Top Trekking & Nature Highlights in Ninh Binh
Details
Board a traditional sampan for a peaceful row along the Ngo Dong River, weaving through towering limestone cliffs and lush rice paddies. Your boat glides into three natural caves (“Tam Coc” means “Three Caves”), revealing a surreal and tranquil world beneath the karsts. Just a short ride from Tam Coc, this centuries-old pagoda is set dramatically against a mountain cliff. Climb up stone steps to reach its three levels—Ha, Trung, and Thuong Pagodas—offering panoramic views and spiritual calm. Venture deeper into Ninh Binh’s untouched nature at Thung Nham, an ecological park rich in biodiversity. Walk through lush gardens, explore a bird cave, and enjoy a boat ride into the heart of the bird sanctuary, where hundreds of white storks and herons return to roost at sunset.
Intinerary
07:30 – 08:00 Your journey begins with a hotel pick-up in Hanoi by our friendly local guide. Sit back and enjoy a comfortable 2-hour drive to the scenic Ninh Binh Province.
09:15 Take a 15–20 minute break along the way to stretch, grab a refreshment, and prepare for the day ahead.
10:30 Arrive at Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital (968–1010). Explore historical temples and learn about the fascinating legacy of the Dinh, Le, and Ly dynasties.
Biking Tour After your visit, hop on a bicycle for a peaceful ride through the countryside. Pedal past rice paddies, village homes, and scenic landscapes as you get a glimpse of daily rural life.
12:30 Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant featuring Ninh Binh’s specialties—including goat meat, chicken, fish, fried rice, and vegetarian dishes.
15:00 Embark on a 1.5-hour bamboo boat ride through Tam Coc, often called “Halong Bay on Land.” Drift past towering limestone karsts, emerald rice fields, and peaceful caves along the Ngo Dong River.
16:30 Travel by bus to Mua Cave (Dancing Cave). Challenge yourself with a climb of nearly 500 steps to the summit of Lying Dragon Mountain and take in panoramic views of Tam Coc and the surrounding countryside.
17:00 Check in at your accommodation in Tam Coc. Take time to relax and enjoy the amenities—such as a swimming pool (available in summer).
19:00 Have dinner at a local restaurant, then enjoy a peaceful evening walk to soak in the charm of Tam Coc at night.
Overnight in Ninh Binh.
09:00 – Cultural Landmarks by Bicycle
After breakfast, meet your guide and set off on a scenic cycling tour to visit two iconic cultural sites:
Bich Dong Pagoda – Often called the second most beautiful cave pagoda in Vietnam, this site offers a unique spiritual atmosphere, surrounded by mountains and lush greenery.
Thai Vi Temple – A serene temple steeped in history, nestled amid rice fields and limestone karsts.
11:30 – Check-out & Lunch Return to your accommodation to check out. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties: spring rolls, goat meat, fresh fish, fried rice, and a selection of vegetarian dishes.
14:00 – Thung Nham Bird Valley Experience Travel to Thung Nham Bird Valley, an ecological haven rich with natural beauty and wildlife.
Sampan Ride through But Cave Glide through But Cave (Buddhist Cave), a 500-meter-long water cave filled with spectacular stalactites. At its heart, see a naturally formed Buddha-shaped rock beside the river—a hidden spiritual gem.
Tropical Orchard Visit Stroll through a vibrant fruit orchard, learning about local flora and enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.
Late Afternoon Board a small boat and drift silently through the wetlands of Thung Chim, where over 4,000 birds from 40 species return to roost. This is a magical hour for birdwatching, photography, and appreciating the sounds of nature.
16:00 – Return to Hanoi Board the bus back to Hanoi. End of services.
