Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu & Tam Coc Private Escape
Discover the "Ha Long Bay on Land" with private boat rowing and scenic cycling through limestone karsts.
1777000₫
Leave the city behind for breathtaking nature. Enjoy a private sampan boat trip through stunning caves and cycle through peaceful villages surrounded by towering mountains.
Tour Overview
Escape the bustling energy of Hanoi for a day of serenity in Ninh Binh province. This private excursion takes you back to the 10th century at Hoa Lu, the first capital of Vietnam, before immersing you in the breathtaking scenery of Tam Coc. You will experience a traditional sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River, passing through mysterious caves and towering limestone mountains that rise directly from the emerald rice paddies.
Itinerary
07:30 | Private Pickup: Your professional guide and driver will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi Center. Enjoy a comfortable 2-hour drive through the scenic Red River Delta.
Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: Arrive at the site of the first capital of Vietnam. Visit the historic temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh. Your guide will share fascinating stories of Vietnam’s struggle for independence and the strategic importance of this mountain-guarded citadel.
Tam Coc Panoramic View: Take a short drive to the Tam Coc area. If time permits and you are feeling active, we can stop for a brief walk to enjoy the rural atmosphere and photograph the local buffaloes and rice fields.
12:00 | Local Flavor Lunch: Savor a delicious lunch at a local restaurant featuring Ninh Binh’s famous specialties, such as Com Chay (Crispy Rice) and goat meat dishes, alongside other Vietnamese favorites.
Traditional Sampan Boat Ride: Board a small, hand-rowed sampan boat at Tam Coc wharf. For the next 1.5 to 2 hours, a local rower will take you through:
Three Natural Caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.
The "Halong Bay on Land" Scenery: Admire the majestic limestone karsts and, depending on the season, the vibrant yellow or green rice fields lining the riverbanks.
Cycling Adventure (Optional): After the boat trip, enjoy a gentle bicycle ride through the quiet village roads and limestone foothills to explore the authentic rural life of Northern Vietnam.
Bich Dong Pagoda: Visit this ancient "Grotto of the Green Pearl," an atmospheric complex of three pagodas built into the side of a mountain, offering stunning views from the top.
15:00 | Return Transfer: Relax in your private vehicle as we head back toward the capital.
17:00 | Arrival in Hanoi: Your driver will drop you off safely at your hotel.
Inclusions | Exclusions |
✅ Private air-conditioned vehicle | ❌ Personal expenses & shopping |
✅ Professional English-speaking local guide | ❌ Drinks during lunch |
✅ All entrance fees per itinerary | ❌ Travel insurance |
✅ Private Sampan boat trip in Tam Coc | ❌ Gratuities (Tips) |
✅ Authentic local lunch | |
✅ Bicycle rental fees | |
✅ Mineral water & wet tissues on board |
Children Policy
Infants (0-1 years old): Free of charge.
Toddlers (2-4 years old): 30% of adult price.
Children (5-9 years old): 75% of adult price.
Ages 10 and above: Full adult price.
Why Book This Tour?
Personalized Exploration: Unlike crowded bus tours, we allow you to choose between cycling or relaxing, and we can adjust the timing to avoid the peak crowds at the boat wharf.
Expert Historical Context: Our guides bring the ancient history of Hoa Lu to life, making the temple ruins more meaningful and engaging.
Door-to-Door Comfort: Avoid the hassle of tourist shuttles. Our private cars offer a seamless, comfortable journey from your hotel and back.
Photography-Focused: We know the best spots for those "Halong Bay on Land" shots and will ensure you have the time to capture them.
Rates are quoted in Vietnamese Dong (VND) per guest.
