Ninh Binh in one day: the temples of the first Vietnamese capital, a climb to the top of Mua Cave for the view across the paddy fields, and the slow row through the three caves at Tam Coc that most people remember longest.
Highlights
- Hoa Lu, the 10th-century capital, and the temples of King Dinh and King Le
- About 500 stone steps up Mua Cave for the view over the valley
- Lunch at a local restaurant
- Two hours by rowing boat through three caves at Tam Coc
- Thai Vi temple on the river
Itinerary
Morning: Hanoi to Hoa Lu
Pick-up in the Old Quarter and Opera House area around 7:15, about three hours south to Ninh Binh. At Hoa Lu you walk the old capital: the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the excavated area and the Truong Yen valley.
Late morning: Mua Cave
The climb is about 500 stone steps, steep in places, and worth it at the top. On the way down you pass the lotus pond, where you can hire period costume for photographs.
Lunch · Lunch included
A set lunch at a restaurant near Tam Coc.
Afternoon: Tam Coc by boat
A rowing boat takes you through the first, second and third caves and stops at Thai Vi temple; the whole trip is about two hours. Back to the pier, then the road to Hanoi, where you arrive at around 7:30 in the evening.
Included
- Air-conditioned car or minibus
- One lunch
- Boat ticket for Tam Coc
- Guide throughout
- One bottle of water per person
- Travel insurance
Not included
- VAT invoice
- Drinks with meals and personal expenses
- Tips for your guide and driver
