Hoa Lu: The ancient capital of Vietnam from 968 to 1009, it is a historic site with temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh, two outstanding heroes who laid the foundation for the feudal period of the nation.
Tam Coc: Meaning “three caves,” this area boasts picturesque waterways, likened to a vibrant watercolor painting. As you sit in a boat rowed by local people, you will enjoy the Hoang Long River, admire the lush green rice fields, and gaze at the unique limestone mountain ranges.
Hang Mua: Known as the “Great Wall of Vietnam,” you will conquer 500 stone steps to reach the summit, where you can enjoy a panoramic view of Tam Coc and the lush green plains below.
Just a 2-hour drive from Hanoi, Ninh Binh is the perfect destination to enjoy natural landscapes, learn about cultural history, and immerse yourself in the simple rhythms of life in northern Vietnam.
Detailed Itinerary
08:00: Depart from your hotel in Hanoi, heading towards Ninh Binh.
10:30: The first stop is Hang Mua. Here, you will conquer 500 stone steps to reach the mountain peak, which offers a breathtaking view of Tam Coc and the majestic surrounding mountains.
12:00: Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Tam Coc. The famous goat meat specialty of Ninh Binh is sure to please every guest. (Please inform us in advance if you have vegetarian or special dietary requirements).
13:30: Continue to Tam Coc. After a short walk to the boat dock, you will board a boat and begin a relaxing 2-hour journey. The trip will take you through three natural caves: Ca Cave, Hai Cave, and Ba Cave, where the Ngo Dong River winds between limestone mountain ranges and lush rice fields.
15:30: Visit Hoa Lu, the first ancient capital of Vietnam. Here, you will learn about the Dinh and Le dynasties, two feudal dynasties that chose this place as their political and cultural center. Currently, two temples dedicated to King Dinh Tien Hoang and King Le Dai Hanh are built on the site of the ancient palace, preserving many historical marks.
16:30: Depart Hoa Lu and return to Hanoi.
18:00 – 18:30: Arrive back in Hanoi, concluding the memorable trip.
The journey through Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hang Mua promises to provide you with unforgettable experiences, where history, culture, and nature blend to create a stunning picture of the Ninh Binh region.