A Classic Day in Ninh Binh: Hoa Lu – Trang An – Mua Cave

07:00 – 07:45 | Depart from Hanoi Your guide will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Sit back and relax as you travel south on a modern bus through peaceful rural scenery, with a short break along the way. 

10:30 | Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Capital Arrive in Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s first imperial capital in the 10th century. Visit the ancient temples dedicated to Kings Dinh and Le, surrounded by picturesque mountains and green valleys — a setting that feels like stepping back in time. 

11:30 | Countryside Cycling Experience Take a leisurely bike ride along winding village roads and quiet waterways. Pass by rice paddies, local houses, and towering limestone cliffs — a wonderful opportunity to witness the authentic daily life of Ninh Binh’s countryside.

12:00 | Vietnamese Lunch Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch at a local restaurant overlooking the stunning landscape, featuring a variety of traditional Vietnamese dishes. 

13:30 | Sampan Boat Trip in Trang An Continue to Trang An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its maze of limestone grottoes and crystal-clear waterways. Board a small sampan rowed by local people and drift gently through a series of spectacular caves such as Lam, Vang, Dai, and Thanh Truot. Along the way, you’ll also visit sacred temples like Cao Son and Suoi Tien nestled amid the karst mountains and emerald valleys. 

15:30 | Climb to Mua Cave Viewpoint Your final stop is Mua Cave, where a short trek up nearly 500 stone steps leads to the summit of Ngoa Long Mountain. From the top, take in a panoramic view of rice fields stretching across the valley — a breathtaking reward for your climb.

16:30 | Return to Hanoi Relax on the return journey as you head back to the capital.

18:30 | Arrival in Hanoi Arrive at your hotel and conclude your full-day Ninh Binh exploration.