Classic Ninh Binh Tours One Day Journey of History and Nature
7:00 AM – 9:00 AM: Departure from Hanoi
We start our day early, at 7:00 AM, and are transferred from Hanoi by car, the car is comfortable and air-conditioned. On the way south, we pass through the Red River Delta, dotted with rice paddies and villages. I’ll give an overview of Vietnam’s countryside culture and history along the way to get you excited about what’s in store for you.
We will stop for 20 minutes around 9:00 AM at a rest stop to do some stretching, enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee, and be prepared for the magic of Ninh Binh.
9:30 AM – 11:30 AM: Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Starting with a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, the historic heart of Viet Nam in the 10th and 11th centuries during the Dinh and Le dynasties. Arrive at 09:30 AM and proceed with the visits to the two temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh.
As we walk in the temple area, I will make history alive by telling stories about battles, leadership, and legacy that defined Vietnam’s first feudal kingdoms. The site sits in a circle of limestone mountains with green landscapes around, not just a historical site but a haven to retreat into times past.
12:00 PM – 1:15 PM: Lunch with Local Specialties
By 12.00 PM, get ready with a treat involving culinary treasures and treasures of Ninh Binh. Give a treat unto your taste by satisfying yourself towards having a fantastic regional meal at a centrally placed local nice restaurant, which represents your succulency goat fresh rice and many kinds of tasty and refreshing vegetable dishes amidst I will indicate their cultural significance and shall teach you using tricks to combine them for the delicious best flavor. Since you are setting a meal onto a plate like every other destination globally, indulge your taste at dinner time. Here’s relishing a full mouth of Ninh Binh Soul. This food is indeed your soul.
1:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Boat Ride in Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex
After lunch, we pay a visit to the amazing Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. At 1:30 PM, we take a traditional wooden sampan boat rowed by local guides.
For the next two hours, you will take in emerald waters, floating past and around a limestone karst with lush greenery. I’ll point out unique formations, share stories about ancient temples along the route, and guide you through spectacular caves such as Hang Sang-Bright Cave and Hang Toi-Dark Cave. This serene boat ride is a highlight of Classic Ninh Binh Tours, offering a perfect balance of adventure and relaxation.
3:45 PM – 4:45 PM: Climbing Hang Mua for Panoramic Views
By 3:45 PM, we will arrive at Hang Mua, one of the most iconic spots in Ninh Binh Tours. Get ready for an invigorating climb as we go up almost 500 stone steps to the top of Mua Mountain. Don’t worry; I’ll pace the climb to suit everyone’s comfort and share fascinating tidbits about the area along the way.
You will have a panoramic view of Tam Coc and the countryside from the top. This is an opportunity to relish the nature around you, click some outstanding snaps, and feel the astonishment of standing above such a structure. This is a sight you will never forget.
5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Return to Hanoi
Late in the afternoon, we get in our car to drive back to Hanoi at 5:00 PM. You will have time to relax, reflect on the incredible experiences of the day, and maybe even review the beautiful photos you have captured.
We arrive in Hanoi, at about 7:00 PM, thus it is time to enjoy a tranquil evening or delve into Hanoi’s nighttime.
- Includes: Includes transport, two ways, guide, entrance fees, rowing boat Trang An or Tam Coc, and lunch.
- Excludes: Personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance.
Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex (Sours: canva)
Classic Ninh Binh Tours Two Day Relaxed Adventure in Vietnam
Day 1: Immersing Yourself in History and Nature
7:00 AM – Departure from Hanoi
The trip commences at 7:00 AM as we leave the bustles of Hanoi for a transfer to the most serene landscape known as Ninh Binh. While navigating on the way to the destination, I’ll point out some pretty interesting stories regarding the Vietnamese countryside and rich cultural heritage to you to get in the mood.
9:30 AM – Exploring Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Our first stop will be the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, arriving around 9:30 AM. This place was the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties and holds immense cultural importance. We will explore together the ancient temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, where I will tell you captivating stories about their reigns, military triumphs, and legacies. These surroundings, framed by the majestic limestone karsts, make this visit enriching and tranquil.
12:00 PM – Lunch with Local Specialties
At 12:00 PM, we have a great meal with the culinary treasures of Ninh Binh. Lunch at a traditional restaurant, with goat meat, crispy rice, and vegetables grown in the region. I will share with you the stories of the origin of these regional specialties over lunch together, each bite will be a lesson in culture.
1:30 PM – Boat Ride in Tam Coc
After lunch, we take a drive to Tam Coc, which is popularly known as “Halong Bay on Land." At 1:30 PM, we will embark on traditional sampan boats and start our gentle rowing along the Ngo Dong River. While drifting through the green rice fields and across limestone cliffs, I will point out the beauty of Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba, three magnificent caves along the route. This peaceful boat ride offers moments of quiet reflection and awe at the stunning natural scenery.
4:00 PM – Climbing Hang Mua for Sunset Views
Next, we’ll be going to Hang Mua, where we will climb almost 500 stone steps to the top. We will arrive here at about 4:00 PM, which is an excellent time to see the golden sunset and the magic it creates while spreading over Tam Coc and the countryside. The panoramic views from the top are simply breathtaking highlights of Classic Ninh Binh Tours and a memory to always treasure.
6:30 PM – Overnight Stay at a Boutique Hotel or Bungalow
At around 6:30 PM, after a day full of adventure, we check into a boutique hotel or bungalow. Here, you will unwind, enjoy dinner, and recollect all the day’s happenings. This cozy accommodation provides the perfect blend of comfort and local charm.
Hang Mua (Sours: canva)
Day 2: Spiritual Wonders and Scenic Beauty
7:30 AM – Breakfast at Your Accommodation
Start your day fresh with a morning in Ninh Binh, enjoying a great breakfast with local delicacies, which then serves as a primer for yet another day of discovery and adventure.
9:00 AM – Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
We will visit the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda, the biggest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, at 9:00 AM. As we go through this wonderful spiritual spot, I’ll guide you through the highlights, including the 500 Arhat statues, the towering Buddha statue, and the magnificent bell tower. Bai Dinh is not only a place of worship but also stands for the testimony of the Vietnamese people’s artistry and spiritual devotion.
12:00 PM – Lunch Featuring Local Delicacies
At 12:00 PM, we have lunch at a nearby restaurant and enjoy some of Ninh Binh’s specialties. Another good chance to experience the unique flavors of the region.
1:30 PM – Boat Ride at Trang An
Embark on a romantic boat cruise to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. At 13:30, this tour will take you along emerald waters, through hidden caves, and lush karst formations. En route, stop at some spiritual sites like Suoi Tien Temple and learn about the rich history and legends surrounding these sacred sites. It is a moment of peace, the point where nature and spirituality are one.
4:00 PM – Return to Hanoi
The conclusion of the tour is a drive back to Hanoi, commencing at 4:00 PM. We will be back in town at around 6:30 PM. We’ll reminisce over the memories of the day and sum up the great parts of the day, especially the unique moments, during the drive that makes this tour unforgettable.
- Includes: Includes transportation round trip, guide, entrance fees, boat rides (Tam Coc, Trang An), 3 meals, and 1-night accommodation.
- Excludes: Personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance.
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Sours: vietnamtravel)
Classic Ninh Binh Tours Three Day Immersive Experience of Culture and Scenery
Day 1: History, Nature, and Sunset Views
7:00 AM – Departure from Hanoi
We start this amazing tour at 7:00 AM from Hanoi. While leaving the city behind, catch a glimpse of scenic views of the countryside and some interesting stories about the culture and traditions of Vietnam. A short break around 9:00 AM will refresh us before arriving in Ninh Binh.
9:30 AM – Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
Our first stop today is the Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, with its Dinh and Le dynasties, which are amazing in ancient temples, marvelous carvings, and the history of the first lords of Vietnam’s feudal state. This place combines history with natural beauty at its best.
12:00 PM – Lunch
Savor a local lunch featuring goat meat, crispy rice, and a series of dishes unique to the region on a perfect food tour in the very heart of Ninh Binh Province.
1:30 PM – Tam Coc Boat Ride
Continue by gently taking a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. While navigating through caves and limestone cliffs, I’ll be sharing with you all the legends and history that make this area so magical. It is a highlight not to be missed in the Classic Ninh Binh Tours.
4:00 PM – Hang Mua for Sunset Views
Finish the day with a hike up Hang Mua, where almost 500 steps rise to views over Tam Coc and the countryside. It’s truly breathtaking to watch the sunset from here.
6:30 PM – Overnight Stay
Relax and recharge in a boutique hotel or charming bungalow, reflecting on the beauty and adventure of the day.
Tam Coc (Sours: originvietnam)
Day 2: Hidden Gems and Wildlife
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Enjoy your morning breakfast at your hotel as you get ready for a day full of culture and nature.
9:00 AM – Thai Vi Temple and Cycling Through Villages
Visit the serene Thai Vi Temple, lying among peaceful mountains and lush greenery. Learn about the legacy of the Tran dynasty and hop on the bicycles to explore the tranquil rural villages of Ninh Binh. You will bicycle along quiet paths, via rice fields, and small hamlets to experience the real charm of Vietnamese rural life.
12:00 PM – Lunch
Savor a traditional lunch at a local eatery using fresh ingredients from the area.
1:30 PM – Bich Dong Pagoda
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda, a quiet complex nestled in a limestone mountain. The pagoda is on three levels and provides stunning views from its top. Indeed, it should be a must-visit place on every Ninh Binh Tours.
3:30 PM – Thung Nham Bird Garden
Our next destination is the Thung Nham Bird Garden, a bird watcher’s haven. Take a boat ride serenely through the lush ecosystem and find flocks of birds returning home as the sun sets. This would be an experience that will relate you to nature’s rhythm in Ninh Binh.
6:30 PM – Dinner and Relaxation
Return to your lodging for dinner. Enjoy your dinner and have a good night’s rest while sharing stories, unwinding, and preparing for the final day.
Day 3: Spiritual Marvels and Nature’s Wonders
7:30 AM – Breakfast
Savor a laid-back breakfast to catch your breath and soak up the serenity of the morning in Ninh Binh.
9:00 AM – Bai Dinh Pagoda
You’ll set off at 9:00 AM to explore the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia, the spectacular Bai Dinh Pagoda, considered to be an unforgettable spiritual and architectural treasure from the row of 500 statues of Arhats to a huge Buddha image. I, the guide, should take the place to explain many interesting things relating to culture or religion.
12:00 PM – Lunch
Savor another delectable lunch with Ninh Binh’s renowned local dishes.
1:30 PM – Van Long Nature Reserve or Cuc Phuong National Park
This afternoon, discover the less-visited treasures of Ninh Binh. You can opt for either the serene Van Long Nature Reserve, a bay of “no waves," as its name says, thanks to its mirror-like waters, or Cuc Phuong National Park, the first national park in Vietnam and also one of the richest in biodiversity of the country. A choice to be made, yet both offer amazing chances to get closer to nature and see the real beauty of this place.
4:00 PM – Return to Hanoi
On the last day of our 3-day adventure, we will leave at about 4:00 PM for Hanoi and arrive in the city at about 6:30 PM. You will go home with unforgettable memories of amazing photos and deeply appreciative of all the wonders of Ninh Binh.
- Includes: Return transportation, guide, entrance fees, boat rides (Tam Coc, Trang An, Thung Nham), 6 meals, and a 2-night stay.
- Excludes: Personal expenses, tips, and travel insurance.
Cuc Phuong National Park (Sours: uncovervietnam)
FAQs About Classic Ninh Binh Tours
1. What is the Best Time to Visit Ninh Binh?
The best time to make Classic Ninh Binh Tours is in spring, from March to May, and in autumn, from September to November. In these months, the weather is fine, with mild temperatures and less rain, hence the most perfect time for outdoor activities and taking a boat ride through Trang An or Tam Coc. For photography lovers, May is considered the golden season because the rice fields become vibrant yellow, creating breathtaking views across the region.
2. How to Choose Between a 1-Day, 2-Day, or 3-Day Tour?
Which tour you choose depends upon your schedule and interests.
- 1-Day Ninh Binh Tour: Suitable for any particular traveler who is strictly bound by a lack of time. The tour will cover iconic spots such as Hoa Lu, Trang An, and Hang Mua.
- 2-Day Ninh Binh Tour: This allows one to feel more relaxed while it covers extra highlights such as a visit to the Bai Dinh Pagoda and an overnight stay at a boutique hotel or bungalow.
- 3-Day Ninh Binh Tour: Designed for deep immersion. It will include hidden gems like Thai Vi Temple, Bich Dong Pagoda, and Van Long Nature Reserve, plus all the highlights that shorter tours have.
Rest assured, each of these options offers the real charm and natural beauty that make Ninh Binh Tours unforgettable.
3. Are the Tours Suitable for Families and Elderly Travelers?
Classic Ninh Binh Tours are fit for all ages. In cases of families with young children or elderly guests, we design the itinerary to be comfortably paced and with easy transportation. The activities would involve boat rides through beautiful landscapes and visits to cultural landmarks, which are not physically demanding yet create lifelong memories. For those who don’t want to walk much, alternatives like cycling can be arranged to suit everyone’s needs.
4. What Should I Pack for a Ninh Binh Trip?
The secret to a comfortable and enjoyable journey lies in packing smart. Here’s what I recommend for your Ninh Binh Tours:
- Comfortable Clothing: Light, airy clothes for hot weather and a jacket if visiting during the cooler months.
- Footwear: Sturdy walking shoes or sandals for visiting temples and making the climb up Hang Mua.
- Essentials: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat for sunny days; raincoat or umbrella for rainy season.
- Extras: A camera to capture the beautiful scenery, a refillable water bottle, and any medication, if necessary.
- Modest Clothing: Take along with you clothes that cover your shoulders and knees out of respect for local culture when visiting temples.
5. Can the Itinerary Be Customized?
Without any doubt, one of the biggest strengths of our Classic Ninh Binh Tours is flexibility. Be it focusing on specific landmarks, adding unique activities, such as cycling through villages, or adjusting the pace of your tour, we’re here to make it tailored to your preferences. Let us know what you’re interested in and what you need, and we’ll create a customized itinerary that ensures memorable and personalized journeys.
Conclusion
These Classic Ninh Binh Tours will combine History, Culture, and Nature the perfect combination to make the trip to the Heart of Ninh Binh unforgettable. Impress Travel takes you on this journey with expertly planned professional knowledge, tempting experiences, and a perfect service encounter. Ready for an adventure? Contact Impress Travel now to create your flawless Ninh Binh Tours experience!
Hanoi Head Office
- 125 Hoang Ngan, Hanoi
- Tel: (+84) 912 379 189
- Email: hanoi@impresstravel.com
Saigon Office
- 155 Ben Van Don, Rivergate, 4 District, HCM
- Tel: (+84)961675566
- Email: saigon@impresstravel.com