Ninh Binh and Ancient Hoa Lu Temples Tour from Hanoi
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Ninh Binh and Ancient Hoa Lu Temples Tour from Hanoi
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Ninh Binh and Ancient Hoa Lu Temples Tour from Hanoi

1 day
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About this activity
Tam Coc means three caves and is the start of our journey in the Ninh Binh Province, it is a two hour drive from Hanoi to the South. On our arrival we take a cruise along the Ngo Dong river for several kilometers to visit the 3 caves. The limestone mountains here can remind you of Vietnams more famous Halong Bay or it has also been compared to Guilin in China. The caves have been created by wind and water from a legend time, while the sea had occupied this area. The tide-mark is still on the rocks about 2m above the water, and on the higher mountain walls the erosion have carved some strange shapes that are now filled of green grass, which can delicious food for the local goats. If you are lucky, sometimes you can also see mischievous monkeys.

The river trip is a fantastic journey and gives a real insight into local life. Enjoy watching the local farmers harvesting their paddy fields along the river, or when they transplant seedlings for the next crop. We then move on to Hoa Lu the ancient capital, which is not far from Tam Coc. Here the remains of the temples are dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the two heroes who lived in 10th century and chose Hoa Lu to build the citadel of the capital city. From time to time, archaeologists have excavated buried parts of this citadel and found rusty weapons and ceramics. The temples are said to be built on the old foundation of their original palaces in 11-12th centuries and restored in 17th century. Though the temples are not maintained entirely some precious antiques are well preserved, like the whole-stone dragon thrones, wooden bas-reliefs and lacquered statues of King Dinh, Kinh Le and Queen Duong Van Nga.

We then take a couple of hours bike ride in the countryside and discover regional villages. As our ride comes to an end we head back to Hanoi arriving around 6.30pm. Your day will be filled with beautiful Vietnam memories and the whole day is a photographer dream with lush green valleys, limestone mountains, ancient temples and the opportunity to look into the lives of the local people.
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Included
  • Lunch
  • Professional local guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Transport by private vehicle
  • Entry/Admission - Tam Coc
Not included
  • Drinks
  • Gratuities
Additional
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • A minimum of 2 people per booking is required
  • Minimum age is 11 years
  • Children must be accompanied by an adult
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
75%
Reviews
4.9
7
A
Alexis T
5 | 2018-11-08

This was one of my most memorable traveling experiences to date. I loved Ninh Binh and our tour guide, Thuy! She was so lovely and gave us a very personal experience of Vietnam. I cannot say enough great things. Thank you.

L
Louisa M
5 | 2017-04-22

We took a private tour to Ninh Binh from Hanoi in April 2017. Our tour guide was Thai. The day was one of the most enjoyable things we did in Hanoi. Thai was a wonderful guide with great local knowledge and a wonderful sense of humour. We went for a bike ride through local villages, enjoyed a local lunch and a fabulous trip down the Ngo Dong River to the limestone caves. The final adventure for the day was a visit to Hoa Lu's royal palace. We were picked up and dropped off at our Hotel by our very competent driver. It was a truly memorable day!!

C
Cathy H
5 | 2017-02-08

Did this tour in Nov of 2016 and loved it. The guide and driver were marvelous. Very informative and accomadating. Lots of great information about the area that we toured. We got to see a lot of the area and really experience the life and culture of this part of Vietnam. For a day tour we got a lot done. Loved the bike ride through the rice fields and the lazy sail down the river. Bought the hat to get into the experience more. Also found the tour of the art gallery at the end in Hanoi and wonderful final touch to the tour. Could not resist buying some true Vietnamese artwork. Would highly recommend the tour and the tour company!!! I give it a 5.

J
Jennifer B
5 | 2016-06-08

amazing tour! not to be missed. our guide was amazing and seeing this part of Vietnam is amazing. definitely a tour you need to go. Being able to go cycling in that region was an extra bonus!

T
Thea S
4 | 2016-04-28

Ninh binh and the temples were a great exprience. Jackie our tourguide gave us a lot of insight on the interesting history of the temples and the vietnamese culture. The lovely landscape of ninh binh is breathtaking, best viewed on the short tour with the bicycles.

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