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  4. Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu - Trang An with Cycling | From Hanoi, Vietnam
Product #531726
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Tourists on traditional sampan boats navigating the serene waters of Ninh Binh's Trang An, with ancient temple structures nestled among majestic karst mountains under bright sunlight.
An aerial view of Vietnam's stunning Trang An, showcasing numerous sampan boats navigating a winding river amidst majestic karst mountains and lush green valleys.
A group of smiling tourists standing on a stone bridge in Hoa Lu ancient capital, with a grand temple gate and lush green mountains in the background, enjoying their cultural exploration in Ninh Binh.
Tourists in traditional sampan boats, wearing life vests and conical hats, rowing through the tranquil waters of Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant pink water lilies.
Tourists gathered near the entrance of a historic temple in Hoa Lu ancient capital, Ninh Binh, admiring the traditional architecture amidst lush ancient trees and verdant surroundings.

Ninh Binh Day Tour: Hoa Lu - Trang An with Cycling | From Hanoi, Vietnam

Vietnam-Ninh Binh
Duration:1 day(s)
Guided language: English
Free cancellation 2 day(s) prior to experience date
Please present the e-voucher on-site
  • Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the first capital of Vietnam, and visit the 17th-century temples of Kings Dinh and Le.
  • Enjoy a cycling adventure through local villages and rice paddies, experiencing rural life up close.
  • Relish a local Vietnamese lunch with panoramic mountain and river views (Buffet or Deluxe Set Menu depending on your transport option).
  • Choose between two iconic boat trips:
  • Tam Coc – a tranquil rowboat journey through rice fields and caves.
  • Trang An – a UNESCO World Heritage site with majestic karst landscapes and cave tunnels.
  • Relax with comfortable transfers from Hanoi by Shuttle Bus, Limousine, or Luxury D-Car.
[5% App discount] Code: APP5OFF , HK: APP15HK
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Product Info

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

  • A comfortable journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh, traveling in a modern Shuttle Bus, Thaco Limousine, or Luxury D-Car.
  • Cycling through the countryside of Hoa Lu to discover peaceful villages, rice paddies, and local life.
  • A guided visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, including the temples of King Dinh and King Le with their 17th-century architecture.
  • A delicious lunch with two styles of service: Deluxe Set Menu (Luxury D-Car option) or Buffet (Shuttle Bus / Thaco Limousine option), both with panoramic mountain and river views.

Choice of boat trip:

Tam Coc – known as “Halong Bay on Land,” with limestone cliffs, rice fields, and natural caves.

Trang An – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, famous for tunnel caves and movie location of Kong: Skull Island.

Hassle-free round trip with English-speaking guide and complimentary amenities (rain-coat, conical hat, mineral water).

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Duration: 11 hours

Pick up time: 6:00 AM - 7:15 AM

The itinerary and schedule may change without prior notice depending on weather conditions or other external factors.

On weekends, certain streets in Hanoi Old Quarter are reserved for pedestrians only. Therefore, our vehicles (Luxury D-car / Thaco Limousine / Shuttle Bus) will drop you off at the nearest accessible point instead of directly at your hotel.

Pick-up and drop-off service is available within around Hanoi Old Quarter area.

For hotels outside the Old Quarter, guests are required to come to a designated meeting point, where the tour guide will meet and pick you up.

This tour will depart from Hanoi early in the morning to ensure timely arrival in Ninh Binh, as the journey takes approximately 2-2.5 hours. Please note that customers are advised to book the service at least one day before the tour date so that we can confirm the booking, arrange the pick-up vehicle, and organize the number of participants accordingly. The vehicle will wait a maximum of 10 minutes at your pick-up point. Please be ready at least 5 minutes in advance to ensure timely departure. If the waiting time exceeds this limit, the vehicle will leave and return to the Old Quarter to continue picking up other guests.

Vegetarian meals are available upon request. Please inform us in advance.

CHILDREN POLICY

1-4 years old: Free (sharing services with parents).

If private seat required:

  • Luxury D-Car: 16 USD/seat
  • Thaco Limousine: 12 USD/seat
  • Shuttle Bus: 8 USD/seat

THINGS TO BRING

Hat & umbrella – for sun protection.

Comfortable shoes – for walking & cycling.

Sun cream & sunglasses – for outdoor activities.

Mosquito repellent – especially during boat & cycling tours.

Camera – to capture stunning landscapes.

What You Can Expect

Duration: 1 day(s)

1 Day

Meal(s) of the Day: Lunch
  • 07:15
    Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Depart for Ninh Binh (approx. 120 km).
    An elevated view of Ninh Binh's majestic karst landscape, with numerous sampan boats dotting the serene lake or river, and an ancient temple visible on the distant shore, showcasing Trang An or Tam Coc.
  • 09:00
    Short 20-minute rest stop.
    Tourists visiting a historic traditional temple, possibly Dinh or Le King temple, within Hoa Lu ancient capital, Ninh Binh, admiring the architecture and peaceful courtyard with flags.
  • 10:15
    Arrive at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant. Begin a 20-minute cycling trip to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. Visit the historic temples of King Dinh and King Le, admire 17th-century Vietnamese architecture, and learn about the country’s first capital. (If you prefer not to cycle, transfer by bus to Hoa Lu for the visit, then return to Cozy Vietnam Restaurant.)
    A group of tourists, wearing helmets, cycling along a scenic paved road through the lush green rural landscape of Ninh Binh, experiencing local village life.
  • 11:30
    Continue cycling for another 30 minutes around nearby villages to discover rural life, then return to the restaurant.
    Tourists enjoying a bicycle ride along a picturesque rural road in Ninh Binh, passing lush green hillsides and natural scenery, experiencing the tranquil countryside.
  • 12:00
    Lunch at Cozy Vietnam Restaurant while overlooking poetic river and mountain landscapes. Luxury D-Car guests: Deluxe Set Menu on the 2nd floor (private and cozy). Shuttle Bus/Thaco Limousine guests: Buffet lunch on the 3rd floor (modern and elegant). (Vegetarian options always available.)
    Tourists enjoying a delicious Vietnamese buffet lunch in a brightly lit restaurant during the Ninh Binh day tour, featuring a variety of local dishes and fresh fruits.
  • 13:00
    Choose one: Option 1: Tam Coc (1.5 hours) – Row through rice paddies, caves, and serene waterways, nicknamed “Halong Bay on land.” Option 2: Trang An (1.5 – 2 hours) – Explore a UNESCO World Heritage site with cave tunnels, dramatic limestone formations, and film settings from Kong: Skull Island (2016).
    A vibrant buffet spread for lunch during the Ninh Binh tour, showcasing a wide array of Vietnamese local dishes, fresh fruits, and delectable desserts, offering diverse culinary choices.
  • 16:00
    Depart for Hanoi.
    A close-up of a beautifully arranged Vietnamese deluxe lunch spread during the Ninh Binh day tour, featuring diverse local dishes, fresh pineapple, soups, and fried items.
  • 18:00
    Arrive back in Hanoi Old Quarter, drop-off at hotel. Trip ends.
    A close-up of a local rower, wearing a traditional conical hat, skillfully paddling a sampan boat on clear green waters with visible fish, highlighting the authentic Ninh Binh boat trip experience.

Purchase Notice

Please provide a phone number that is reachable during the tour

Please share your hotel name and address

Kindly inform us in advance if you are vegetarian or have any food allergies when placing the order

Reminders

  • In case the tour cannot operate due to external factors such as extreme weather or other force majeure conditions, we will inform you at least 2 days in advance and provide a full refund.

  • Traffic congestion and road restrictions may occur in the Old Quarter, especially during holidays. Therefore, the exact pick-up time will be confirmed the evening before the tour date.

  • Please be at your pick-up point 5–10 minutes early.

  • The driver will proceed to the next pick-up location after waiting a maximum of 15 minutes. We are not responsible for guests who arrive late for any reason.

How to Redeem Your Voucher

How to Use Your Voucher

  • Please present the e-voucher on-site

Pickup Point

Location Name: Hanoi Old Quarter

Address: Old Quarter, Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam

FAQ

1. What are the key differences between visiting Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and Bai Dinh Pagoda?

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital is historically significant, representing Vietnam's first centralized capital with ancient temples from the Dinh and Le dynasties, focusing on historical and cultural heritage. Bai Dinh Pagoda, conversely, is a massive modern Buddhist complex, renowned for its sheer size, numerous statues, and spiritual ambiance. Hoa Lu provides a historical journey, while Bai Dinh offers a grand spiritual and architectural spectacle.

2. What is the recommended visit duration for Hoa Lu Ancient Capital on a day tour?

On a typical day tour, it is generally recommended to spend approximately 1 to 1.5 hours exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Capital. This duration allows sufficient time to visit the temples of Kings Dinh and Le, appreciate the historical context, and take in the scenic surroundings before continuing to other engaging activities like cycling or a boat trip.

3. How is transportation arranged from Hanoi to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital for this tour?

This tour includes comfortable round-trip transfers from Hanoi to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital in Ninh Binh province. Depending on your booking option, transportation is provided by a Shuttle Bus, Limousine, or a Luxury D-Car. These vehicles ensure a relaxed and convenient journey, allowing you to enjoy the scenic drive through the Vietnamese countryside.

4. When did Hoa Lu serve as the capital of Vietnam, and what is its historical significance?

Hoa Lu served as the capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1010 AD, encompassing the Dinh, Early Le, and early Ly dynasties. Its historical significance is profound as it marked the establishment of Vietnam's first centralized feudal state after a millennium of Chinese rule. It was crucial for solidifying Vietnamese independence and laying the groundwork for a unified nation.

5. What kind of boat trip experience can visitors expect at Trang An or Tam Coc?

Visitors can choose between two distinct boat trip experiences. The Tam Coc boat trip offers a serene journey through rice fields and natural caves on a traditional rowboat, often called "Halong Bay on land." Alternatively, the Trang An boat trip explores a UNESCO World Heritage site with majestic karst landscapes and a series of impressive cave tunnels, also navigated by sampan boat. Both provide breathtaking natural beauty.

6. What does the cycling adventure through local villages near Hoa Lu involve?

The cycling adventure near Hoa Lu allows participants to immerse themselves in authentic rural Vietnamese life. You will cycle through tranquil local villages and picturesque rice paddies, observing the daily routines of residents. This activity provides a refreshing way to experience the peaceful countryside and capture unique insights into the local culture and landscapes.

7. What type of local Vietnamese lunch is included in the Ninh Binh day tour?

The Ninh Binh day tour includes a delicious local Vietnamese lunch. The specific style of meal, either a buffet or a deluxe set menu, will depend on your chosen transport option for the tour. This lunch is typically enjoyed in a setting that provides panoramic views of the mountains and rivers, enhancing your culinary experience with local flavors and scenic beauty.

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