From Hanoi: Explore Highlights of Ninh Binh – Private

Day 1: Hanoi – Bai Dinh Pagoda – Tam Coc – Mua Cave (L, D)

07:00 AM: Our guide and driver will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, head to Ninh Binh.

09:00 AM: We’ll stop for a short break within 15 – 20 minutes, allowing you some time to stretch and relax.

10:30 AM: You will discover the grandeur of Bai Dinh Pagoda, renowned as Southeast Asia’s largest and most illustrious pagoda, boasting numerous records with its 500 Stone Arhat Statues, a 36-ton bronze bell, and a 100-ton Buddha statue.

12:30 PM: Have a buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant.

01:30 PM: Then, we’ll take a 1.5-hour boat ride through Tam Coc, where you’ll see why people call this place “Halong Bay on land” with its beautiful fields, rivers, and caves.

04:00 PM: After that, we’re off to Mua Caves. Get ready to climb almost 500 steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain for an awesome view of Tam Coc below.

05:00 PM: To wrap up the day, we’ll take you to hotel or bungalow in Tam Coc. Dinner will be served at the hotel or a nearby restaurant.

Day 2: Hoa Lu – Trang An – Hanoi (B, L)

07:30 AM: Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel or bungalow and gear up for an exciting trip ahead.

09:30 – 09:45 AM: Our tour guide will pick you up for a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital.

10:30 AM: Next, we’ll check out Hoa Lu, which was Vietnam’s capital a long time ago, from 968 to 1010. It’s a great place to learn about Vietnam’s history back in the days of the Dinh, Le, and Ly Dynasties.

12:30 PM: Have a buffet lunch with Vietnamese dishes.

01:30 PM: Then, we will venture into Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular tunnel cave system and natural beauty, which famously served as a location for the 2016 “Skull Island” film. Enjoy a boat trip navigating through breathtaking caves such as Light Cave (Hang Sang), Dark Cave (Hang Toi), and Cooking Wine Cave (Hang Nau Ruou), set against the backdrop of a verdant river and landscapes.

04:00 PM: Get on the Bus to return to Hanoi.

06:30 PM: We will take you back to Hanoi and we’ll ensure you’re dropped off at your hotel. End of tour.