Hanoi Day Tour: Hao Lu and Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) (full day) - 1 Days

From £38You save £1(3%)

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female50%
  • Male50%

Average age

37
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Hanoi
  • Hanoi

Physical rating

2/5

Group size

1 - 25

Meals included

1

Highlights

  • Step back in time to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, a captivating realm nestled amidst dramatic limestone mountains and verdant green fields. Explore the revered Dinh and Le dynasty temples, marveling at their intricate architecture and rich history.
  • Step back in time as you journey to Hoa Lu, Vietnam's ancient capital, nestled amidst majestic limestone mountains and vibrant green fields. Explore the intricate temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, discovering royal palaces and monuments that whisper tales of 10th-century Vietnamese history and culture.
  • Delve into the captivating history of the mesmerizing Nhat Tru Pagoda, where legends of a princess sentenced to nunnery and her tragic fate by a well still echo. Marvel at its ancient architecture and learn about the significant role it played in Vietnam's royal past.
  • Embrace the tranquility of rural Vietnam with an optional 5km cycling excursion from Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda. Pedal through breathtaking landscapes of lush paddy fields and charming villages, immersing yourself in the picturesque countryside.
  • Experience the 'Halong Bay on Land' with an unforgettable sampan boat ride along the Ngo Dong River in Tam Coc. Glide peacefully past towering karsts, quaint villages, and verdant rice fields, as your boatwoman expertly navigates through three spectacular natural caves: Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba.
  • Gain a deeper understanding of Vietnamese heritage by exploring the vestiges of royal palaces in Hoa Lu, offering a unique glimpse into the lives of ancient Vietnamese royals and the rich cultural tapestry of the region.
  • Discover the serene beauty of Ninh Binh Province, often hailed as 'Halong Bay on Land,' with its iconic karst formations, emerald rice paddies, and tranquil waterways, providing a stunning backdrop to your historical and cultural exploration.
Recommended before you book

Download the full trip brochure

Everything you need to picture the adventure and pack with confidence — in one free PDF.

What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
Free, instant PDF - no obligation

Summary

Go back in time on this day tour to the Ninh Binh Providence and explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, surrounded by limestone mountains and pristine green fields. Visit the Dinh and Le dynasty temples, palaces, and monuments. Discover the interesting history of the mesmerizing Nhat Tru Pagoda where a princess was sentenced to nunnery and lost her life down a well. Top it all off with a sampan boat ride through three caves! Have your camera ready because these are sites you'll never want to forget.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Hanoi

    Duration: 8-10 hours

    Meeting Point: 8:00am Your Hotel in the Old Quarter

    Finish Point: Hotel drop-off

    Itinerary: Leave the modern Hanoi city life behind and go back in time on this day tour to the ancient city of Hoa Lu surrounded by green limestone mountains. Meet the tour guide in your hotel lobby and depart for the Ninh Binh province, a 90km (60mi) drive south, with a 20 minute break halfway to stretch your legs. Arrive in Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam from the 10th century, in the Red River Delta with a scenery of green fields and karst mountains. Visit the temples of two dynasties - Dinh and Le - with ancient intricate architecture. Learn the history of the mesmerizing Nhat Tru Pagoda where a princess was sentenced to nunnery and see the well that took her life. Study the various monuments honouring several Vietnamese royals. Learn about the culture through an excavation of vestiges of royal palaces. Arrive at Tam Coc in the afternoon to relax and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Those who enjoy cycling can opt to explore the countryside images of Vietnam on a 5km ride from Tam Coc to Bich Dong Pagoda (3mi). You will be amazed by the beautiful scenery of lush paddy fields. Afterwards, board the sampan boat in Tam Coc and float along the river among the villages, mountains, and rice fields, passing through 3 caves - Hang Ca, Hang Hai, and Hang Ba. The boat returns to dock for a bus ride back to Hanoi for an estimated arrival of 7:00pm.

    Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of the tour operator preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-the tour operator travellers.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 0, Lunches: 1, Dinners: 0

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Aug 2026

    from £38
  • Sep 2026

    from £38
  • Oct 2026

    from £38
  • Nov 2026

    from £38
  • Dec 2026

    from £38
  • Jan 2027

    from £38
  • Feb 2027

    from £38
  • Mar 2027

    from £38
  • Apr 2027

    from £38
  • May 2027

    from £38
  • Jun 2027

    from £38
  • Jul 2027

    from £38
  • Aug 2027

    from £38
  • Sep 2027

    from £38
  • Oct 2027

    from £38
  • Nov 2027

    from £38
  • Dec 2027

    from £38
  • Jan 2028

    from £38
  • Feb 2028

    from £38
  • Mar 2028

    from £38
  • Apr 2028

    from £38
  • May 2028

    from £38
  • Jun 2028

    from £38
  • Jul 2028

    from £38
  • Aug 2028

    from £38
  • Sep 2028

    from £38
  • Oct 2028

    from £38
  • Nov 2028

    from £38
  • Dec 2028

    from £38
  • Save 3%
    Saturday 1 Aug 2026to Saturday 1 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Sunday 2 Aug 2026to Sunday 2 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Monday 3 Aug 2026to Monday 3 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Tuesday 4 Aug 2026to Tuesday 4 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Wednesday 5 Aug 2026to Wednesday 5 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Thursday 6 Aug 2026to Thursday 6 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Friday 7 Aug 2026to Friday 7 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Saturday 8 Aug 2026to Saturday 8 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Sunday 9 Aug 2026to Sunday 9 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Monday 10 Aug 2026to Monday 10 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Tuesday 11 Aug 2026to Tuesday 11 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Wednesday 12 Aug 2026to Wednesday 12 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Thursday 13 Aug 2026to Thursday 13 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Friday 14 Aug 2026to Friday 14 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Saturday 15 Aug 2026to Saturday 15 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Sunday 16 Aug 2026to Sunday 16 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Monday 17 Aug 2026to Monday 17 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Tuesday 18 Aug 2026to Tuesday 18 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Wednesday 19 Aug 2026to Wednesday 19 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Thursday 20 Aug 2026to Thursday 20 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Friday 21 Aug 2026to Friday 21 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Saturday 22 Aug 2026to Saturday 22 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Sunday 23 Aug 2026to Sunday 23 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Monday 24 Aug 2026to Monday 24 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Tuesday 25 Aug 2026to Tuesday 25 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Wednesday 26 Aug 2026to Wednesday 26 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Thursday 27 Aug 2026to Thursday 27 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Friday 28 Aug 2026to Friday 28 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Saturday 29 Aug 2026to Saturday 29 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Sunday 30 Aug 2026to Sunday 30 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer
  • Save 3%
    Monday 31 Aug 2026to Monday 31 Aug 2026
    6+ spaces of 25 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £39£38
    Best offer

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.5 out of 5)
Based on 4 reviews
  • An exceptionally long day, missed other activities, good guide and driver, and the guide tried to appologise profusely on the way back into Hanoi. I enjoyed the day, but would plan it differently next time. The day tour to Ninh Binh pick up was well organised, bus driver was fantastic and guide was warm and infomative.

    Andrea Jun, 2024 Verified
  • We had a really good day, staff were exceptional with their knowledge The staff were friendly and tried to make the day a good experience for each customer

    Deborah Jun, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What is this Hanoi Day Tour about?

    This day tour takes you back in time to the Ninh Binh Province to explore Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam, surrounded by limestone mountains and pristine green fields. You will visit the Dinh and Le dynasty temples, palaces, and monuments, and discover the history of the mesmerizing Nhat Tru Pagoda. The tour culminates with a sampan boat ride through three caves in Tam Coc.
  • What are the main highlights of this trip?

    The main highlights include visiting Hoa Lu ancient temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties, discovering the mesmerizing Nhat Tru Pagoda with its interesting history, exploring 10th-century royal palaces, optionally cycling through the Vietnamese countryside of rice fields, and enjoying a sampan boat ride down the Tam Coc River through three caves.
  • What is included in this tour?

    The tour includes pick-up and drop-off by a modern air-conditioned bus, a professional English-speaking guide, cycling (optional part of the tour), a local lunch, entrance fees, and a sampan boat ride through 3 caves.
  • What meals are included in this trip?

    One lunch is included in this trip.
  • What are the modes of transportation on this trip?

    The modes of transportation on this trip are bus, cycling, walking, and sampan boat.
  • How large will the group be?

    The maximum group size is 25 participants, with no minimum requirement.
  • How old must I be to join this trip?

    You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on this tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
  • Are there any optional activities on this trip?

    While the itinerary mentions an option for cycling for those who enjoy it, there are no additional optional activities beyond the core itinerary.
  • What are the pick-up and drop-off arrangements?

    Pick-up and drop-off are available from hotels located in the Old Quarter area only, between 6:55 AM and 7:50 AM, depending on your hotel's specific location.
  • Who will be leading the group?

    A professional English-speaking local guide will be leading the group.
  • Who should I contact in case of an emergency?

    Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call the local representative, Ms. Alice, at +84 90 430 5130. If you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message. You may also contact the tour operator's Bangkok office at +66 92 338 9222 (from outside Thailand) or 092 338 9222 (from within Thailand). International toll-free numbers are also available.
  • Are international flights included in this trip?

    No, international flights are generally not included in the price of your tour. However, on some combo tours travelling between two different countries, international flights are included as part of the itinerary and price of the tour. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
  • What should LGBTQ+ travellers know about safety and travel considerations on this trip?

    The tour operator prioritizes the safety and well-being of all travelers, including those identifying as LGBTQ+. We encourage you to visit our LGBTQ+ page for useful resources, including the Equaldex tool, to ensure you feel safe and comfortable throughout the duration of your trip.
  • Anna's profile
  • Petra's profile
  • Charlotte's profile

Still have questions?

Can't find the answer you're looking for? Please chat to our friendly team.

Get In Touch

Why book with us

  • Help Change The World

    We collaborate with local businesses and communities.

  • Best Price Guaranteed

    We won't be beaten on price. If you find this adventure at a lower price please get in touch!

  • You're In Good Hands

    We work with trusted tour operators around the world.

  • You're spoilt for choice

    We have the best choice of adventures on the market.

Similar adventures

  • Save2%
    Bangkok Independent Short Break: River Kwai & Ayutthaya - 3 Days

    Bangkok Independent Short Break: River Kwai & Ayutthaya - 3 Days

    50 Reviews
    from £497View Tour
  • Save2%
    Thailand Independent Short Break: Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle - 3 Days

    Thailand Independent Short Break: Chiang Mai & Golden Triangle - 3 Days

    21 Reviews
    from £463View Tour
  • Save2%
    Halong Bay Junk Cruise Independent Short Break - 2 Days

    Halong Bay Junk Cruise Independent Short Break - 2 Days

    13 Reviews
    from £189View Tour
  • Save1%
    Taj Mahal Short Break - 3 Days

    Taj Mahal Short Break - 3 Days

    37 Reviews
    from £346View Tour

Sign up for our deals

Stay up to date with our new latest deals & special offers!

Your email is secure and we won't send you any spam.
Feefo Rating 4.9/5

The Adventure People has been rated excellent by its customers