Discovery Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Mua Cave – Jeep adventure 2 Days 1 Night Countryside Escape

112 $

Duration

2 Days 1 Night

Tour Type

Private Tour

Transports

Car

Overview Tour

Embark on an unforgettable 2-day journey from Hanoi to Ninh Binh – a land often called “Ha Long Bay on land.” This unique tour combines spiritual heritage, scenic waterways, and an adventurous Jeep ride through the countryside. Explore the grand Bai Dinh Pagoda or ancient Hoa Lu Citadel, cruise through the magical caves of Trang An or Tam Coc, and enjoy a thrilling open-air Jeep tour that takes you deep into rural life and hidden valleys unreachable by buses. End your adventure with a hike to Mua Cave for a stunning panoramic view of Tam Coc’s rice fields. This tour is perfect for travelers seeking a true balance between culture, nature, and authentic local experiences.

Highlight

  • Visit Bai Dinh Pagoda, Southeast Asia’s largest Buddhist complex, or explore Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, the first capital of Vietnam.
  • Take a boat trip in Trang An or Tam Coc, passing through mystical caves and lush rice fields.
  • Experience an open-air Jeep ride through peaceful countryside, rural villages, and limestone valleys.
  • Climb to the top of Mua Cave (Ngoa Long Mountain) for breathtaking panoramic views.
  • Enjoy comfortable accommodation in a local homestay or bungalow and savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Brief Itinerary

Route: Hanoi – Bai Dinh or Hoa Lu – Trang An or Tam Coc – Ninh Binh – Jeep Tour – Mua Cave – Hanoi
Duration: 2 Days / 1 Night (Daily Departure)
Meals Included: 2 Lunches, 1 Dinner, 1 Breakfast

Detail Itinerary

Part 1: Hanoi to Ninh Binh – Peaceful Countryside Drive ( Day 1)
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07:00 – 07:40
Your English-speaking guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Begin your 110km journey southward to Ninh Binh, enjoying views of lush rice fields and rural villages.
A short rest stop will be made along the way before reaching Ninh Binh.

Part 2: Cultural Exploration – Bai Dinh Pagoda or Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
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Option 1: Bai Dinh Pagoda
10:00 – Arrive at Bai Dinh Pagoda, the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Located at the foot of Dinh Mountain, this massive complex offers breathtaking views of limestone mountains and tranquil rivers.
Highlights include:

  • 500 stone statues of Arhats
  • Two giant bronze bells (27 & 36 tons)
  • The Quan Yin statue with thousands of arms and eyes
  • The Gautama Buddha statue standing 10 meters tall

Discovery Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Jeep adventure 2 Days 1 Night Countryside Escape

Option 2: Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel
10:00 – Visit Hoa Lu, the former capital of Vietnam during the Dinh and Le dynasties in the 10th century.
Explore ancient temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, surrounded by majestic limestone cliffs that form a picturesque backdrop.

Discovery Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Jeep adventure 2 Days 1 Night Countryside Escape

Part 3: Lunch and Afternoon Boat Trip – Trang An or Tam Coc
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12:00 – Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional specialties.

Option 1: Trang An Boat Trip
13:30 – Embark on a traditional sampan boat through the Trang An Grottoes, a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its dramatic karst landscapes and mysterious caves.
Sail gently through a series of caves such as Lam Cave, Vang Cave, Dai Cave, and Thanh Truot Cave, passing Cao Son, Suoi Tien, and Vu Lam Temples along the way.

Discovery Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Jeep adventure 2 Days 1 Night Countryside Escape

Option 2: Tam Coc Boat Trip
13:30 – Take a peaceful 1.5-hour boat trip through Tam Coc, known as the “Three Caves.”
Admire the tranquil scenery of limestone cliffs, gentle rivers, rice paddies, and local villages – a photographer’s paradise reminiscent of Ha Long Bay’s charm.

Discovery Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Jeep adventure 2 Days 1 Night Countryside Escape

See more Tam Coc Boat Tour

Part 4: Evening Relaxation in Ninh Binh
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15:30 – Check in to your homestay or bungalow. Spend the afternoon swimming, reading, or simply relaxing in the peaceful countryside atmosphere.
19:00 – Dinner will be served, followed by free time to enjoy the poolside bar and unwind.
(Note: The tour guide will not be available overnight.)

 

Part 5: Ninh Binh Jeep Tour – Off-Road Countryside Discovery ( Day 2)
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Day 2 – Morning
After breakfast at your accommodation, prepare for an exciting Jeep Tour adventure.

09:00 – Depart from Côi Khê village, driving through narrow rural roads lined with lush rice paddies and traditional houses.
Admire the majestic limestone peaks as your open-air Jeep takes you through local villages and serene farmlands.

Continue to Bich Dong Pagoda and Thung Nang area, where golden rice fields and emerald waterways await.
Then head to Thung Nham Bird Valley (optional visit, entrance fee not included), a tranquil ecosystem home to numerous bird species.

This 2-hour Jeep journey gives you a true taste of rural life and the breathtaking nature of Ninh Binh.

Discovery Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Jeep adventure 2 Days 1 Night Countryside Escape

Part 6: Lunch and Visit to Thai Vi Temple & Ancient Trang An
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12:00 – Return to the restaurant for lunch.
13:00 – Continue your Jeep ride to visit Thai Vi Temple, Athena Field, and Ancient Trang An, an area rich in history and natural beauty.
(Please note: The tour guide does not accompany guests during the Jeep tour.)

Part 7: Climbing Mua Cave and Return to Hanoi
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15:00 – Visit Mua Cave and hike to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain. From the top, enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in Vietnam – a panoramic vista over Tam Coc’s winding rivers and green rice fields.

Discovery Hanoi - Hoa Lu - Tam Coc - Mua Cave - Jeep adventure 2 Days 1 Night Countryside Escape
16:00 – Depart for Hanoi.
18:30 – 19:00 – Arrive at your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. End of tour.

Inclusions

Pickup and drop-off from Hanoi Old Quarter by bus or limousine
Ninh Binh Jeep tour exploring local countryside
English-speaking guide (as indicated in itinerary)
Round-trip transfers with 2 bottles of water per person
Meals: 2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast
Entrance fees as mentioned in the itinerary
Accommodation in homestay or bungalow (twin/double sharing)
Cycling and swimming at bungalow

Exclusions

Beverages, travel insurance, and personal expenses
Electric car at Bai Dinh Pagoda (100,000 VND/person)
Tour guide overnight at bungalow and during Jeep tour
Tips for guide and driver
Single supplement (for solo travelers)

For Children

👶 Children under 5 years old: Free (excluding meals, entrance fees, and seat)
👶 Children from 5 to 8 years old: 75% of adult price
👶 Children from 9 years old and above: Full price

Price

Tour Price Private
112$ Contact Us

Travel Tips

  • Wear light, comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
  • Bring sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and insect repellent.
  • Carry some cash for optional activities or tips.
  • Best travel time: February to May or September to November for pleasant weather and beautiful rice fields.
  • Respect cultural customs when visiting temples and pagodas.

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