HOA LU – TAM COC (+ MUA CAVE OPTION)

Overview

Ninh Binh is a landscape of green rice fields and limestone peaks, and an essential stop for anyone exploring Northern Vietnam. This day trip takes you to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's capital from 968 to 1009, and to Tam Coc, known for its limestone outcrops and river caves.

Hoa Lu: the temples of King Dinh and King Le, the two 10th-century rulers who chose Hoa Lu for their royal citadel.

Tam Coc: meaning "three caves" and known as "Ha Long Bay on land", Tam Coc is best explored by boat, rowed by a local woman along the Ngo Dong River.

Highlight

See the spectacular natural beauty and karst mountains of Ninh Binh, the “Ha Long Bay on land”
Discover Vietnam’s capital of the 10th century

Itinerary

9:30 AM | Departure – Meet at the hotel.
10:00 AM | Tam Coc by boat – A 5-minute walk to the boat station, then a 2-hour rowing boat trip along the Ngo Dong River through three limestone caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai and Hang Ba, past rice paddies, peaks and temple sites.
12:30 PM | Lunch at l'Artisan – Return to the hotel for an hour-long lunch of local dishes.
1:30 PM | Hoa Lu Ancient Capital – Visit the two temples on the grounds of the old royal palace, dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, and learn about Vietnam's early feudal dynasties.
3:00 PM | Mua Cave (optional)* – Climb 500 steps to the summit for a panoramic view over limestone peaks, rice fields and winding rivers.
4:30 PM | Return – Back at the hotel.

*Mua Cave: additional 250,000 VND per person.

Include

Meals as mentioned in the itineraries: Vietnamese food, Asian Food basic.
Private transfers within the tour by air-conditioned vehicle, including pick-up and drop-off at hotel.
Boat trip rowing on river to discover Tam Coc.
English Speaking Tour guide. Other languages on request.
All entrance and sightseeing fees
All taxes & services charge.