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Ninh Binh Day Tour

Ancient capital, sacred temples and stunning landscapes

  • Full day
  • 08:00 → 18:30
  • Private tour

Overview

A full day in Ninh Binh with a private car and guide: the ancient capital of Hoa Lu, a pagoda tucked into the mountain, lunch with local dishes, a bike ride through the villages and a rowboat through Tam Coc.

Nature · History · Local Life · All in One Day

Itinerary

  1. 08:00

    Pick-up from Hanoi

    We’ll leave Hanoi in a private, comfortable 7-seater car and drive about 2.5 hours through peaceful countryside roads.

  2. 10:30

    Hoa Lu – Vietnam’s Ancient Capital

    Our first stop is Hoa Lu, once the capital of Vietnam in the 10th and 11th centuries. You’ll explore peaceful temple grounds honoring the Dinh and Le kings — a quiet, lovely spot with a deep connection to the country’s royal past.

    Hoa Lu – Vietnam’s Ancient Capital
  3. 11:30

    Bich Dong Pagoda

    Tucked into the side of a mountain and surrounded by lush greenery, Bich Dong is a charming little pagoda with a bit of a mystical feel. A short climb takes you to hidden temple chambers and views that feel like something out of a fairy tale.

    Bich Dong Pagoda
  4. 12:30

    Lunch at a Local Restaurant

    A hearty 5-course Vietnamese meal awaits (drinks not included). It’s a chance to try some traditional dishes made fresh and local.

  5. 13:30

    Cycle to Tam Coc

    After lunch, we’ll hop on bicycles and enjoy a scenic and leisurely ride through peaceful villages, rice fields, and limestone mountains on the way to Tam Coc (about 30–40 minutes). It’s a great way to experience the local countryside up close.

    Cycle to Tam Coc
  6. 14:00

    Boat Ride in Tam Coc

    Climb into a small rowboat (yes, rowed by a local with their feet — it’s a real thing!) and float through karst-lined rivers, serene caves, and green rice fields. It’s the kind of peaceful you’ll remember for a long time.

    Boat Ride in Tam Coc
  7. 16:00

    Depart for Hanoi

    We’ll head back to Hanoi in the afternoon, and you’ll be back at your hotel at around 18:30.

What’s included

Included

  • Private 7-seater car & driver
  • Private English-speaking guide
  • Lunch (5-course set menu, drinks not included)
  • All entrance fees and boat tickets
  • 2 bottles of water per person

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
  • Personal expenses

Good to know

  • Price is per person for a group of 4. Ask us for other group sizes.
  • About 2.5 hours’ drive each way from Hanoi.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for the climb at Bich Dong and a hat for the boat.

Photos

Ninh Binh Day Tour — photo 1
Ninh Binh Day Tour — photo 2
Ninh Binh Day Tour — photo 3
Ninh Binh Day Tour — photo 4

Reviews

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