Ninh Binh Hightlight & Hidden Gem from Hanoi with Skip-The-Line

Ninh Binh
12 hours

Explore Ninh Binh by car, boat, motorbike and on foot on this small group guided day tour. Enjoy a boat ride through the stunning limestone karst landscape of Tam Coc. After lunch at a local home-restaurant, ride on the back of a motorcycle through the countryside to Mua Caves, where you can hike to the top, and Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Afterwards, explore the Bich Dong Pagoda before returning to Hanoi.

Highlights

  • Small group day tour of Ninh Binh highlights from Hanoi
  • Explore by boat, motorbike and hiking
  • Round-trip transfers from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel
  • Enjoy a fully personalized experience with a small group tour

 

Full Description

1. Old Quarter
 
6:30 - 6:45 AM, you get picked up from your hotel or meeting point.
 
Waking up early for this tour will ensure that you have the best day ever for three reasons.
 
● We can avoid the heavy traffic in Hanoi. Navigating through the busy city center can be time-consuming during rush hour. However, if we depart at 6:30 AM - 6:45 AM, we can bypass this congestion and reach Ninh Binh in just 20 minutes, saving us precious time.
 
● Being early birds allows us to beat the crowds at the tourist sites. We can enjoy the attractions without encountering many people or waiting in long queues. This way, we can maximize our time and fully immerse ourselves in the experience.
 
● Starting our morning hike up to Mua cave early helps us beat the heat of the day. We can enjoy the stunning panoramic view of the area while feeling refreshed and energized. "Early to bed, early to rise," let us assist you in having a fantastic day by waking up early and experiencing the best that this tour has to offer. 

25 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

 
2. Mua Caves
 
After a 2-hour car journey from Hanoi, it's time for us to engage in some physical activity by ascending the magnificent natural Great Wall of Mua mountain, as well as exploring the Mua cave. This location offers the most optimal spot to admire the breathtaking panoramic view of the surrounding area. Additionally, embarking on an early hike would allow us to avoid the oppressive heat and the large crowds that gather later in the day. As the day progresses, the heat intensifies and the site becomes heavily thronged by hundreds of thousands of tourists, all due to its viral fame.
 
If you don’t like the touristy hike, alternatively, we have a 300-step, rugged hidden gem hike at the holy and secret mountain where you could feel the serenity of nature and breathtaking panoramic views of the mountains, forest, and surrounding villages. 

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

 
3. Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng
 
We then ride to Tam Coc or Trang An, a new addition to UNESCO’s list of heritage sites. It is often referred to as the Halong Bay of the land due to its spectacular scenery. It is a truly wonderful sight to see. We’ll board on row boats for a 2-hour journey through caves, passing local villages along the river system of the Red River Delta. The scenery comprises of lush green rice paddies during the rice growing seasons and the surrounding limestone karsts.
 
Take a seat on the comfortable bamboo boat and soak in the beauty of the surroundings as you glide through the water. Experience the awe-inspiring landscape as you pass through three natural underground caves, all while observing locals engaged in their farming and fishing activities. You may also catch a glimpse of local livestock and cattle along the way. Allow yourself to unwind and appreciate the serene and picturesque boat trip, immersing yourself in the sights and sounds of this remarkable experience. 

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

 
4. Thai Vi Temple
 
We will indulge in an authentic Vietnamese dining experience at a local home-hosted restaurant for our lunch. Following this, we will commence our 2-hour Ninh Binh Countryside cycling or scooter riding tour, which undoubtedly provide the finest means to discover the cultural and natural wonders of Ninh Binh countryside.
 
For the scooter ride, we provide skilled drivers for a safe and hassle-Free trip, you can sit back, relax, and enjoy a safe and exhilarating ride throughout the area. As you traverse the country-roads, you will be mesmerized by the towering limestone karsts that overlook you, while also taking in the breathtaking scenery.
 
The Ninh Binh countryside cycling or scooter riding tour offers an epic adventure that allows you to explore the highways and byways of this enchanting locale. En route, we will pass by lush rice paddies, charming farms, and quaint villages, granting us a glimpse into the everyday lives of the countryside-dwelling Vietnamese people. 

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

 
5. Bich Dong Pagoda
 
Explore the captivating Ancient Buddhist Pagoda adorned with traditional Vietnamese architecture and exquisite sculptures. Afterward, embark on a scenic hike up to a natural temple nestled within a cave, where you can immerse yourself in the tranquil ambiance.
 
Follow the trails that lead you up to Bich Dong Peak, and be prepared to be mesmerized by the serene beauty of the surrounding mountainscape. Here, you can revel in the peaceful atmosphere and appreciate the breathtaking views that unfold before your eyes. 

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

 
6. Hoa Lu Temples of the Dinh & le Dynasties
 
On arrival, we visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital to learn about Vietnamese Culture, history and traditional architecture.

2 hours • Admission Ticket Included

 
7. Hanoi Opera House
 
18:00 - 18:30, we will be back in Hanoi Old Quarter and the tour will end. You have a couple of optional drop-off locations: 1. Drop off at your hotel 2. Drop off at the Meeting Point Additionally, you have the option to be dropped off at:
 
● Hanoi Train Street
 
● Hoan Kiem Lake
 
● Opera House
 
● Hanoi Old Quarter night weekend market.
 
Please kindly let your guide and driver know about your preferred drop-off location on the way back, so they can organize it for you. I'll make sure to communicate this information to them. 

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

 

Why book with us

Authentic Local Experiences: Explore Vietnam like a local with unique experiences, hidden gems, local food, and real cultural connections.

Friendly Local Guides: Our experienced local guides are passionate about sharing the culture, history, and daily life of Vietnam.

Small Group Tours: Enjoy more personal, comfortable, and flexible experiences with small group sizes.

Transparent Pricing: No hidden fees. What you see is what you pay.

Safe & Comfortable: Your safety and comfort are our priorities throughout every journey.

Easy & Flexible Booking: Simple booking process with quick support and flexible arrangements.

Trusted by Travelers: Thousands of happy travelers have enjoyed unforgettable local experiences with us. 

 

Includes

Round-trip hotel transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter

2-hour countryside scooter or Jeep Ride

1.5-hour Tam Coc Boat Ride

Mua Cave admission and hiking access

Hoa Lu Ancient Capital entrance fees

Bich Dong Pagoda visit

Lunch - Authentic Vietnamese lunch at riverside restaurant

Professional English-speaking guide

Gratuities

Beverages

Personal Expenses

Important Notes

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking

  • Not wheelchair accessible

  • Near public transportation

  • Infants must sit on laps

  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems

  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers

  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions

  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level

  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

 

FAQs

How can I book a tour?

You can book directly on our website in just a few simple steps.

Do you offer hotel​ pickup?

Yes, most tours include free pickup and drop-off in central areas.

Are your tours​ suitable for solo travelers?

Absolutely! Solo travelers are always welcome.

What paym​ent methods do you accept?

We accept credit cards, bank transfers, and online payments.

Can I customize a private t​our?

Yes, we can create personalized tours based on your interests and schedule.

What happen​s if it rains?

Most tours still operate in light rain. In severe weather, we will help reschedule if needed.

Is food included in​ the tours?

It depends on the tour package. Please check the tour details for full information.

Are your guid​es fluent in English?

Yes, our guides speak English and are experienced with international travelers.

Can children jo​in the tours?

Yes, many of our tours are family-friendly.

Why book di​rectly with a local company?

Booking directly gives you better prices, authentic experiences, and direct local support.

 

From $95 USD / person
Lowest Price Guarantee

Adults (age 12+)
1
Children (age 2-11)
0
6:30 AM
Unit: USD
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Cancellation Policy
Free cancellation
September 22
100% refund
September 23
No refund

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Reserve Now & Pay Later

We'll reserve your spot today, and you can cancel up to two days* before your experience without making a payment. Secure your spot with ease, stay flexible, and never miss out.

How it works

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