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.
Travel Style
Classic
Physical Grading
2 - Light
Trip Type
Day Tours
What's Included
Pick up/drop off by modern air-conditioned bus. Professional English speaking guide. Cycling. Local lunch. Entrance fee. Sampan boat ride through 3 caves.
Highlights
Hoa Lu ancient temples of the Dinh and Le dynasties. The mesmerizing Nhat Tru Pagoda with interesting history. A visit through 10th century royal palaces. Cycle through the Vietnam countryside of rice fields. Sampan boat ride down Tam Coc River through three caves.
Group Size Notes
Max 25, no minimum
Meals Included
1 lunch
Transport
A/C Van, Cycle, Walking, Sampan Boat
Joining Instructions
Meeting Point:
8:00am Hotel lobby
(pick-up/drop-off available from centre hotels in Old Quarter area only)
Emergency Contact
Should you need to contact us during a situation of dire need, it is best to first call either the G Adventures Local Representative (if one is listed below) and then our G Adventures Local Office. If for any reason you do not receive an immediate answer, please leave a detailed message and contact information, so they may return your call and assist you as soon as possible.
Emergency Contact
G Adventures Office Bangkok, Thailand
From outside Thailand: +66 92 338 9222
From within Thailand: 092 338 9222
G Adventures Local Representative (Vietnam)
Ms. Alice
Emergency number: +84 90 430 5130
If you are unable for any reason to contact our local office, please call the numbers listed below which will connect you directly with our Sales team who will happily assist you. Hours of operation by region can be found here.
Toll-free, North America only: 1 888 800 4100
Calls from UK: 0344 272 0000
Calls from Germany: 0800 365 1000
Calls from Australia: 1 300 796 618
Calls from New Zealand: 0800 333 307
Outside North America, Australia, New Zealand, Germany and the UK: +1 416 260 0999
Finishing Point Instructions
End Point:
6:00pm Hotel drop-off.
Packing List
Health & Safety:
• Hand sanitizer (required)
• Face masks (Clients will be only be required to wear a face mask where it is mandated by local regulations.)
• Pen (Please bring your own pen for filling out documents.)
• Quick Covid Test/Antigen Test
Optional Activities
No optional activities
Minimum Age
You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied on a G Adventures tour. For minors travelling with a guardian over 21 years old, the minimum age is 12.
International Flights
Check-in times and baggage allowances/restrictions vary by airline and can change at any time. For the most up-to-date information for your flight, please contact your airline. We recommend checking in online in advance to avoid potential delays at the airport.
Group Leader
Professional English-speaking local guide
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 6:00pm. Note that this Day Tour is operated by one of G Adventures preferred suppliers and will be a shared service with other non-G Adventures travellers.
