Ninh Binh 1 Day Private Tour

07:30: Departure from Hanoi

• Depart from Hanoi Old Quarter.

• Transport: By a private Bus/Van/Car (comfortable) or (Option: limousine). The drive takes about 2 hours via the expressway.

09:30 – 10:45: Hang Mua/Mua Cave (Adventure & Views)

• Activity: Conquer nearly 500 stone steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain.

• The Reward: This offers the best panoramic view in Ninh Binh. You will look down over the Tam Coc valley, rice fields, and limestone karsts.

• The View: From the top, you get the famous “Instagram” view looking down onto the Ngo Dong River— this is actually the river you will boat down later in Tam Coc! (Option 1: Tam Coc Boat Ride). Seeing it from above first gives you a great perspective.

• Note: Doing Hang Mua first is actually the smartest choice. You tackle the steep physical climb in the cool morning air before the sun gets too strong, and you beat the heavy crowds that arrive around 10:30 AM. It is better to do this now before you eat lunch, so you don’t feel heavy while climbing! 

11:30 – 12:30: Lunch Break

• Stop at a local restaurant near the Trang An/Tam Coc area.

Option 1: Tam Coc Boat Ride
13:15 – 15:00: Tam Coc Boat Ride (“Ha Long Bay on Land”)

• Head to the Tam Coc wharf.

• The Boat: Board a small sampan boat about 1 hour 40 minutes (02 people per boat).

• The Unique Feature: Tam Coc rowers are famous for rowing with their feet! It is a unique skill to watch.

• The Route: You will travel along the Ngo Dong River, passing through three caves: Hang Ca (First Cave), Hang Hai (Second Cave), and Hang Ba (Third Cave).

• Scenery: Unlike Trang An (which has deep water and moss), Tam Coc passes through rice paddies. If you go during harvest season (May/June), the fields are bright yellow. At other times, they are green or submerged.

Option 2: Trang An Boat Ride
13:15 – 15:30: Trang An Landscape Complex (Relaxation)

• Head to the Trang An boat wharf (UNESCO World Heritage Site).

• Activity: Take a boat ride rowed by locals.

• Route Selection: You will likely have to choose a route (Route 2 or 3 are the most popular).

  • Route 2: Balances caves and temples.

  • Route 3: Visits the longest cave (Dot Cave).

• Experience: Relax for 2.5 hours as you glide through dark caves and emerald green waters. This is the perfect way to rest your legs after the Hang Mua climb.
  

15:30 – 16:00: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (History)

• Arrive at Hoa Lu, the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries.

• Activity: Visit the two main temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.

• Why here? It provides the historical context for the region before you see the nature. It is a flat, easy walk

16:30 – 17:00: Return to Hanoi

• Get back to the car. 

• Depart for Hanoi.

19:00 – 19:30: Arrive in Hanoi

• Drop off at your hotel in the Old Quarter. End of the trip.