HIGHTLIGHTS
Travel Style: Classic Tours
Trip length: Day Tour
Discover the serene landscapes of Ninh Bình on this day trip combining Van Long Wetland Reserve and Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital.
Start with a tranquil sampan or rowing-boat ride through the calm waterways of Van Long, flanked by dramatic limestone karsts and lush paddies. This quiet, less-visited wetland offers birdlife, reflective scenery, and a gentler pace than the more touristed Halong-on-land routes. In the afternoon, explore the historic temples of Hoa Lu, where the Dinh and Le dynasties ruled in the 10th and 11th centuries. Walking among ruins and sacred shrines, you’ll feel Vietnam’s medieval heritage come alive against the backdrop of karst peaks. This is a balanced, peaceful tour of nature and history for travelers seeking calm and depth in northern Vietnam.
- Scenic boat ride through Van Long Wetland Reserve, among rice paddies & karst peaks
- Quiet, reflective waterways — a more peaceful alternative to busy tourist spots
- Observation of wetland flora and birdlife in a natural setting
- Visit to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital: temples of King Dinh and King Le
- Beautiful rural and karst scenery throughout the day
- Ideal pace for relaxed cultural exploration or photogenic nature trips
ITINERARY
8.30 Meet our guide at your hotel and leave Hanoi for our day trip to Ninh Binh (2-hour drive), we first pay a visit to Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital eleven centuries ago. Here, spend one hour visiting the Dinh and Le temples of the Ancient Capital Hoa Lu which are dedicated to King Dinh and King Le, the founders of the ancient capital during the 10th century.
Have lunch at restaurant.
Continue to Van Long, and hop on a bike for a trip around the countryside of Van Long natural reserve. Then we board a bamboo rowboat for 1 hour rowing along this beautiful wetland of Van Long, enjoying spectacular scenery surrounded by rice paddies and towering limestone mountain peaks.
Then return to Hanoi late in the afternoon. Finish at your hotel.
**You might opt for a trip Thien Ha (Galaxy) Cave instead of Dinh & Le King temple. Or you can also opt for a visit to Hang Mua instead.
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE
The price (USD/person) is quoted for a private tour based on the group sizes, you can send us your inquiry to make up a personalized itinerary and quotation.| Tour Category | 2 pax | 3-5 pax | 6-8 pax | 9 pax up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private tour | $78 | $62 | $47 | $39 |
Not fit your requirement? Feel free to contact us to plan this trip and get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
INQUIRY
Other information
- Boat ride is calm and slow—bring a hat, sunscreen, and camera.
- Weather also matters: best visited in dry or mild seasons when water is calm and reflections are strongest.
- Temples at Hoa Lu may require modest dress (no shorts or sleeveless tops).
- Optionally, you can extend this into a 2-day version with Van Long + Hoa Lu + Hang Mua for a deeper countryside immersion.
Tour Includes
- Transferring as per program, pick up and drop off at hotel
- Entrance & sightseeing fees,
- Biking & boat tour
- Lunch at the restaurant
- English speaking guide
- Bottle mineral water
Tour Excludes
- Drinks, personal expenses and other not mentioned above
- Travel insurance,
- Tips