Ninh Bình 1-Day Tour: Bai Dinh, Trang An, Mua Cave & Hoa Lu

Northern Vietnam , Vietnam

Ninh Bình 1-Day Tour: Bai Dinh, Trang An, Mua Cave & Hoa Lu

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About this experience

Discover the beauty of Ninh Bình, often called "Halong Bay on land," with a full-day tour. Visit the majestic Bai Dinh Temple, take a scenic boat ride through the Trang An landscape, conquer Mua Cave for breathtaking views, and learn about Vietnam's ancient capital at Hoa Lu.

Itinerary

07:30 AM – Pick up from your hotel in Ninh Bình or Tam Cốc.

08:30 AM – Visit Bai Dinh Temple, the largest temple complex in Southeast Asia.

10:30 AM – Boat ride through Trang An, a stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.

12:30 PM – Enjoy a buffet lunch featuring local specialties like goat meat and burnt rice.

02:00 PM – Hike to Mua Cave for panoramic views of the Tam Cốc area.

03:30 PM – Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, and learn about its royal history.

05:00 PM – Return to the hotel and end the tour.

Highlights

Explore Ninh Bình's top attractions in just one day.

Enjoy a delicious local lunch.

Travel in a comfortable air-conditioned vehicle with a friendly, professional guide.

Available options

Ninh Bình 1-Day Tour: Bai Dinh, Trang An, Mua Cave & Hoa Lu

Pickup included

What's included

Bottled water on the bus

English speaking Guide

Entrance fee

Air-conditioned vehicle

Lunch at our local restaurant

Detailed itinerary

The ancient capital of Hoa Lư - The old capital of Vietnam
Hoa Lư in Ninh Bình was the capital of Vietnam during the Đinh and Early Lê dynasties (from 968 to 1010).

Visitors will tour the temple of King Đinh Tiên Hoàng and the temple of King Lê Đại Hành, where the two kings who unified the country are honored.

Here, visitors can learn about the history of feudal Vietnam, explore ancient architecture, and admire the exquisite reliefs and carvings that have been preserved.

Stop 2

Bái Đính Pagoda in Ninh Bình is the largest temple complex in Vietnam, famous for its grand architecture and numerous Buddhist records:

500 intricately carved stone statues of Arhats.

The largest bronze Buddha statue in Southeast Asia (100 tons).

The great bell weighing 36 tons – one of the largest bronze bells in Vietnam.

In addition, Bái Đính Pagoda is also an important spiritual pilgrimage site, attracting millions of visitors each year.

The Tràng An Scenic Landscape Complex - a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Tràng An in Ninh Bình is a famous ecological tourism area with a system of emerald rivers winding around the overlapping limestone mountains.

This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to a mysterious system of caves, such as:

The Địa Linh Cave - famous for its sparkling stalactites.

The Tối Cave & the Sáng Cave - wonderful stopping points to enjoy the pristine beauty of nature.

The Nấu Rượu Cave - where ancient people used to brew traditional rice wine.

Tràng An is also the filming location for Kong: Skull Island, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists.

Múa Cave - "The Great Wall" of Vietnam
Múa Cave in Ninh Bình is famous for its 500 stone steps leading to the peak of Ngọa Long, where visitors can admire the panoramic view of Tam Cốc - Bích Động from above.

This is the most beautiful check-in spot in Ninh Bình, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the sunlight reflects on the lush green or golden rice fields.

Múa Cave is also an ideal place for hiking, exploring nature, and enjoying the fresh air.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Audio guide

Guide guide

Written guide

Reviews breakdown

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Meeting point

Tam Coc Tour Booking Office in Tam Coc

Important notes

We always strive to provide our customers with the most convenient and flexible travel experience. Therefore, we offer an easy and quick tour ticket exchange service. Below is a detailed guide on how to exchange your tour ticket:

1. Ticket Exchange Process
Free exchange within 24 hours: If you need to change the tour date or cancel the tour, please notify us at least 24 hours before the departure time. This helps us prepare and rearrange the schedule accordingly. Free exchanges are only applicable if changes are made at least 24 hours in advance.

Paid exchange: If you wish to exchange your ticket within 24 hours before the tour starts, a change fee will apply depending on the conditions and policies of the tour. This fee will be specifically communicated when you request a ticket exchange.

2. How to Request a Ticket Exchange
You can directly contact our customer support team through the following methods:

Phone: Call our hotline to notify us of your ticket exchange request.

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