Ninh Binh is a hidden gem located 90km from the capital Hanoi, combining nature and history. Ninh Binh Tours will take you to discover Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, and Thung Lau Cave (Dong Hoa Lu), a mystical place associated with the legacy of King Dinh Bo Linh. So Whether you are passionate about history and nature, or someone who loves adventure in the wild, Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave will give you unforgettable memories in the cultural origin land of Vietnam. This tour will bring you closer to Vietnam’s past and present making it perfect for both a quick 1-day escape or a deeper 2-day exploration.
Come to Hoa Lu, the first capital of ancient Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty! Entering this historical-cultural treasure is a trip back in time, witnessing the cradle of the root of the Vietnamese nation. Hidden in the green valleys of Ninh Binh, Hoa Lu is not only a location but the cradle of an empire. It was here in the 10th century that King Dinh Bo Linh united Vietnam, creating the Dinh Dynasty and making Hoa Lu the seat of political and cultural power.
In your Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave, you will see a magnificent capital – the ruins of the royal capital, temples, and the military that created the identity of the country.
Thung Lau Cave (often referred to as Hoa Lu Cave) is located not far away from Hoa Lu, within the breathtaking landscape. It is a mystical site that boasts legends, history, and natural beauty Above: The limestone formation is a plain, more than just a structure.
Thung Lau Cave is most famous for the legend about Dinh Bo Linh and the “flag of reeds”. According to local legend, the little Dinh Bo Linh as a shepherd boy would use reeds to create flags for mock battles with other children. The reeds swaying in the wind, it is said, represented the unity and might he would one day grant to the whole country. Today, visitors to the Thung Lau Cave can still hear the echoes of those battles in the ancient past, and the heroic past lingers on in the cave’s quiet heat and strength.
Thung Lau Cave is situated in the Gia Hung commune, Gia Vien district, Ninh Binh province. Nestled within a circular valley of towering limestone mountains, Tripolitania is a lesser-known gem and the perfect destination for anyone looking to set aside the crowds. The landscape here is stunning — gentle hills and broad fields of white reed that blossom spectacularly every autumn. Dam Cut, a natural moat, is at the bottom of the valley and has helped to shield the cave for centuries.
The area around Hoa Lu and Thung Lau Cave is where nature and history meet, an ideal duo for cultural explorers, adventure seekers, and those wanting to experience Vietnam’s ancient roots. The stunning scenery around helps bring more sense of awe and respect for Hoa Lu, Thung Lau is the mandatory destination in Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave itinerary.
Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave (Sours: discoverninhbinh)
06:30 – Departure from Hanoi
Our crew will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and then transfer you to Ninh Binh by comfortable air-conditioned vehicle. Sit back and make the most of the scenic ride as our guide tells you fascinating info about the background and culture of the region.
09:00 – Visit Thung La Temple
Your first stop is Thung La Temple, an important religious site in the area. Here you’ll get acquainted with the area’s ancient myths and legends. This serene spot introduces you to the culture and spirituality of Ninh Binh, which will color your experience over the days to come.
10:00 – Conquer the 240 Dragon Steps to Thung Lau Cave
Our 240 Dragon Steps to arrive at Thung Lau Cave. The steps were engineered to meander amid spectacular scenery and limestone formations and deliver stunning views of the surrounding area. However, the nature of Ninh Binh is near on everyone’s face when you go on this hike.
10:45 – Pay Respects at King Dinh Tien Hoang’s Shrine Inside the Cave
At the summit, Thung Lau Cave can be found, where you will have the chance to pay your respects at the shrine of King Dinh Tien Hoang. Not just a cave, this holy ground is a historical site where Vietnam’s first emperor once settled. Here, you sense the deep roots of history when stepping on the ground where it was made.
12:00 – Lunch and Rest
After the hike and visit to the spot, we can have a break and enjoy a tasteful local lunch with regional specialties. This is the ideal time to relax and contemplate the beauty and history you’ve just encountered.
14:00 – Return to Hanoi
After a complete day, we set off back to Hanoi. You’ll have plenty of time to unwind en route while recalling the amazing sights you’ve seen.
18:00 – Arrival in Hanoi
We head back to Hanoi arriving by early evening, ending an impressive Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave day tour. This is a great choice for those with limited time in Hanoi but with a strong desire to delve into the country’s fascinating history and culture.
King Dinh Tien Hoang (Sours: wikipedia)
Day 1:
06:30 – Departure from Hanoi
Just like the one-day option, we don’t want to let you down, so kicking off the tour with a very comfortable drive from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is a must. Have some fun with your guide, who will tell you interesting facts about the country and its culture during your trip.
09:00 – Visit Thung La Temple
Your first stop will be with a spiritual introduction at Thung La Temple. This peaceful and holy place is going to give you the chance to feel the rich culture and the legends about Dinh Dynasty.
10:00 – Conquer the 240 Dragon Steps to Thung Lau Cave
Next, we climb the 240 Dragon Steps to Thung Lau Cave. Sweeping views of Ninh Binh’s iconic limestone mountains and charming valleys unfurl from the ascent. The reward is a sense of accomplishment and stunning views at the top.
11:00 – Pay Respects at King Dinh Tien Hoang’s Shrine Inside the Cave
Inside Thung Lau Cave, you will see the shrine for King Dinh Tien Hoang. This historic site is a living tribute to Vietnam’s first emperor, providing a visceral link back to the nation’s past.
12:30 – Lunch and Hotel Check-In
After morning exploration, we check in Hoang Son Peace Hotel (4-star) for a nice local lunch. Rest easy in the comfort of the hotel as you soak in its ideal location for more exploring to come.
15:30 – Afternoon Visit to Bai Dinh Pagoda
Later in the afternoon, we visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Southeast Asia. Here, the towering statues, intricate architecture, and peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda will leave you in awe.
18:00 – Dinner at the Pagoda with Vegetarian Delicacies
Have a different experience of eating dinner at the pagoda, where you can taste different vegetarian delights. The offerings are fresh, local, and just right for the spiritual feast.
19:30 – Night Activities: Spiritual Talk, Lantern Lighting, and Temple Rituals
Later in the evening participate in spiritual activities such as spiritual talk, lighting of lamps, Temple rituals, etc. The quietness plays a part in making the Bai Dinh Pagoda area more sacred, and connected.
21:00 – Return to Hoang Son Peace Hotel for Rest
Relax back at the hotel for a refreshing evening after an enriching spiritual experience.
Hoang Son Peace Hotel (4-star) (Sours: booking)
Day 2:
07:00 – Breakfast Buffet at the Hotel
Start your second day with a hearty breakfast buffet at the hotel to ensure you are charged up for yet another day of exploration.
08:00 – Visit Thien Ha Cave – “The Galaxy Cave” by River and Foot
When we finish having breakfast, we depart to Thien Ha Cave (“The Galaxy Cave”). Hop on a boat to glide through the verdant scenery before arriving at the cave. Once inside, you can see the majestic limestone formations where nature builds its galaxy on the earth.
11:30 – Lunch at Hoang Giang Restaurant
Lunch with local specialties at Hoang Giang Restaurant
13:00 – Optional Visit to Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tiem Cave)
In the afternoon optional to visit Tuyet Tinh Coc (Am Tiem Cave), a beautiful natural place in the area. It is famous for its stunning beauty, widely known as “The Emptiness Valley.”
15:00 – Return to Hanoi
We return to our journey back to Hanoi after two full days of exploration.
18:00 – Arrival in Hanoi
We come back to Hanoi in the afternoon with the great experience of your Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave. For people with all kinds of travel goals, this is a great option.
Included in the Tour
Not Included in the Tour
Tuyet Tinh Coc (Sours: vietmaptravel)
While discovering the adorable Thung Lau Cave as well as temples such as Thung La Temple and Bai Dinh Pagoda, it’s worth it to be well-dressed. Wear worn-in, comfortable apparel made of breathable fabric that allows you to move easily for cave exploration. Wearing long sleeves and pants protects the skin when negotiating rocky terrain. Just remember to dress modestly when you go to the temple. There is no need to cover your head but please take care to cover your shoulders and knees and respect the sacred sites.
Climbing 240 Dragon Steps to Thung Lau Cave is the highlight of Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave. The steps provide fantastic views of the limestone mountains and valleys but can be slippery, especially when it rains. Be sure to bring comfortable shoes that have good grip, strong sneakers or hiking shoes will ideally help you traverse the rocky terrain.
When coming to Thung La Temple and Bai Dinh Pagoda, we should pay attention to behaviors consider to be respecting spiritual etiquette. It’s customary to bring small offerings like incense or fruit as a sign of respect. This way, you will be assured that noises will be kept to a minimum and nothing will disturb the atmosphere when inside the temples. However, if you want or need to burn incense, do as your tour guide says and follow local customs. If you keep your mouth shut and your ears open, you will enjoy your time and possibly feel even closer to the holy sensation that surrounds you.
Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave has the best scenery. If you want a good shot of the reed fields surrounding Thung Lau Cave, then golden hour morning or afternoon is the time when light is softer and warmer. Wide-angle to capture the magnitude of the scenery (the earth-breaching limestone peaks and wide reed fields). If you go in the morning, when there’s mist, boost your ISO setting to capture the gossamer textures of the fog without losing detail in the shadows.
If so, that is my best recommendation for when to visit, October is a great month for Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave. Reed fields surrounding Thung Lau Cave bloom in a blanket of white, creating marbles of dream and serenity. Plus, with cooler weather, you can climb a mountain or visit a cave without suffering from heat exhaustion. October is the time to come away with the land at its natural best.
Ninh Binh Tours explore Hoa Lu – Thung Lau Cave are a unique blend of history, nature, and spirituality. So, maybe ancient stories or hidden valleys or peaceful temples; whatever you’re in pursuit of, this journey puts and pulls it all together into one delightful slice of adventure.
Take the opportunity to experience the cultural center of Vietnam. As an ideal length trip, you should book your Ninh Binh Tours today with Impress Travel so that we can bring you the background information and lead you into the legends of Hoa Lu and the centuries-old Thung Lau Cave mystery.
Contact Impress Travel
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour will deepen your interesting history, starting with a visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which was the 10th-century capital and once the heart of Vietnam’s first centralized feudal state. You will be walking through the ancient temples dedicated to King Đinh Tiên Hoàng and King Lê Đại Hành, marveling at the intricate architecture and listening to stories that have shaped the nation’s legacy.
Next, step into the grandeur of Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex: Bai Dinh Pagoda, from the colossal bronze Buddha statues to its serene courtyards. In its way, Bai Dinh offers spiritual solace and a lifetime feeling of awe. These heritage landmarks make the Ninh Binh Tours very important to any history enthusiast.
Tam Coc (Sours: vietnamtravel)
Get ready to be charmed by the outstanding landscapes that define the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour. Reputed as “Halong Bay on Land," Tam Coc fascinates its travelers with its dramatic limestone karsts majestically rising from emerald rice fields. Travel along in a boat on the quiet waters of the Ngo Dong River and explore the mystical “Three Caves" (Hang Ca, Hang Hai, Hang Ba) while taking in the unspoiled beauty of the area.
Another highlight of Ninh Binh Tours is Trang An. This place is honored by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, featuring labirynth rivers, and caves paired with rich greenery. These few wonders together show the unmatched panorama that makes Ninh Binh one of the best options to visit in Vietnam.
That includes stories and connections, not purely a sightseeing Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour because interacting with the friendly locals from other parts of the world comes along in the sharing of their customs, daily life, or even culinary secrets. You will surely know that once these ancient or ancient sites, which have played a very predominant role in Vietnam’s bygone era, take off for a visit from Hoa Lu to a spiritual depth at the Bai Dinh Pagoda.
Enjoy the local food to your heart’s content with traditional Vietnamese dishes, including goat meat and crispy rice, both regional specialties and a way of life. This layer of culture will make this journey far more than just a tour-it will be an experience.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour offers endless opportunities to the camera of photography enthusiasts: from golden rice fields in Tam Coc to peaceful waters in Trang An, from majestic architecture in Bai Dinh Pagoda, each corner of Ninh Binh is perfect for a picture.
From iconic places like the Ngo Dong River to ancient temples in Hoa Lư, you’ll have breathtaking backdrops for lifelong memories. We don’t just let you go away with great memories but also some spectacular snapshots to share and keep as mementos.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital (Sours: https://www.agoda)
07:30 – 08:00: Pick you up at your hotel in Old Quarter and depart for a full-day Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour on the southeast of Hanoi to the province of Ninh Binh. It’s around 90 kilometers taking one and a half hours to get there then see Vietnam’s peaceful countryside-golden rice fields and limestone rock formation rising majestically from the ground.
10:00 – 11:30: Arrive in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, which is the cradle of the very first centralized feudal state of Vietnam. You will visit the temples dedicated to Emperor Đinh and Emperor Lê and listen as your guide relates the stories of these Emperors and the dynasties that once ruled here. If you’re into history, then this is a must.
12:00 – 13:00: Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a nearby restaurant. Regional dishes will be served, including goat meat with crispy rice and fresh seasonal vegetables. The quiet atmosphere allows for an even better taste of this meal.
13:30 – 15:30: The highlight of the day is to take a boat ride along the Ngo Dong River. Travel through lush rice fields and dramatic limestone formations as you explore the “Three Caves" (Hang Cả, Hang Hai, Hang Ba). The serene atmosphere and natural beauty of Tam Coc are unforgettable, offering countless opportunities for photography.
16:00 – 16:30: Arrive in Ninh Binh at a cozy hotel. This is a perfect opportunity for you to retreat and refresh after such a long day with full exploration.
Evening Activity (Optional): Stroll through the quiet evening streets of Ninh Binh, or enjoy dinner at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
Bai Dinh Pagoda (Sours: https://www.tripadvisor)
07:30 – 08:00: Have a healthy and delicious breakfast at the hotel.
08:30 – 11:00: Start visiting Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist temple complex Bai Dinh Pagoda. Marvel at its magnificent bronze Buddha statues, peaceful courtyards, and panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. An optional electric car service around the area is recommended to save time in exploring this big area.
11:30 – 12:30: Have lunch at a local restaurant serving stewed goats, freshwater fish, and other dishes that will reflect the culinary achievement of Ninh Binh.
13:00 – 15:30: Take another different Trang An boat ride for fantastic trips to the world nature reserve. The small booths up and downstream rows wind through caves: Hang Sáng, Hang Tối; and Hang Nấu Rượu. There you gain deep insight into the beauty and marvel of nature in light reflected together with green forest’ plants and towering cliffs; during the journey, some telling by your guide can intrigue your interest in rich stories both in history and tradition associated with Trang An so that you could treasure Trang Anmore valuably.
16:00: Depart for the back to Hanoi. Feeling relaxed onboard while comfort stimulates you to ponder over beautiful memories and experiences during a day spent at Ninh Binh Tours.
18:30: Arrive in Hanoi to end a wonderful tour of history, culture, and nature in 2 days.
Trang An (Sours: https://www.agoda)
Moreover, the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour is offered to customers for $178 per person for a premium experience without breaking your wallet. Is this a family getaway, or are you traveling with children? Well, we have special discounts for children and families so nobody misses this unforgettable adventure.
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour will cover everything you need to make your journey smooth and memorable:
With this full package, you can enjoy the entire magic of Ninh Binh hassle-free.
The following are not included in the tour to maintain flexibility:
Why choose the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour? This is a package that holds the perfect balance of luxury and affordability necessary for every traveler to offer value to their investment-from the time you step into our comfortable transport to the last scenic boat ride in Trang An, every little detail contributes to a rich, truly immersive experience. From history enthusiasts to nature lovers and from cultural immersion, seekers-the lot-this is a travel package that will deliver it in one incredible journey.
Ninh Binh (Sours: bucketlistly)
If there’s anything to be said about the time of the Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour, let it be to enhance this experience even more. This is during the rice harvest season from May to June, when the magic comes out of these surrounding fields in every direction, truly breathtakingly so. At the same time, Ninh Binh Tours makes for year-round beauty. From the appeal of the lush green landscape in spring to the quiet, misty mornings of winter, there is never a wrong time to visit this wonderland.
Pack these essentials to make the most of your adventure:
These items will keep you prepared at every step of the tour, from hiking up temple steps to gazing out over the serenity of the waterways.
Our Ninh Binh Tours are suitable for all ages. For families with children, the program is easy and enjoyable; for elderly participants, it is also comfortable because of the air-conditioned transportation and electric car services available at Bai Dinh Pagoda. The boat cruises in Tam Coc and Trang An are serene and require minimum effort; thus, they are suitable for all participants.
Here’s how to make your Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour even more memorable:
Tam Coc Ninh Binh Tour is the ultimate getaway from Hanoi, comprising historical, cultural, and, of course, natural wonders. Take serene river rides, explore ancient temples, and enjoy real Vietnamese food on this 2-day journey. Experience the magic of Ninh Binh Tours and create memories to last a lifetime. Book now for an unforgettable journey!
We went on a private trip to Vietnam and Cambodia, the whole trip plan was organized for us by the Impress Travel Company from Vietnam, the company did an amazing job, the whole trip was organized in a wonderful way with an amazing match between the various parties, their choices were correct and the quality of the hotels chosen were very high quality and it is important to note that the price was low in comparison To other agencies, thanks to Impress Travel and especially to Daniel who was tolerant and open to changes and organized the route for us.
Impress travel were amazing. Did my bookings with Daniel for our tour of Vietnam and I must say Daniel was very professional and prompt with his services. All the arrangement, plans, pick-up & drop-off services, hotels, vehicles, sightseeing tours and guides were spot on and excellent. Did 4 nights Hanoi, 1 night Hà Long Bay cruise, 3 nights Hoian, 4 nights Saigon and 1 night in Can Tho. It was totally awesome. Every part of the journey was superbly arranged and planned. I will highly recommend Impress Travel for anyone interested in visiting Vietnam. Very organized and reliable!
I booked with Impress Travel in July. My contact person was Tommy Thang. He is an amazing person. He was very helpful. He changed my program twice for me. Very accommodating!
We started our holiday in the north (Sapa)of Vietnam and travelled down to HCMC.
The tour was fantastic, Tommy's arrangements were to the"T".
I will always use them if I have to visit the area again and recommend them to one and all.
Thank you once again Mr.Tommy and the Impress Team.
Sulaiman Pochee
Great value for money with 4 stars hotel accommodation for 4 couples. The tour guide has been very helpful and brought us to amazing places in Sapa. We want to thanks Thuy the tour guide and especially Mark from Impress Travel for his great service and assurance throughout our trip. We’ll definitely use his service for other tour packages in other parts of Vietnam.
This is the second time we travel to Vietnam with IMPRESS Travel. First time, we booked our holiday to Hanoi, Halong Bay & Sapa during Dec 2018 with Impress.
Second time, we travel to Hoi An, Hue & Danang (Central Vietnam) during Jan 2019.
My friends & I are very glad & happy with all the hotels stay in Central Vietnam, the meals provided are delicious. We are greatly appreciated with all the tour arrangement by Tommy & his team (tour guide).
Especially, Mr. NHAT C.V. He is helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and very professional. He always volunteer to take a nice pictures for six of us (group) .
We enjoyed our holiday with Impress travel. We will definitely come back to Vietnam again with Impress
Tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh is one of the most amazing & authentic package tour in the North Vietnam. Our tours lead the paths you to explore cultural and historic relics of Vietnam such as ancient citadel named Hoa Lu and pagoda, temples. Furthermore, to be immersive by natural landscape such as Tam Coc, Bich Dong, Trang An, Van Long natural Reserve. We will take part in the experienced activities well as cycling visa the rural countryside of particular Red River Delta to be impressed by local life along the paths. The a bamboo boats sail crossing along the emerald green rice field among limestone cliffs, stopping at spectacular caves through which visitors can be appealed, viewing impressive, centuries-old formations.
You will take an experience of stunning scenery, to obtain the active venture for cycling via the rural countryside and sailing bamboo boat on the green rice paddy among the limestone mountain.
You will not merely see many fantastically scenery and animals of wild life in the national park, and rescue center. Additionally learn more about its history and locals and join to homestay activities.
Authentic paths to explore the northern part of Vietnam. The imposing scenery of mountain, hill, green valley, and rice terraces. The idyllic hill-tribe villages from Mai Chau - Pu Luong and Ninh Binh rural countryside.
Luxurious services for Hanoi, Halong tour destinations until to the authentic Ninh Binh rural countryside journey of active venture to explore the imposing scenery of limestone mountain, and tour to explore culture and history from national relics.
