Ninh Binh: Trang An, Hoa Lu, Bich Dong, Mua Cave Small Group Tour

Northern Vietnam , Vietnam

Ninh Binh: Trang An, Hoa Lu, Bich Dong, Mua Cave Small Group Tour

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(70 reviews)

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About this experience

Traveling in a small group offers a more intimate experience. You’ll have more time to ask questions, take photos, and enjoy personalized service from your knowledgeable guide.Unlike rushed tours, this itinerary is thoughtfully paced, giving you time to soak in the beauty and culture of each location. Interactions with locals and an authentic lunch with regional specialties add a personal touch to your journey. This tour combines Ninh Binh's most iconic attractions: the ancient capital of Hoa Lu for a glimpse into Vietnam’s history, the stunning Trang An landscape complex for nature lovers, and Mua Cave for breathtaking panoramic views. It's the perfect balance of culture, exploration, and adventure.

Available options

Ninh Binh: Trang An, Hoa Lu, Bich Dong, Mua Cave Small Group Tour

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pick up and drop off

Luxury minivan and bottle of water on the van

Lunch in local restaurant, Vietnamese food

Visit Bich Dong Pagoda

Hike up to Mua Cave for sunset

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital

English speaking tourguide

Trang An Boat Ride 2,5 hours

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

8:30 AM – Pick-Up from Your Hotel
Begin your adventure with a convenient pick-up from your accommodation in Ninh Binh.
Meet your experienced guide and enjoy a short briefing about the day's itinerary.

9:00 AM - Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
Explore this tranquil, centuries-old pagoda nestled against a limestone mountain and surrounded by lush greenery and lotus ponds.
Climb through three levels of pagodas—Ha (Lower), Trung (Middle), and Thuong (Upper)—each offering serene spaces for reflection and stunning views of the countryside.
Admire the unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance, with a hidden cave temple at the heart of the complex.

10:00 - Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel with King Dinh Temple, King Le Temple dating back to the 17th Century.

12:30 - Enjoy the lunch at our restaurant with the great local cuisines.

13:00 - Leave for the Trang An Grottoes, an out-standing natural beauty of majestic limestone massif at 20 square kilometer rise dramatically out from rice paddy fields. Deep into the linked chains of towering mountain are pristine places of mystical valleys, numerous fresh water ponds, and jungle.Embark on a traditional sampan gently rowed down the exquisite river through numerous caves: Lam Cave, Vạng Cave, Đại Cave, Thánh Trượt Cave,…and Cao Sơn Temple, Suối Tiên Temple, Vũ Lâm Temple…

16:00 PM - Hike to Mua Cave Sunset Viewpoint
Arrive at Mua Cave and start the climb up 500 stone steps to the peak.
Be rewarded with a panoramic view of Tam Coc’s lush rice fields, winding rivers, and limestone peaks.
Spend time enjoying the sunset view and capturing stunning photos.

17:30 PM - – Return to Your Hotel
Arrive back at your accommodation in Ninh Binh.
Say goodbye to your guide and driver, ending your unforgettable adventure.

What's not included

Gratuities

Others drink

Available languages

Guide guide

VI EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.1

7 reviews

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4★

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Tripadvisor 4.9

63 reviews

5★

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1★

Important information

Service animals allowed

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Northern Vietnam

Northern Vietnam is a region rich in history, culture, and stunning landscapes. From the bustling streets of Hanoi to the serene beauty of Ha Long Bay, this area offers a diverse range of experiences for travelers.

Top Attractions

Ha Long Bay

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands.

Nature 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience Moderate to Expensive (depending on cruise type)

Hanoi Old Quarter

The historic heart of Hanoi, known for its narrow streets, traditional architecture, and vibrant markets.

Historical/Cultural 1-2 days Free to explore, budget for shopping and dining

Sapa

A picturesque town in the mountains, known for its terraced rice fields and ethnic minority villages.

Nature/Cultural 2-3 days Moderate

Ninh Binh

Known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning limestone karsts and ancient temples.

Nature/Historical 1-2 days Budget to Moderate

Ha Giang Loop

A challenging and scenic motorbike route through the remote mountains of Northern Vietnam.

Adventure 3-5 days Moderate to Expensive (depending on tour type)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Pho

A noodle soup with beef or chicken, served with fresh herbs and lime. It's a national dish and a must-try in Northern Vietnam.

Breakfast/Lunch Can be made vegetarian/vegan (Pho Chay)

Bun Cha

Grilled pork patties served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and a dipping sauce. A specialty of Hanoi.

Lunch/Dinner Contains pork, can be made vegetarian (Bun Chay)

Banh Mi

A baguette sandwich filled with various ingredients such as pork, pâté, pickled vegetables, and chili sauce. A popular street food item.

Snack/Lunch Can be made vegetarian

Egg Coffee

A unique Hanoi specialty made with egg yolks, condensed milk, and strong coffee. Served hot or iced.

Drink Contains dairy and eggs

Popular Activities

Motorbike the Ha Giang Loop Trekking in Sapa Kayaking in Ha Long Bay Boat rides in Tam Coc Spa and wellness treatments in Hanoi Coffee tasting in Hanoi Explore Hanoi Old Quarter Visit temples in Ninh Binh

Best Time to Visit

March to April and September to November

These months offer pleasant weather with mild temperatures and less rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

20-30°C 68-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English (in tourist areas)
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe, but exercise caution in crowded areas and with street vendors

Northern Vietnam is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Be cautious with street food and drink only bottled or filtered water
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

Noi Bai International Airport • 30 km from Hanoi city center
Cat Bi International Airport • 5 km from Hai Phong city center

By train

Hanoi Railway Station, Hai Phong Railway Station

By bus

Hanoi Giap Bat Bus Station, Hanoi My Dinh Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are affordable and cover most areas, but they can be crowded and slow due to traffic.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Hanoi Old Quarter French Quarter Tay Ho

Day trips

Ha Long Bay

165 km from Hanoi • 2-3 days for a comprehensive experience

A UNESCO World Heritage site known for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands. A multi-day cruise is the best way to experience the bay.

Ninh Binh

90 km from Hanoi • 1-2 days

Known as 'Halong Bay on land' for its stunning limestone karsts and ancient temples. The area offers beautiful boat rides and scenic countryside.

Mai Chau

130 km from Hanoi • 2-3 days

A picturesque valley known for its rice fields, ethnic minority villages, and homestays. It's a great place to experience rural Vietnamese life.

Festivals

Tet Holiday (Lunar New Year) • January or February (varies each year) Mid-Autumn Festival • September or October (varies each year)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic Vietnamese phrases to enhance your experience and connect with locals
Hire a local guide for trekking and cultural experiences to gain a deeper understanding of the region
Try street food at busy stalls with high turnover to ensure freshness and safety
Use app-based transportation services like Grab for convenient and reliable taxis
Carry small change for markets, street vendors, and public transportation