Hanoi- Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu, Trang An Boat Ride & Mua Cave Tour
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Spend a full day in Ninh Binh exploring Hoa Lu – the ancient capital. Cycle through scenic paths, cruise along Trang An’s caves, and conquer the iconic viewpoint atop Mua Cave
About this activity:
About this activity:
Free cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
Reserve now & pay later
Keep your travel plans flexible — book your spot and pay nothing today.
Duration 1 Day
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Pickup included
We will pick you up at the lobby of your hostel
Small group
Private or small groups available
Highlights
- Visit Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital from the 10th century.
- Enjoy a boat ride through caves and rivers in Trang An.
- Taste authentic Vietnamese dishes at a local restaurant.
- Travel comfortably with return transfers from Hanoi.
Full description
[IMPORTANT NOTE] Discover Ninh Binh's highlights in one day: visit Hoa Lu, cruise Trang An by sampan, enjoy a Vietnamese lunch & hike Mua Cave for panoramic views. ... PICK-UP & DROP-OFF INFORMATION: ▶ Return Bus Transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter Pickup time: 7:00 – 7:45 AM Hotel pickup is available for hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter. In some cases, if bus access is limited or your hotel is on a narrow street, we'll arrange a nearby meeting point within a short walking distance of your hotel & confirm the details before your tour. Please provide your exact hotel address & a WhatsApp phone number so we can arrange your pick-up smoothly. Drop-off: Around 7:00 PM. We'll drop you off at your hotel or the nearest convenient location. ▶ Hotels outside Hanoi Old Quarter (Last pick-up) Please come to: - 120 Le Duan Street (Hanoi Railway Station) - 84 Tran Nhan Tong Street (Hotel du Parc Hanoi) Pickup time: 7:40–7:50 AM. Please arrive at 7:35 AM ✅ Morning traffic in Hanoi can be busy, so we recommend leaving a bit early to ensure you arrive on time. NINH BINH TOUR: 09:15 | Short Break Have a short break for relaxing & using the toilet at a stopover of about 15–20 minutes. 10:00 – 10:30 | Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Arrive at Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam in the 10th century, and visit the King temples. With the introduction of our local guide, you will get to know more about Vietnamese history. Relax before lunch: - A short bike ride with tour guide: Get on a bike & start cycling to explore the beautiful scenery & limestone mountains with a unique route (optional and free of charge). - If you don't wish to cycle, feel free to explore the village on foot or rest at a local restaurant. 12:00 | Lunch Enjoy Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant – goat meat dishes are the local speciality. (Vegetarian foods are available) 13:30 | Trang An Boat Trip Arrive at Trang An and spend about 1 hour 40 minutes to 2 hours exploring the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, aboard a traditional sampan boat shared by up to 4 guests and rowed by a local boatman. Explore the amazing cave tunnel system as you glide through tranquil waterways surrounded by towering limestone mountains and sacred temples. Enjoy this part of the journey at your own pace, taking in the peaceful surroundings and breathtaking scenery. Mua Cave Hike: Get back on the bus and continue to Mua Cave. Climb nearly 500 stone steps to the top of Lying Dragon Mountain, where you'll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of Tam Coc's rice fields, winding rivers and dramatic limestone karsts. It's one of the most iconic viewpoints in Ninh Binh and a perfect spot to capture unforgettable photos before heading back to Hanoi. ✔ The itinerary may change due to weather or traffic to ensure the best possible experience. RETURN: Leave Ninh Binh and drive back to Hanoi. Arrival time in Hanoi around 7:00 PM – 7:35 PM (depending on traffic). “If you have an early bus, train or flight after the tour, please bring your luggage with you during the trip”. End of the tour!
View full itinerary...Includes
- ✓ English-speaking guide
- ✓ All entrance fees and the Trang An boat ride (Hoa Lư, Trang An & Mua Cave)
- ✓ Short, relaxing cycling tour through the peaceful countryside
- ✓ Pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi Old Quarter (provided by Dcar, limousine bus or shuttle bus, depending on option)
- ✓ Mineral water on the bus
- ✓ Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant (Vegetarian and gluten-free options available)
- ✓ Free use of hat/raincoat during the trip
- ✓ Luggage storage available in the bus luggage compartment
- ✗ Drinks, travel insurance
- ✗ Tips (Optional tips for local boat rowers and tour staff)
- ✗ Personal expenses and anything not mentioned in inclusions
Important information
Know before you go
- We’ll confirm your booking via GetYourGuide messages & WhatsApp. Please check both to verify your booking details & receive the updates.
- Hotel pick-up is included for hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter where bus access is permitted. Due to local traffic regulations (From 1 July 2026), some streets cannot be accessed by buses with more than 16 seats during certain hours. If your hotel is in a restricted area, we will arrange the nearest convenient pick-up point, which may require a short walk.
- Drop-off: As the tour returns to Hanoi at around 7:00 PM, if your hotel is within the restricted area, our guide and driver will drop you off at the most convenient nearby location, within a short walking distance of your hotel.
- Meeting points (outside Hanoi Old Quarter). Please choose one of the following meeting points:
- 84 Tran Nhan Tong Street
- 120 Le Duan Street (Hanoi Railway Station).
- Please arrive on time – the bus cannot wait.
- Tourist sites in Ninh Binh may be crowded at weekends and on public holidays.
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LuxuryCustomer Reviews 
Camille etg11 months agoI recommend it! We had a great day with our guide Happi! Very well organized, everything is done so that we don't feel alone in the bay! The meal is really super good! Unbeatable value for money!



Response from the owner11 months agoThank you so much for your review Wish the best for you
David Prieto11 months agoVietnam Venture time just improved our whole experience during our time in Vietnam. They helped us in a holistic way, arranging all we needed from a long list of transports that we needed, whole day impressive local tours, and really last minute changes. They always responded and showed reliability when we needed it.
Thanks to all the team!Response from the owner11 months agoThank you so much David Wishing the best for you
Leonora Howe11 months agoI booked the 4 days 3 nights Ha Giang tour with VietNam Venture and had a really good experience. The trip was well-organized, the guide was friendly and helpful, and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. The itinerary covered beautiful spots in Ha Giang, and the homestays were comfortable and welcoming. Overall, it was a great way to explore Ha Giang without any stress.


Response from the owner11 months agoThank you so much 🙏🙏🙏 Dear
Tal Salamon12 months agoI did 1d tour in Sapa, was great experience
Thank you!Response from the owner12 months agoThank you so much Sir 🙏
andy maphrao12 months agonice guy
nice services
nice advisesResponse from the owner12 months agoThank you so much Dear
Valerie Berger12 months agoVery kind and nice guy, he helped us a lot! 🙂Response from the owner12 months agoThank you so so much Sir
Leo S12 months agoReally kind owner. Helped me with anything i neededResponse from the owner12 months agoThank you so so much Sir
Israel Aka12 months agoAn excellent agent organized a ride for me from Car Ba to Cat Be Airport🙏Response from the owner12 months agoThank you so much Sir
Marco Fornari (Grafiche Tris Srl)1 year agoGreat experience! We hiked in the national park! The guide was very knowledgeable and helpful. He spoke good English. Highly recommended!Response from the owner1 year agoThank you so much Sir
Mario Cuenca1 year agoMy experience in Cat Ba was very good, and partly thanks to Vietnam Venture. After asking around at several travel agencies, I ended up with the one where Ninh works (VietNam Venture). From then on, I had complete peace of mind when planning tours, trips, and more. I couldn't worry about anything thanks to the trust Ninh instilled in me, the information she gave me, her willingness to help... 100% recommended.Response from the owner1 year agoThank you so much
Maria Ortuño Serra1 year agoGreat trip. Complete with lots of activities and relaxing time. The lunch was good with several traditional dishes.Response from the owner1 year agothank you so much for your review
L Thivend1 year agoExcellent experience with this tour operator!
I highly recommend it!Response from the owner1 year agoThank you for your review Wishing the best for your family ❤️
Angela1 year agoThe absolute best agent for your trips in CatBa / Lan Ha Area! I could not recommend him more! Mr Ninh is the key for an amazing experience!
He will also take care of your pick ups from almost anywhere in north Vietnam.Response from the owner1 year agothank you so much
Hanna Müller1 year agoI booked two tours and my bus ride to Hanoi with Vietnam venture and had a great time on the boat. Everything was perfectly organized. The tour guides spoke very well English and provided information throughout the day and at each stop. Besides they were very friendly, caring and funny. Also the bus ride was very good. A big bus with plenty of pace and good communication for pickup time. Direct pickup at the accommodation was very convenient.Response from the owner1 year agoThank you so much Hanna







Thanks to all the team!






Thank you!

nice services
nice advises







I highly recommend it!

He will also take care of your pick ups from almost anywhere in north Vietnam.
