Ninh Binh reveals a quieter side of northern Vietnam, where rivers wind between limestone hills, rice fields, and small villages. Life here follows the rhythm of the countryside, with boats moving along the waterways and temples tucked among the rocks.
Over two days, you’ll explore the region by rowing boat, bicycle, and on foot. Cruise through Trang An, climb Hang Mua, and cycle around Tam Coc before visiting Bich Dong Pagoda and Galaxy Cave. Local meals, an overnight stay in a green boutique resort, and a visit to Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary balance the more active parts of the journey.
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Trip typePrivate tour - minimum 2 guests -
CountryVietnam
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Duration2 days
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Starting LocationHanoi
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Ending LocationHanoi
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PriceEach trip is priced individually - trips differ in the number of people, selected hotels, and attractions.
- Transfer via air-conditioned vehicles
- All meals indicated in the program (Menu may change to availability)
- Entrance tickets to listed attractions
- English-speaking guides and local guides
- Other language options are subject to availability
- Flight tickets to and from Vietnam/Hanoi
- Visas to Vietnam
- Tips for services
- Personal expenses
- Private insurance
Experience Highlights
Follow Trang An’s waterways by rowing boat, passing limestone peaks and caves.
Climb the stone steps of Hang Mua for views over Tam Coc’s fields and waterways.
Cycle along country roads through rice fields, limestone hills, and local villages.
Visit Bich Dong Pagoda and a peaceful temple built inside a limestone cave.
Reach Galaxy Cave by rowing boat before continuing on foot through its chambers.
Visit Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary and learn how rescued bears are cared for.
DAY 1: MORNING: TRANG AN BOAT JOURNEY & LOCAL FLAVOURS
Your journey begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi, followed by a scenic drive to Ninh Binh, one of northern Vietnam’s most spectacular provinces.
At Trang An, you’ll board a traditional rowing boat and follow a route through the UNESCO-listed landscape. The river leads between green valleys, temples tucked beneath the rocks, and caves that narrow and widen as you pass through the hills.
Back on land, lunch introduces you to the cooking of Ninh Binh, including the mountain goat dish for which the province is known.
AFTERNOON: HANG MUA VIEWPOINT & PANORAMIC LANDSCAPES
The afternoon brings a change of perspective at Hang Mua. Nearly 500 stone steps lead toward the ridge, with the surrounding landscape gradually opening below you. From the summit, you’ll look across the rice fields, waterways, and limestone formations of Tam Coc, seeing the route of the river from above.
EVENING: A QUIET EVENING IN NINH BINH
After an active day, check in to your boutique resort surrounded by the peaceful greenery of Ninh Binh.. The remainder of the day is yours to enjoy at your own pace.
Unwind by the pool, take a quiet walk through the surrounding countryside, or simply relax and soak up the tranquillity of the region. Overnight in Ninh Binh.
DAY 2: MORNING: CYCLING THROUGH TAM COC & BICH DONG
After breakfast, you’ll set out by bicycle through the countryside around Tam Coc. The route follows narrow roads between rice fields, small villages, and limestone hills, giving you a closer look at everyday life beyond the busier visitor sites.
Along the way, you’ll stop at Bich Dong Pagoda, set between rocky slopes and ponds, before continuing to a quiet temple inside a limestone cave. There will also be time for coffee in a local café surrounded by greenery.
AFTERNOON: GALAXY CAVE, VIETNAMESE HOT-POT & BEAR SANCTUARY
Your journey continues to Galaxy Cave, a less-visited part of Ninh Binh. A rowing boat carries you along calm waterways between limestone hills, followed by a walk through the cave and the surrounding countryside.
For lunch, you’ll gather around a traditional Vietnamese hot pot - a shared meal and a favorite local way of spending time at the table.
Before returning to Hanoi, you’ll visit Ninh Binh Bear Sanctuary. Here, you’ll learn about bears rescued from illegal breeding facilities and bile farms, as well as the work being done to protect them in Vietnam.
