Hanoi: Ninh Binh Day Trip with Tam Coc, Hoa Lu, and Mua Cave

Located in Ninh Binh province, 100 km southeast of Hanoi, Hoa Lu and Tam Coc are two of the most picturesque spots in northern Vietnam. For 41 years, from 968 to 1009 CE, Hoa Lu was the ancient capital of Vietnam. Nearby Tam Coc is often referred to as "Ha Long Bay among the rice paddies." Visitors are conveyed by rowboat along the peaceful Tam Coc stream, past green fields and the feet of mountains, into the mouths of caves, where they encounter new surprises, like stalactites and stalagmites that shimmer like gemstones just inches from the water.

Itinerary Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave tour:

07:00-07:30: We pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter, and depart for Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave, enjoying the beautiful scenery of the rural areas on the way.

10:30: After arriving in Ninh Binh province, the guide takes you to visit Hoa Lu, the Ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam. We will visit Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, learning about the heroic histories of these two kings and their battles against the Chinese. After that, we go to Tam Coc (10 km from Hoa Lu).

11:30: Visit Mua Cave (Mua means "dance") with 500 steps up to the top of Mua Mountain. From the top, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the beautiful Hoa Lu landscape.

12:30: Have lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, you will get on a bamboo boat, rowed by local people, on the Hoang Long River to visit Tam Coc (the three caves). You will pass through three enormous caves that provide a brief respite from the intense summer sun. The boat trip takes approximately two hours, and along the way, you will witness local fisherfolk, village life along the river, and the striking limestone karst formations that Tam Coc is famous for.

17:00: Get on the bus and go back to Hanoi.

19:00: Arrive in Hanoi and the tour ends. See you next time!