The Hoa Lu – Mua Cave – Tam Coc Day Tour
The Hoa Lu – Mua Cave – Tam Coc day tour offers you an exciting adventure through natural and cultural sights. Heading to Ninh Binh, 90km to the South from Hanoi, you will visit Hoa Lu ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, take stunning photos with the panoramic view on the peak of Mua Cave and enjoy a boat trip in Tam Coc. The boat trip through caves and limestone karst formations is a great photography opportunity. The one day trip covers both the natural landscape of Ninh Binh and cultural highlights.
- Explore ancient capital Hoa Lu (10th and 11th century), visit King Dinh and Le temples.
- Take amazing photos on the peak of Mua Cave, climb up 500 steps to enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view of the Ngo Dong river.
- Enjoy the Vietnamese set menu lunch.
- Cycle to the local villages and rice fields of Ninh Binh.
- Take a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc, marvel at limestone karsts and rice fields on the river.
ITINERARY:
In the morning
7.30 – 8.00: Pick up guests at the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter, heading to Ninh Binh with a short break on the halfway.
10:15: Arrive at Hoa Lu ancient capital, a beautiful ancient city that was the economic and political center of Dai Co Viet country in the 10th and 11th centuries. In Hoa Lu, you will visit the Temples of the Dinh & Le Dynasties, the last remaining structures from the 10th-century capital.
11:20: Visit Mua Cave (the Cave of Dance) and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic mountainous view. Climb up a stone staircase beside the cave entrance and zigzag through the karst, almost 500 steps to the peak over Ngo Dong River where the boat rides to Tam Coc.
12:30: Enjoy traditional Vietnamese set menu lunch.
In the afternoon
13.30: Enjoy a sampan boat trip in Tam Coc, passing through three enormous caves on the Ngo Dong River (named: Hang Ca, Hang Hai & Hang Ba). Take stunning photos, you pass by the limestone karst formation on the water and the amazing rice fields on the banks of the river.
Then cycling through the rice fields and local villages nearby. Enjoy the sunset party with tea and fruits, relaxing before leaving back to Hanoi.
19:00: The bus drops off you at the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. The one-day tour in Ninh Binh with Hoa Lu ancient capital, Mua Cave and Tam Coc ends.
Visiting sites in the tour
Hoa Lu
Hoa Lu was the capital of Vietnam in the 10th century (during a period of 42 years). Although the old Hoa Lu citadel no longer exists, there are still some relics and temples to witness this historical place.
In Hoa Lu, you will visit two temples of King Dinh and King Le, which were built on the main hall of the ancient capital of Hoa Lu. The two temples are close to each other, at the foot of Ma Yen Mountain. In front of the temples is the Hoa Lu Square and a museum room with relics of the old palace and some ancient ceramics. These temples are symbols of the Vietnamese people’s reverence and gratitude for the country’s heroes.
Mua Cave (Hang Mua viewpoint)
Located in the Trang An complex, Mua Cave is a small cave at the foot of Mua Mountain, Khe Dau Ha village, Ninh Xuan, Ninh Binh. The cave itself is not that spectacular but the incredible 360-degree views from the top of the mountain make it special.
When you climb nearly 500 steps to the top you will find a Buddhist altar, and a lying stone dragon (Ngoa Long). Mua Cave serves a panoramic view of the Ngo Dong River with local boat rowing to Tam Coc. On another side of this mountain, there is a lotus field and the local villages of Ninh Binh in your eyes.
Tam Coc
Tam Coc means “Three Caves” named Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. All of these 3 caves are above the water of the Ngo Dong River. Exploring Tam Coc, you will spend a 2-hour boat tour from Van Lam pier rowing through these 3 caves, admiring the unique karst rocks and rice fields in the harvesting season (May & June).
INCLUSION & TERMS
INCLUSION
- The shuttle bus picks up from Hanoi Old Quarter to Ninh Binh and back.
- All entrance and sightseeing fees
- Set menu Vietnamese lunch
- Boat trip in Tam Coc
- English speaking tour guide
- Travel Insurance
EXCLUSION
- Beverages, tips & personal expenses
- Pick-up and drop-off outside of Hanoi Old Quarter.
- Other expenses that are not mentioned above
WHAT TO BRING
- Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and insect spray
- Camera
- Comfortable walking shoes and clothes for biking and hiking
CHILDREN POLICY
- Children under 5 years old: Infant seat is available, other expenses are paid by parents
- Children from 5 to 7 years old: 50% discount on the adult rate
- Children from 8 years old: charged as adult rate
- The family with 2 children from 3 to 7 years old: charged as an adult rate
Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi city and go directly to Halong Bay or return.
This is the most comfortable trip for you. It’s also our recommendation whenever you are looking for a transfer from Hanoi city to Halong Bay or return.
You will save a lot of time traveling and waiting.
