mountains and rice paddies, while your guide shares stories of Vietnam’s early dynasties.
Continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its towering karsts and cave grottos. Board a traditional sampan rowed by a local for a 2-hour journey through tunnel caves, serene valleys, and limestone peaks rising from emerald waters. It’s a peaceful and photogenic experience nicknamed “Ha Long Bay on land.”
After a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, head to Van Long Nature Reserve, a quieter wetland area home to rare Delacour’s langurs, storks, and kingfishers. Glide by boat through its calm waters surrounded by verdant karst mountains.
For active travelers, opt for a short cycling trip around rural villages and rice fields to see authentic local life.
Next, visit Mua Cave (Hang Mua), one of Ninh Binh’s most iconic viewpoints. Climb the stone steps to the top of Mua Peak for panoramic views over Tam Coc’s rice fields and dramatic karst mountains—an unforgettable photo stop, especially in the late afternoon light. (The hike is optional, and the pace can be adjusted to your comfort.)
Finally, relax on the drive back to Hanoi in the late afternoon, returning with memories of Vietnam’s stunning scenery and rich heritage.
Includes
Private A/C car or van with driver (fuel, tolls, parking)
English-speaking private guide (Surcharge for other language guide)
Entrance fees to Hoa Lu, Trang An & Van Long
Sampan boat rides in Trang An and Van Long
Vietnamese lunch with local specialties
Bottled water & cold towels
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi
Excludes
Surcharge on public holidays (Dec 31-Jan 1, Apr 29-30, May 1-2, Dec 24-25, Lunar New Year)
Tips
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
