Highlights of Ninh Binh - Deluxe Private Tour From Hanoi

Trang An - Hoa Lu - Mua Cave

An Escape from the Busy City

Dear guests,
Thank you for browsing my website. Many travelers ask for a peaceful and natural destination near Hanoi, and there’s one place I always recommend without traveling too far, Ninh Binh where is 100km - 2 hours from hanoi is a perfect option for you. This beautiful region offers a wonderful combination of natural landscapes, historical sites, and authentic local culture.

Our full-day trip runs from 7:45 AM to 7:00 PM, starting and ending at your hotel in Hanoi. Below, you’ll find an introduction to each destination along with the detailed schedule.

If you have any questions or would like to customize your day, feel free to contact me via WhatsApp or email.

1. Choose Between Trang An Boat Tour & Tam Coc Boat Ride

Trang An Boat Tour
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Trang An offers a peaceful 2.5–3 hour boat journey through crystal-clear rivers, spectacular limestone mountains, mysterious water caves, and ancient temples. Rowed by friendly local boatmen and women, it is the perfect choice for visitors looking to experience Ninh Binh's most famous landscape and is beautiful in every season.

Tam Coc Boat Ride

Known as “Ha Long Bay on Land”, Tam Coc offers a relaxing 1.5–2 hour boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, passing through three natural limestone caves, towering karst mountains, and peaceful countryside. The scenery is especially beautiful from February to April, when the rice fields are lush green, and from late May to early June, when they turn golden. From July to December, colorful water lilies bloom along the river, adding extra charm to the journey.

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Trang An Boat Tour

Tam Coc Boat Tour

2. THE TRIP CAN ALSO INCLUDE ONE OF THE FOLLOWING SITES, WHICH CAN BE SELECTED BASED ON YOUR PREFERENCES AND INTERESTS

Option 1: Temple of the Kings in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009, was once the seat of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The kings of these dynasties constructed a citadel, nestled among stunning karst mountains. Despite centuries of war and natural erosion, the site still features significant landmarks, including two sacred temples dedicated to the kings and a portion of the old palace.

Temple of the Kings in Hoa Lu

Option 2: Bich Dong Pagoda, situated near Tam Coc, is one of the oldest pagodas in the area.

It is surrounded by stunning limestone mountains and water lilies ponds. Originally built in 1428 and expanded in 1705, the pagoda is uniquely constructed into the mountainside and consists of three levels: the Lower, Middle, and Upper Pagoda. Visitors can enjoy a peaceful atmosphere, impressive ancient architecture, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With its scenic setting and cultural significance, Bich Dong Pagoda is a popular stop for travelers exploring the Tam Coc area.

Bich Dong Pagoda

3. Mua Cave (Hang Mua - 500 steps)

Hang Mua offers a scenic hike that rewards you with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, dotted with limestone formations and winding rivers below. Allocate approximately 2–3 hours for the hike and exploration of the area. You will walk 500 steps up to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain in Hang Mua. From the top, you can enjoy a stunning 360-degree view over the karst landscape. At the bottom of the mountain, blooming lotus flowers add extra charm to the scenery, making it a beautiful spot for flower lovers and photography enthusiasts.

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Mua Cave

Trip Schedule:

7:45 AM: Pick-up from your Hanoi accommodation in Hanoi Center/Old Quarter. Travel in comfort by private A/C car to Ninh Binh, approximately 100km (2-hour drive).

9:45 AM: Arrive in Ninh Binh and meet your local English-speaking guide. Begin your adventure with a visit to Hang Mua Caves. Enjoy a short hike up 500 steps for stunning panoramic views from the top.

11:30 AM: Choose from one of the following optional sites to visit:

Hoa Lu Temples (The Ancient capital of Vietnam)

Bich Dong Pagoda (one of the oldest pagodas in the region)

Note: You can also opt for a 30-45 minute cycling excursion depending on your preferences and weather conditions. Please specify your choice when booking (extra 3 USD per person)

12:30 PM: Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local family-run restaurant.

1:30 PM: Choose between a 2.5-3 hour boat ride through the water caves in Trang An, or a 1.5 hour boat ride in Tam Coc. Please specify your preferred option when booking.

After your boat ride, say farewell to Ninh Binh and your tour guide. Your driver will take you back to Hanoi.

6:30 - 7:00 PM: Arrive back at your Hanoi accommodation, where the trip concludes.

Note

- The itinerary can be adjusted to meet your preferences. Please inform us of your age, physical condition, and travel style when booking so we can tailor the trip accordingly.

- We can also arrange for a motorbike tour with a local guide and rider for sightseeing in Ninh Binh, with a cost similar to the private car option.

What to Bring

- Camera

- Hat

- Umbrella

- Sunblock

Inclusions

- Private A/C car transfer

- Local English-speaking tour guide

- Entrance fees, sightseeing tickets, Boat tickets based on the number of guests

- Lunch (vegetarian and dietary options available)

- 2 bottles (500ml) of mineral water per person

Exclusions

- Personal expenses and drinks

- Travel insurance

- Tip for boat rower

- Tips and gratuities for driver and tour guide

Children Policy

Children under 1 meter: Free of charge. An additional US$10 applies if an extra lunch portion is required.
Children 1 meter and above: Charged at 100% of the adult price.

Price For Private Tour

Group size	Tour Price (USD/Pax)	Car Type	Car Only (USD/car)
01 person	130	4 – 7 seat car	77
02 people	82	7 seat car	77
03 people	65	7 seat car	80
04 people	57	7 seat car	80
From 05 and up	From 57	9 - 16 -seat car	From 105

Cancellation by Customer
More than 7 days before arrival: 10% of total tour price.
Within 1 day to 7 days before arrival: 30% of total tour price.
Within 12 hours to 24 hours before starting time: 50% of total tour price.
Within 12 hours before starting time: 75% of total tour price and 100% after 12 hours.

Pick-up service
For private tour: the pick-up time is up to the guest, it is customization
The hotel pick-up must be at in city central area, in case your hotel accommodation is outside of this area, please kindly inform us about that.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is the tour suitable for children?
A: Yes. The tour is suitable for families with children, and we can adjust the itinerary to make the trip more comfortable

Q: Can elderly travelers join the tour?
A: Yes. Since this is a private and flexible tour, we can adjust the activities according to your physical condition.

Q: Can I book a private car without a tour guide?
A: Yes. We also offer private car and driver services for travelers who prefer to explore Ninh Binh independently.

Q: Is Mua Cave difficult to climb?
A: The 500-step climb can be challenging, especially in hot weather. Comfortable shoes and water are recommended.

Q: How many people can share a Tam Coc boat?
A: For foreign visitors, each Tam Coc boat is limited to 2 adults.

Q: How many people can share a Trang An boat?
A: Each Trang An boat can accommodate up to 4 adults

Q: What kind of car do you use?
A: We use modern, clean, air-conditioned electric cars or SUVs, with models from 2025. Our vehicles are comfortable and well-maintained for a full day of travel.

Q: How do we pay?
A: You can pay by Vietnamese Dong (VND), international bank transfer through OnePay - a secure payment link accepting Visa, Mastercard, and other major credit and debit cards. Cash is also convenient in Vietnam and helps avoid credit card fees. If you need to stop at an ATM, simply ask your driver.

Q: Can we change the plan during the day?

A: Yes. This is a private and flexible tour, so you can adjust the itinerary during the day. Want to spend more time at Mua Cave or skip Hoa Lu? Just let us know. Any additional entrance tickets or extra transfers, such as to Cuc Phuong National Park, will be subject to an additional fee.

Q: Can we leave our luggage in the car?

A: Yes. If you are traveling from Hanoi to Ninh Binh or Ninh Binh to Hanoi, you can leave your luggage safely in the vehicle while exploring the attractions.

Q: What if it rains?

A: The tour can usually continue in light rain. The misty mountains of Ninh Binh can be especially beautiful in rainy weather. If there is heavy rain, your driver and guide can adjust the schedule to make the day more comfortable.

Q: Do we need to pay a deposit?
A: Yes, we require a 20% deposit of the total booking price to confirm your reservation. The remaining balance can be paid before or on the tour day.