Hanoi Day Tour: Hao Lu and Tam Coc (Ninh Binh) (full day)
About Vietnam - From $35.25 USD
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
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.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
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.
How large will the group be?
Max 25, no minimum
What meals are included in this trip?
1 lunch
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Bus, Cycle, Walking, Sampan Boat
Itinerary
-
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 7:00pm.
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.
