Explore Ninh Binh’s spiritual and natural wonders on a day trip from Hanoi. Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda and take a boat trip through the Trang An cave complex.
Embark on a journey that balances monumental spiritual architecture with serene natural landscapes. You explore a sprawling temple complex, home to impressive statues and ancient bells that resonate with history. Then, you board a small boat and glide through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape, navigating a labyrinth of waterways and mysterious grottoes carved into limestone mountains. The day culminates in a climb to a viewpoint offering a magnificent reward: a sweeping vista of this remarkable region.
Why you’ll love this trip?
- Uncover the stories of Vietnam’s early dynasties by visiting the nation’s first capital, exploring historic temples dedicated to the kings who once ruled from this ancient citadel.
- Experience deep tranquility while a local guide rows you through the stunning Tam Coc river valley, passing through natural caves and alongside vibrant rice fields surrounded by limestone karsts.
- Ascend to the summit of Hang Mua (Mua Cave) for an unforgettable panoramic reward. The breathtaking 360-degree view of the river, fields, and mountains is a truly memorable sight.
Tour Overview
Quick Facts
- Duration: Full day (approx. 12 hours)
- Start/End: Hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Style: Guided cultural exploration
- Theme: Heritage, History, Living Culture
- Destinations: Ninh Binh, Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An, Hang Mua
Experience a day where Vietnam’s spiritual grandeur and breathtaking natural beauty converge. This journey takes you to a monumental Buddhist complex, a place of quiet reverence and architectural marvels, home to towering bronze statues and intricate carvings that command attention.
Feel the calm as you walk among hundreds of stone figures, each with a unique expression. Later, trade sacred ground for serene waterways as you board a small boat. A local guide rows you through a UNESCO-recognized landscape, a maze of emerald rivers winding around dramatic limestone cliffs and into ancient water caves.
The final part of your adventure is an invigorating ascent to a high vantage point, offering a stunning reward—an unforgettable, sweeping view of the entire karst landscape. It’s a day of profound sights and peaceful exploration.
Highlights
- Visit Bai Dinh, the largest pagoda complex in Southeast Asia.
- See the 100-ton bronze Buddha statue and 500 Arhat statues.
- Take a two-hour boat trip through the Trang An UNESCO World Heritage site.
- Explore the remarkable natural caves of the Trang An scenic complex.
- Climb nearly 500 steps to the Mua Cave viewpoint for panoramic vistas.
- Savor a local lunch with specialties like goat meat and crispy rice.
