Mua Cave, Trang An Boat Trip and Bich Dong Pagoda 1-Day Private Tour from Hanoi
by Authentic Ninh Binh - Luxury Limousine Small Group Max 7 pax/ group
Overview
Northern Vietnam features a landscape of limestone mountains and rice paddies that define the Ninh Binh area. This private full-day tour departs from Hanoi and lasts about 10 hours, combining sightseeing by private car, walking, cycling, and boat. The tour begins with pickup from your Hanoi hotel early in the morning. After a short rest stop en route, the drive continues to Ninh Binh. The first visit is Mua Cave, where a 500-step climb leads to Ngoa Long Peak. From the top, views extend over rural villages, rice fields, and limestone mountains. Next, the tour proceeds to Bich Dong Pagoda. Visitors may cycle through the surrounding area or travel by car, depending on preference. The guide explains the history of the pagoda and leads a hike up to The Thuong Pagoda. Lunch follows at a local restaurant offering a set menu of traditional dishes. In the afternoon, the group travels to Trang An for a three-hour boat trip on traditional sampan boats shared by 2 to 4 people. The ride passes through multiple caves including Hang Toi (320 meters), Hang Sang (90 meters), and Hang Nau Ruou (250 meters). Along the way, the river scenery resembles Ha Long Bay but on land, with limestone formations and sightings of local wildlife such as goats. The tour ends with a return drive to Hanoi. Included are bottled water, entrance fees, conical hats, cold towels, an English-speaking guide, lunch, and private transfers in an air-conditioned limousine van.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Old Quarter
Pickup takes place from 7.20 to 7.45 AM at the hotel in Hanoi. The journey to Ninh Binh starts with a 20-minute drive out of the city to the highway. Midway, there is a short break of 15 to 20 minutes for restroom use or to have a cup of coffee before arriving in Ninh Binh to begin the visit.
120 min
Mua Caves
After about two hours of driving, arrival at Ninh Binh offers views of limestone mountains and rice paddies. The route goes through Hoa Lu and Trang An before reaching Mua Cave. Visitors explore the decorated cave area and then climb 500 steps to Ngoa Long Peak, also known as Dragon Tail Peak, for panoramic views of the landscape including rural villages and limestone formations.
90 min
Bich Dong Pagoda
Following Mua Cave, the tour continues to Bich Dong Pagoda. Visitors may cycle there or travel by car, depending on ability and preference. The guide provides historical information while leading a hike to The Thuong Pagoda. After the visit, the group proceeds to lunch.
45 min
Tam Cốc-Bich Dộng
Lunch is served at a local restaurant featuring authentic regional dishes in a set menu format.
45 min
Trang An Grottoes
Post-lunch, the tour moves to Trang An harbor for a boat trip lasting about three hours. Traditional bamboo sampan boats accommodate 2 to 4 passengers and travel through caves such as Hang Toi (320 meters), Hang Sang (90 meters), and Hang Nau Ruou (250 meters). The boat ride passes limestone mountains resembling Ha Long Bay on land and includes views of local fauna like goats.
180 min
Hanoi
After the boat trip, the group returns to the vehicle for the drive back to Hanoi, concluding the tour.
2 min
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
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