Hanoi- Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An Boat Ride & Mua Cave Tour

Posted on by Tour-expert
Spend a full day in Ninh Binh exploring Hoa Lu – the ancient capital. Cycle through scenic paths, cruise along Trang An’s caves, and conquer the iconic viewpoint atop Mua Cave
 
 
 
 
 

Itinerary

2 pickup location options:
Hoàn Kiếm Lake, Hoan Kiem

Limousine
(2.5 hours)

Hoa Lu
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour (100 minutes)

Optional

Hoa Lu
Bike tour (40 minutes)

Optional

Ninh Binh
Lunch (1.5 hours)

Optional

Trang An
Boat cruise (2 hours)

Optional

Mua Caves
Photo stop, Visit, Hiking (1.5 hours)

Optional

Limousine
(2.5 hours)

2 drop-off locations:
Hoan Kiem, Hoàn Kiếm Lake

Highlights
Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 10th century
Enjoy a boat ride through caves and rivers in Trang An
Hike up Mua Cave for panoramic views (included with Mua Cave option only).
Taste authentic Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant
Travel comfortably with round-trip transfers from Hanoi

Full description

IMPORTANT NOTE:
We offer two main options:
• WITH MUA CAVE
• WITHOUT MUA CAVE

Please make sure you select the correct option before booking to avoid any confusion.

If you book WITHOUT Mua Cave but would still like to visit, please inform us in advance.
An extra fee will apply and can be paid directly to the guide.

PICK-UP :

â–¶ Hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter: Pick-up included.
Due to traffic restrictions and limited bus access on some narrow streets in Hanoi Old Quarter between 6:30 AM and 8:30 AM, you may be asked to walk to a nearby meeting point depending on your location. Walking time is normally about 1–5 minutes.

Pick-up time: 7:00 AM – 7:40 AM (depending on traffic)

â–¶ Hotels outside Hanoi Old Quarter (Last pick-up)

Please come to:
120 Le Duan Street (Hanoi Railway Station)

Pick-up time: 7:30 AM – 7:50 AM

Please be ready at 7:30 AM.

✅ Morning traffic in Hanoi can be busy, so we recommend leaving a bit early to ensure you arrive on time for 7:30 AM.

NINH BINH TOUR :

09:15: Have a short break for relaxing & restroom at a stop-over for about 15–20 minutes.

10:00 – 10:30: Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century. Visit the King Temples. Under the introduction of our local guide, you will get to know more about Vietnamese history.

Relax before lunch:

  • A short bike ride with the tour guide: Get on a bike and start cycling to explore the beautiful scenery and limestone mountains along a unique route (optional and free of charge).

  • If you don’t wish to cycle, feel free to explore the village on foot or relax at the local restaurant.

12:00: Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant. Goat meat dishes are the local specialty.

(Vegetarian food is available.)

13:30: Arrive at Trang An and spend about 1 hour 40 minutes – 2 hours exploring Trang An—the core area of the natural heritage site—aboard a traditional sampan boat (4 people per boat), rowed by local boatmen. Explore the amazing cave tunnel system and pass through sacred temples associated with the legends and history of Trang An.

Get back to the bus, then continue to Mua Cave. Walk up nearly 500 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain and enjoy an amazing panoramic view of Tam Coc.

(ONLY INCLUDED IF YOUR BOOKED OPTION INCLUDES MUA CAVE)

RETURN :

Leave Ninh Binh and drive back to Hanoi.

Arrival time in Hanoi (depending on traffic):

• WITH Mua Cave: around 7:00 PM – 7:35 PM
• WITHOUT Mua Cave: around 6:00 PM – 6:35 PM

“If you have an early bus, train, or flight after the tour, please bring your luggage with you during the trip.”

Drop you back to your hotel. Trip ends.

Note :

✅ The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather conditions or crowd levels at the attractions to ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.

✅ Cycling is optional. Participants should be able to ride a bicycle, choose a suitable bike, and stay with the group. Please save your guide’s phone number in case assistance is needed.

Includes

  • English-speaking guide

  • Pick-up and drop-off in the Old Quarter are provided by Dcar, limousine bus, or shuttle bus, depending on the option you selected.

  • Mineral water on the bus

  • Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant

  • Vegetarian and gluten-free lunch options available

  • All sightseeing tickets and boat fees

  • Free use of hats/raincoats during the trip

  • Luggage storage available

  • Fri–Sun: Drop-off may be near your hotel due to walking streets

Excludes

  • Drinks, travel insurance, and tax

  • Breakfast / Dinner

  • Tips (optional gratuities for local boat rowers and tour staff)

  • Personal expenses and anything not mentioned in the inclusions

Important information

Know before you go

  • Please double-check your booked option to ensure it matches your preference.

  • Wear light, breathable clothing—summer can be very hot.

  • Due to the bus restriction in Hanoi Old Quarter from 6:30 AM to 8:30 AM (effective from 1 March 2025), depending on your hotel location in Hanoi Old Quarter, you may need to walk 1–3 minutes to a nearby meeting point.

  • If your hotel is outside the restricted area of the Old Quarter, we will pick you up directly at your hotel during this time.

  • The tour guide will confirm your pick-up time again via WhatsApp on the evening before the tour. Please follow the guide’s schedule.

  • Meeting point (if your hotel is outside the Old Quarter):

    • In front of Hanoi Opera House

    • 120 Le Duan Street (Hanoi Railway Station)

  • Please arrive on time—the bus cannot wait.

  • What to bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, and some cash.

  • The tour includes stairs and uneven paths (especially at Mua Cave).

  • On weekends and public holidays, tourist sites in Ninh Binh can be crowded.

Image from our customers: