• Hanoi Opera House - 07:15 - 7:20 The guide will collect guests from their hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter to begin a 110km journey in a comfortable limousine through lush landscapes. There will be a stop for a break along the way. For those staying outside the Old Quarter, please meet at the Hanoi Opera House at 7:20 am to join the tour group (this is a pickup point, not a tour site).
• Hoa Lu Temples of the Dinh & Le Dynasties - 10:30 Arrive at the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to explore two temples built on the site of the former royal palace, dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh. This visit provides insight into the feudal dynasties and historical periods of Vietnam.
• Ninh Binh Mountain Side Homestay & Cafe - Enjoy a buffet lunch at a local restaurant in the Trang An area, featuring Asian-style cuisine, local dishes, and organic vegetables. Relax and savor your meal before continuing the journey to Trang An.
• Trang An Landscape Complex - After lunch, embark on a rowing boat (rowed by both hand and feet) at Trang An Scenic Landscapes, a breathtaking natural wonder with majestic limestone massifs rising dramatically from rice paddies. Glide on a traditional sampan through numerous caves: Hang Toi (Dark) cave at 320 meters, Sang (Light) cave at 90 meters, and Hang Nau Ruou (Cooking Wine) cave at 250 meters. Each passage reveals new mysteries hidden within tranquil, isolated valleys, transporting you to another world and time.
• Mua Caves - (OPTIONAL activity: Guests with back issues or poor physical health may opt out. Confirm with the tour guide en route from Hanoi to Ninh Binh to pre-order tickets, costing 100,000 VND or 4 USD). For those not hiking the 500 steps, a nearby cafe offers a relaxing spot to enjoy a drink (at your own expense) while waiting for the group.

Arrive at Mua Cave and embark on an exhilarating 500-step hike to the top of Ngoa Long Mountain for breathtaking views of the rice valley and natural beauty. The peak offers panoramic vistas. A stone staircase beside the cave entrance winds through the karst (watch for goat droppings) leading to a simple altar to Quan Am (the Goddess of Mercy). Look west to see the Ngo Dong River meandering through Tam Coc. Return to the bus for the journey back to Hanoi.

• Hanoi Opera House - 17:00 Depart Mua Cave and head back to Hanoi, arriving around 19:30. Guests will be dropped off at their hotel in the Old Quarter or at the Hanoi Opera House meeting point. Conclude an unforgettable full-day trip!

• Round trip transfer
• English-speaking guide
• Boat trip in Trang An
• Biking in Trang An
• Entrance fees to Hoa Lu Temple
• Entrance fees to Trang An Boat
• Lunch at local restaurant

• Drinks and others not mentioned.
• Tipping/ Gratuities
• Entrance fee to Mua cave (100,000 VND or 4 USD)

Ninh Binh is frequently called “Ha Long Bay on land” due to its stunning karsts and caves, offering boat rides for visitors.
Explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and Tam Coc, which features Ha Long-like views with magnificent limestone cliffs and intriguing, welcoming caves.

Highlights

• Explore the Hoa Lu Old Citadel, including Dinh Temple and Le Temple.
• Take a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc and visit three caves.
• Savor a buffet lunch at a local restaurant featuring Vietnamese cuisine.
• Ascend nearly 500 stone steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain for spectacular views.
• Travel in comfort with an air-conditioned vehicle.
• Enjoy convenient hotel pickup and drop-off service in the heart of Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

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