Ninh Binh is also referred to as “Ha Long Bay on land"; thus, people interested in both adventure and nature will find it the most suitable place to visit. The tours for adventure in Ninh Binh feature towering limestone karsts, serene rivers, and hidden caves that make one’s tour incomparable with the thrill of adventure and love for nature. Unspoiled Vai Gioi Cave is among those places that one should not miss seeing. Nestled within the Thung Nam Ecotourism Park, this mystical cave features as the highlight of any Ninh Binh Tour for its breathtakingly beautiful views and rich history in culture. Ninh Binh is the most sought after lifetime adventure for those who want to explore the smack of real Vietnam. Looking to explore the true essence of Vietnam, Ninh Binh is the adventure of a lifetime!
Vai Gioi Cave
Nestled atop a mountain within the incredibly beautiful Thung Nham Ecotourism Park, Vai Gioi Cave is one of the most incredible highlights of any Ninh Binh Adventure Tours. This giant cave has an area of over 5,000 square meters and is located in a particularly beautiful area of Ninh Binh province, offering visitors an adventure filled with rewarding hiking and breathtaking exploration into its mysterious depths. Besides its greatness and beauty, Vai Gioi Cave is historically important because this used to be the site where ancient people carried out rituals, imploring gods in the sky for rain and a productive crop.
Be amazed as you work your way through the three different levels: the first being Tran Gian, the Earthly World; the second, being Dia Nguc, also known as Hell; and last but not least, the third level, Heaven, called the Thien Duong. Continuing deeper into the cave, the atmosphere changes dramatically, with each level creating a different experience. The formations feel more earthly on the first level of Tran Gian, representing the natural life we all see on Earth. Further down, Dia Nguc is an eerier, mysterious space. Besides the dark lighting, strange formations are adding to its unreality. Finally, Thien Duong reassures with a feeling of serenity due to its stunning stalactites that hang in suspension like heavens.
The natural formations in Vai Gioi Cave are simply fantastical: stalactites and stalagmites take the shape of mythical creatures, and thrones of ancient kings, and look much like the teeth of animals, imbuing the place with an otherworldly beauty. Besides, the throne of Diem Vuong adds to the mysticism during the journey. Every nook and corner of this cave exposes a naturally formed cathedral of stone.
Vai Gioi Cave‘s true treasure, aside from its natural beauty, is myth and folklore. Local legend says that this was the site where sacred rituals were performed by ancient communities in sacrifice to the gods for good weather. It is, therefore, a place of reverence, making it one of the truly unique stops on any Ninh Binh Adventure Tour. While exploring its ancient chambers, visitors have been left with deep feelings of cultural significance.
7:00 AM – Departure from Hanoi
Thung Nham Ecotourism Park
Kick off your tour early with a pickup at the hotel in Hanoi by our comfortable van, then drive to start your day in Ninh Binh, surrounded by thick countryside, rice paddies, and tiny villages dotting the landscape.
9:30 AM – Arrival at Thung Nham Ecotourism Park
Arrive at Thung Nham Ecotourism Park and proceed to get your room checked into a traditional ambiance. In this option, you would be accommodated in stilt houses these are quite charming, surrounded by nature, and ideal to make you feel comfortable and fit into the rural atmosphere of this place called Ninh Binh.
10:00 AM – Exploring Thung Nham Ecotourism Park
Right after checking in, take some time to enjoy the stunning surroundings in Thung Nham Park. Take in the fresh air of this lovely area with its ecosystem teeming with life and dotted by limestone karsts.
12:00 PM – Lunch at the Park’s Restaurant
Savor a delicious local lunch featuring Ninh Binh’s specialty goat meat and crispy rice, cơm cháy. Food is prepared fresh, showing the region’s unique flavor.
2:00 PM – Exploration of Vai Gioi Cave
The actual adventure will start after lunch! We will hike uphill on the 439 stone steps leading to the entrance of Vai Gioi Cave one of the key highlights of your Ninh Binh Adventure Tour.
Once one steps inside, they will discover the three mystic levels of the cave: Tran Gian – Earthly World, Dia Nguc – Hell, and Thien Duong – Heaven. The guide will help point out the meaning of each level and show you remarkable stalactites and stalagmites, such as the famous throne of Diem Vuong, which adds to the mystique of the cave.
4:30 PM – Cultural Experience with Local Guides
Following the cave exploration, enjoy a cultural storytelling session led by the local guides about the myths and legends associated with the cave and the surroundings. The stories shared give great insight into the spiritual significance of the area.
6:00 PM – Dinner and Evening Leisure in Thung Nham
Return to your hotel for a typical Vietnamese dinner. In the evening, you are free to relax, take a light walk around the park, or simply enjoy the atmosphere.
Hang But
6:30 AM – Breakfast at the Accommodation
Start the day with a good breakfast in preparation for another promising day of exploration in Ninh Binh.
7:30 AM – Visit to Thung Nham Bird Garden
Start to the famous Thung Nham Bird Park, home to over 40 species of birds, some of them very rare and listed in the Red Book. People say that the best time for bird watching is at dawn when the birds fly over the premises of the park in their quest for food. You will get to see herons, storks, and other exotic birds in their natural habitat.
You can walk down the scenic trails through the bird garden and get great shots of the birds against the limestone mountains.
9:30 AM – Explore Hang But Cave
From the bird garden, we will proceed to Hang But remarkable in the area of Thung Nham. It is now famous for its admirable beauty due to some rock formations, including that of Buddha, formed naturally by time and water. According to a legend, there is a reclining Buddha figure in Hang But that exudes good luck and blessings to the visitors.
11:00 AM – Boat Ride through Thung Nham’s Waterways
Continue with a gentle, noncrowded cruise on the peaceful waters of Thung Nham. The boat would just float gently across small waterways given way by colossal limestone mountains. This eco-friendly tour enables you to absorb the park’s serenity fully while minimizing the environmental impact.
12:30 PM – Lunch at a Local Restaurant
Lunch awaits us back at the park: a delicious meal prepared from fresh local produce. Traditional dishes that reflect the rich agricultural traditions of Ninh Binh.
2:00 PM – Free Time to Explore or Relax
After lunch, there is some free time around the park to rest and additional optional activities of cycling or hiking. More adventurous guys can hang out on other trails around the park or take a nap enjoying the serenity of it all.
6:00 PM – Dinner and Evening Activities
Conclude the day with another delightful dinner of local specialties. In the free evening, perhaps take a little evening walk; the added treat is watching the natural beauty of the park under the star studded night sky.
7:00 AM – Breakfast and Morning Leisure
Have a leisurely breakfast with time to look back at two fantastic days of experiences. In the morning, you will have multiple choices for relaxation, further exploration of Thung Nham, or catching the very last images from those amazingly beautiful landscapes.
9:00 AM – Optional Morning Activities
Optional activities on this last morning aimed at making the most of it include cycling around the park or a short trek to nearby viewpoints. This is ideal for soaking in the last moments of your adventure in Ninh Binh.
11:00 AM – Check-Out and Departure
It is time to say goodbye to Thung Nham and all the natural wonders of Ninh Binh. Then check out of the hotel, and we start our drive back to Hanoi. You may rest, look out the window at the countryside passing by, and think about the unforgettable moments you have spent.
1:30 PM – Arrival in Hanoi
We will return to Hanoi in the early afternoon and thus conclude your Ninh Binh Adventure Tour. It’s not only a bigger appreciation of the natural beauty of Vietnam but your heart full of great memories that you take with you when going on this journey.
Unique stalactites
Timing is everything, and that counts when planning your perfect Ninh Binh Adventure Tour! The best time to tour Va Gioi Cave and its environs is from October to April of the dry season. The weather conditions during this period get much cooler and hence more pleasant; this ensures that the hike becomes far easier up the 439 stone steps that lead to the entrance of the cave. The area may be very slippery and humid during the rainy season starting from May to September which would make the adventure a bit more difficult. On the other hand, it is during this time that the green landscapes are simply breathtaking!
Physical fitness: The average physical fitness level may be required for visiting Vai Gioi Cave. Visitors will have to climb up to the cave using 439 step stairs, so get ready for some exercise! However, do not worry because the panorama and the mystic beauties inside the cave are really worth trying. Comfortable shoes or sports shoes with good grip are recommended for travelers, especially in rainy seasons. Pack plenty of water to stay hydrated and don’t forget your camera for these incredible natural wonders.
On every Ninh Binh Tours , attention has to be paid to the environment and community. Ninh Binh is a natural wonder; thus, at all times, pay attention to eco friendly behavior: never litter, respect the animals, and do not go outside of designated paths. We assure you that you can contribute to the locals by buying typical souvenirs made by them or having lunch/dinner at family run restaurants. That would make your visit even more culturally unforgettable and preserve the culture and economy of this amazing region.
Vai Gioi Cave is a must-visit for nature lovers who thirst for beauty and culture. From mystic stalactites, rich legends, and wonderful views, this destination deserves to be one of the top spots in any Ninh Binh Adventure Tour. With Impress Travel, head into the unspoiled beauties of Ninh Binh: Saigon Travel, including the magnificent Thung Nham Bird Garden, and tranquil boat trips through concealed waterways.
For that, do not miss your chance; just book your Ninh Binh adventure today with Impress Travel and start an unforgettable journey into one of the most interactive landscapes of Vietnam! Don’t forget to regularly follow our Impress Travel for more interesting information about traveling to Ninh Binh and to book Ninh Binh Tour at the best prices.
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
Ninh Binh Tours – Impress Travel offers travelers the daily excursions – Small group deluxe tours, private Ninh Binh Vietnam package tours for the real experience of Ninh Binh’s discovery about the culture, history, tradition, local lifestyle, religion, and admiring of the breathtaking scenery of limestone island, rivers, water rice fields in Tam Coc and national park of Cuc Phuong with trekking and homestay at Muong Family. Ninh Binh Tours and private package tour’s highlights:
