Private Tour Explores Mua Caves, Tam Coc, Bich Dong in Ninh Binh
Active
10h - 12h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Itinerary Overview
- Total Distance: Approx. 180 km round trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh.
- Total Travel Time: Approx. 4-5 hours driving time throughout the day, depending on traffic.
Tour Highlights
- Hang Mua Cave Hike: Climb the 500 steps to the summit of Hang Mua Cave, where you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views of Ninh Binh’s rural landscapes, including rice fields and water lilies.
- Tam Coc or Trang An Sampan Boat Ride: Glide through the beautiful rivers and caves of Tam Coc or Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by towering limestone peaks and lush greenery.
- Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Visit the ancient temples dedicated to the Dinh and Le Dynasties, and discover the rich cultural heritage of Vietnam’s former capital.
- Scenic Landscapes: Enjoy the stunning views of Ninh Binh’s karst mountains, rivers, caves, and countryside.
Available options
Private Tour Explores Mua Caves, Tam Coc, Bich Dong in Ninh Binh
Pickup included
What's included
24/7 on-ground support
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Bottled water
Entrance fees to attractions and activities
Private Sampan Boat
Experienced English-speaking guide
Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
Detailed itinerary
1
7:30 AM: Hotel pick-up in Hanoi
- Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours
9:30 AM: Arrive in Hang Mua Cave
- Activity: Hike up 500 steps to the top of Hang Mua Cave for panoramic views of Ninh Binh’s landscape, including the famous rice paddies, water lilies and rivers.
- Duration: 1 hour.
2
Stop 2
11:00 AM: Tam Coc or Trang An Sampan Boat Ride
- Activity: Board a traditional sampan boat and glide through the waterways of Tam Coc or Trang An, passing through caves and karst formations.
- Duration: 2 hours.
3
1:00 PM: Lunch at a local restaurant in Ninh Binh
- Meal: Traditional Vietnamese dishes.
4
Stop 4
2:30 PM: Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
- Activity: Explore the temples and ruins of the Dinh and Le Dynasties, immersing yourself in Vietnam’s ancient history.
- Duration: 45 minutes.
5
3:30 PM: Begin the drive back to Hanoi
- Travel Time: Approx. 2 hours.
5:30 PM: Arrive back in Hanoi and drop off at your hotel.
What's not included
Travel Insurance
Gratuities for guides and drivers
Optional activities or excursions
Personal expenses
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Important information
Service animals allowed
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
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
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
