Ninh Binh: Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An Boat & Mua Cave Day Trip

Summary

Bai Dinh’s statues, Trang An boat ride and a dragon’s view

You’ll step into incense-swirled halls at Bai Dinh Pagoda, share a Vietnamese buffet lunch (with local specialties), glide by boat through Trang An’s limestone caves and rivers, then climb Mua Cave’s steps for sweeping views over Tam Coc—all with hotel pickup from Hanoi and an easygoing local guide who knows every shortcut.

What’s the experience like?

We were already halfway to Ninh Binh before I realized how green everything had gotten outside the bus window—like someone turned up the color just for us. Our guide, Minh, told stories about Bai Dinh Pagoda as we pulled up, but honestly nothing prepared me for that first breath inside. Incense everywhere, and this hush you only get in places that mean something to people. The stone Arhat statues lined up like silent guardians—Minh counted them off with a grin, but I lost track after thirty. There was a bell so big it made my chest buzz when someone rang it (not us—locals only).

Lunch was a blur of new flavors. Goat meat that I thought I’d be nervous about, but it was tender and kind of smoky? Someone at our table tried to teach me how to say “delicious” in Vietnamese—Li laughed when I tried. After that we headed for the Trang An boat trip; two hours on the water with limestone cliffs leaning in close and caves that felt colder than outside (in a good way). At one point our rower started humming quietly and it echoed off the cave walls. Weirdly peaceful.

The last stop was Mua Cave. I’m not going to lie—the 500 steps are real, especially after lunch. People passed us on their way down looking both exhausted and proud. When we finally made it up to Lying Dragon Mountain, the view over Tam Coc just kept going—patchwork rice fields, river curling through everything. Wind whipped around and for a second it felt like time stopped up there. We didn’t talk much on the way back to Hanoi; everyone just kind of stared out the window thinking their own thoughts. I still think about that view sometimes when things get loud back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ninh Binh temples, boat trip, and hiking

• Pick up from Hanoi hotel
• Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda
• Enjoy Vietnamese buffet lunch
• Boat trip at Trang An
• Bus to Mua Cave
• Hike 500 steps to mountain top
• Return to Hanoi hotel

Top questions

How long is the Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi?

The tour lasts around 12 hours including transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels.

Is lunch included on this Bai Dinh-Trang An-Mua Cave tour?

Yes, a Vietnamese buffet lunch with local dishes is included.

How many steps are there at Mua Cave?

There are almost 500 steps to reach the top of Lying Dragon Mountain at Mua Cave.

What’s special about Bai Dinh Pagoda?

Bai Dinh is one of Southeast Asia’s largest pagodas with hundreds of stone statues and giant bronze bells.

Is hotel pickup included from Hanoi?

Yes, round-trip shuttle transfer with hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter is provided.

How long is the Trang An boat ride?

The bamboo boat trip through Trang An lasts about two hours.

Are vegetarian options available at lunch?

Yes, vegetarian food is always available in the buffet lunch.

What’s included

Your day includes comfortable shuttle transfer from your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel, entry tickets for Bai Dinh Pagoda, Trang An boat ride and Mua Cave hike, an English-speaking local guide throughout, all sightseeing fees covered, bottled water on board, plus a Vietnamese buffet lunch featuring regional dishes before heading back in the evening.