Hanoi to Ninh Binh: Tam Coc, Hoa Lu & Bai Dinh Private Day Trip

Summary

Private day trip from Hanoi with boat ride, cycling and ancient temples in Ninh Binh

You’ll leave Hanoi behind for a private day trip into Ninh Binh’s green countryside—rowing through Tam Coc’s caves, wandering ancient Hoa Lu temples, cycling village roads past waving kids, and tasting local food outdoors. Expect real moments: laughter with your guide, incense drifting in old pagodas, and maybe even finding peace where you least expect it.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our pickup because I’d mixed up the lobby floors—classic me. Our guide, Minh, just grinned when we finally tumbled out, apologizing. “No rush,” he said, “the countryside waits.” The city noise faded as we drove south from Hanoi, windows cracked for a bit of breeze that smelled faintly of rice fields and something sweet I couldn’t name. Minh told us stories about the kings of Hoa Lu as we bumped along; I tried to imagine what this place looked like a thousand years ago but mostly just watched water buffalo flick their tails at birds.

Hoa Lu’s temples felt heavy with age—cool stone under my hand, incense curling in the air. Minh pointed out the dragons carved above the doors and laughed when I tried to pronounce King Le Dai Hanh’s name (I definitely butchered it). Then came Tam Coc: two hours gliding on a little rowboat, knees tucked awkwardly close because I’m taller than most Vietnamese grandmas who row these boats with their feet. The river was silent except for oar splashes and the soft click of my friend’s camera; limestone cliffs leaned over us and swallows darted low. There was a moment inside the third cave where everything went dark and cool and I caught myself holding my breath.

Lunch was simple—rice, tofu, some kind of crispy fish—and eaten outside with dragonflies hovering near our plates. We cycled after that, wobbly at first (it’s been years since I rode), weaving past kids shouting hello and old men napping in hammocks strung between banana trees. The sun was strong but not mean, if that makes sense. At Thai Vi temple someone had left a bunch of wildflowers on the altar; it smelled like wet earth and smoke.

I didn’t make it all the way up Mua Cave’s 500 steps—my legs gave out maybe halfway—but Minh said most people don’t bother counting anyway. From where I stopped you could see patchwork rice fields stretching forever. On the drive back to Hanoi I kept replaying that quiet boat ride through Tam Coc in my head; sometimes you don’t realize you needed silence until you find it by accident.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Ninh Binh's historical sites and nature

• Travel 100km south from Hanoi
• Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital temples
• Take boat trip on Ngo Dong river at Tam Coc
• Cycle around Tam Coc Village and visit Thai Vi temple
• Climb nearly 500 stairs at Mua Cave
• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda complex
• Take sampan boat tour at Trang An
• Cycle through Ninh Binh rice fields
• Drive back to Hanoi

Top questions

How far is Ninh Binh from Hanoi by car?

It’s about 100km south of Hanoi; driving takes roughly 2 hours each way.

Is lunch included on this private day trip?

Yes, a Vietnamese lunch is included—vegetarian options available upon request.

Can children or infants join this tour?

Yes, infants can join and may sit on an adult’s lap or use a stroller/pram.

What are the main stops on this day trip from Hanoi?

The main stops are Hoa Lu ancient capital, Tam Coc boat ride & village cycling, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and optionally Mua Cave or Trang An.

Is hotel pickup included in Hanoi?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi are included with your private car or bus.

Do we have an English-speaking guide?

Yes, an English-speaking guide accompanies you throughout the tour from Hanoi.

How long is the boat ride at Tam Coc?

The boat ride along Ngo Dong River at Tam Coc lasts about two hours.

Are entrance fees covered in this tour?

All entrance fees mentioned in the itinerary are included in your booking.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Hanoi by private vehicle with an English-speaking guide who stays with you throughout. Entrance fees for all sites are covered—you’ll row through Tam Coc caves by boat, cycle around village roads (bicycles provided), explore ancient temples at Hoa Lu and Bai Dinh Pagoda, plus enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch before heading back to the city in late afternoon.