Go on a full day trip to Ninh Binh, the ancient capital of Vietnam. Get a feel of ancient Vietnam before Hanoi took over the role as capital 1,000 years ago. With its solemn temples, hardworking and hospitable people, tranquil paddy fields and magnificent karst landscape, Ninh Binh is a must-see in your Vietnam trip!
- Cycle amongst the lime karsts and surrounding scenery.
- See Thai Vi Temple - admire special features of folklore and unique art
- See the Temples of King Dinh and King Le
- Go on a boat trip in the Trang An complex, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Begin your Hanoi cultural adventure with a two hour drive from the hectic capital of Hanoi to the province of Ninh Binh (approximately 100 kilometers). Our first destination is Hao Lu, the location of the capital of Vietnam during the Dinh Dynasty (968-980) and early Le Dynasty (980-1009). The ancient citadel once covered 300 hectares of land, however the passage of time has left but a few remnants of this once glorious capital of Vietnam.
Upon arrival, jump on a bike ride through the area with stop at Thai Vi Temple, limestone karsts towering above as you ride along backroads and beautiful scenery...an experience you don't get on other Hanoi tours. The final stop is the Dinh and Le Temples which were restored during the 17th century. The temples are dedicated to emperors Dinh and Le and believed to be built on the original foundations of the old palaces from the 11th and 12th centuries, which can help you delve into Vietnam's history as you might wish.
Then we stop for lunch at a local restaurant before visiting Trang An*, a recently added UNESCO World Heritage Site. The complex consists of three areas of interest: the Trang An - Tam Coc - Bich Dong ecological site, the Hoa imperial capital and Hoa Lu primitive forests. The area is often referred to as the Halong Bay of the land due to its spectacular scenery. Limestone Karsts rise up from the ground like towers covering the whole region...a true Hanoi travel wonder!
Here we board row boats for a 3 to 3.5 hour journey through caves, pass by local villages along the river system of the Red River Delta. The scenery comprises of lush green rice paddies during the rice growing seasons and surrounding limestone karsts, making for a stunning backdrop to the journey and presents many photo opportunities for the keen photographers amongst the group. At the end of the boat trip, it is time to return to Hanoi and rest after a day full of adventure.
- Hotel pick-up and drop-off at selected hotels in Hanoi
- English-speaking guide
- Land transfer by air-conditioned vehicle
- Admission fee
- Lunch
- Boat Cruise
- Cyling
- Personal expenses
- Meals and drinks unless specified
- Tips and gratuities
- Optional activity costs
- Children below 2 years old are free of charge.
- Exact pick-up time to be advised upon reconfirmation.
- Pick-up is available for clients staying at selected hotels as meeting point only: Nam Ngu, Muong Thanh, May De Ville, Chancedony, and Hilton Hanoi Opera. Clients staying at the others must proceed to the meeting point.
- To select your travel date, you are advised to choose at least 03 days prior to start date of activity.
- The regular tour has a 2 passenger minimum requirement for operation and is subject to cancellation if this minimum is not met. You will be informed at least 24 hours prior to departure to confirm schedule. In the unlikely event of such a cancellation, guests may request another tour, a different travel date or a refund.
- Free cancellation: 3 days or more prior to start date of activity.
- 100% Cancellation Fee (no reimbursement): less than 3 days prior to date of activity.
