Ninh Binh: Tam Coc Boat, Mua Cave Hike & Hoa Lu Day Trip

Summary

From Hanoi to Ninh Binh ancient temples boat caves and rice fields

You’ll ride from Hanoi into Ninh Binh’s lush countryside, hike up Lying Dragon Mountain for wild views, float through Tam Coc’s caves on a sampan boat with local rowers, and cycle past rice fields to an ancient pagoda—all with a small group and lunch by the river. It’s a day full of sights that linger long after you’re back in Hanoi.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I remember is the green—like every shade you can imagine—spilling out of the rice paddies as our van rolled into Ninh Binh. Our guide, Minh, joked about how city folks like us always stare at the fields like we’ve never seen grass. He was right though; it didn’t feel real. We stopped at Hoa Lu, where stone lions guarded old courtyards and incense drifted in the air. Minh told us stories about kings from a thousand years ago while a rooster somewhere wouldn’t stop crowing. I tried to picture what this place looked like back then—harder than I thought with scooters buzzing past now and then.

Climbing up Lying Dragon Mountain was a whole thing. Five hundred steps sounded bad but it’s worse when you’re halfway up and your legs start complaining. The view at the top just kind of hits you all at once—the Ngo Dong river curling through everything, limestone cliffs jutting up like someone dropped them there on purpose. There was this breeze that felt sharp after the climb. Some local kids were selling cold sugarcane juice at the bottom (I got one; sticky hands for the next hour). It’s funny how something so small sticks with you.

Lunch was in a bungalow by the river—family-style dishes, lots of vegetables I couldn’t name, and tofu that even the meat-eaters liked. After that we got into these little sampan boats in Tam Coc. The rowers used their feet to paddle (I tried not to stare too much but honestly, it’s impressive). Inside the caves it was quiet except for water dripping off the ceiling and Minh whispering which cave was which. I leaned back and let my hand trail in the water for a second—felt cool and kind of gritty from all the limestone.

The last bit was cycling out to Bich Dong pagoda. The road wound through villages where kids waved or just stared at us (one kid shouted “hello!” and cracked up when I waved back). The pagoda itself climbs up into three levels tucked into the mountain—incense smoke curling around stone steps, old bells echoing somewhere above us. I’m not sure if it was tiredness or something else but standing there looking out over all that green again, I felt strangely quiet inside. Still do sometimes when I think about it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Ninh Binh highlights from Hanoi

• Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels
• Arrive at Hoa Lu ancient capital
• Visit Dinh King temple
• Climb 500 steps to Mua Cave viewpoint
• Enjoy traditional Vietnamese lunch
• Take sampan boat trip in Tam Coc
• Cycle through rice fields to Bich Dong Pagoda
• Visit Bich Dong Pagoda
• Cycle back to parking area
• Have fair-well drink in Tam Coc
• Return to Hanoi and end tour

Top questions

How long is the day trip from Hanoi to Ninh Binh?

The tour lasts around 11 hours including travel time between Hanoi and Ninh Binh.

Is hotel pickup included for this Ninh Binh tour?

Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter.

What activities are part of this Ninh Binh day trip?

You’ll visit Hoa Lu ancient capital, hike Lying Dragon Mountain at Mua Cave, take a Tam Coc boat ride through caves, cycle to Bich Dong pagoda, and have lunch by the river.

How many people are in each group?

The group size is capped at 9 people for a more personal experience.

Is lunch provided on this tour?

Yes, a traditional Vietnamese set menu lunch is included at a riverside homestay bungalow.

Can I skip cycling if I’m not comfortable?

If you can’t cycle, you can use the van instead or pay extra for a motorbike ride with driver.

Are entrance fees covered in this tour?

All entrance fees for attractions are included in your booking price.

Are there any physical requirements for this trip?

You need moderate fitness for hiking 500 steps; cycling can be skipped if needed.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter in an air-conditioned limousine van, all entrance tickets to Hoa Lu, Mua Cave, Tam Coc boat ride and Bich Dong Pagoda, use of bikes (or van/motorbike if preferred), cold bottled water with wet towels on hot days, conical hats if you want one for sun protection, an authentic Vietnamese set menu lunch by the river—and ends with a farewell drink before heading back to Hanoi.