Vietnam · Boating

Small-Group Hoa Lu Tam Coc Day Tour from Hanoi

9 Hours Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam
  • 02 See the temples of King Dinh and King Le
  • 03 Enjoy a scenic sampan boat trip through Tam Coc
  • 04 Admire limestone cliffs, caves, and rice paddies
  • 05 Experience landscapes often called "Halong Bay on land"
  • 06 Lunch at a local restaurant included
  • 07 Possible visit to nearby Bich Dong Pagoda, time permitting
  • 08 Round-trip transport from Hanoi included

Discover the historic heart of northern Vietnam on a full-day journey from Hanoi to Hoa Lu and Tam Coc. Visit Hoa Lu, the ancient royal capital, where temples dedicated to King Dinh and King Le offer a glimpse into Vietnam’s early dynastic past.

Then continue to Tam Coc for a scenic sampan boat trip through limestone karst landscapes, caves, rice paddies, and peaceful waterways often compared to "Halong Bay on land." With lunch included and time permitting for a visit to nearby Bich Dong Pagoda, this small-group tour combines history, culture, and natural beauty in one memorable day.

With Halong bay type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 9 Hours
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Hoa Lư, Tam Cốc-Bích Động
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Hoa Lu – Tam Coc Day Tour

Hoa Lu was the capital city of Vietnam under the Dinh Dynasty between 968 and 1009. Some of the sanctuaries and tombs have survived the years and can still be seen today. Apart from the historical interest, the river boat trip in Tam Coc is wonderful for photo hunters, especially when local people come to harvest the water rice planted along the river, or when they transplant some seedling for the next crops. Tam Coc sight is also known as Halong bay on land.

Visit Hoa Lu ancient capital and take sampan trip on Tam Coc.

8:00AM, pick up at your hotel and head out for Ninh Binh (2 hours driving). There is a beautiful roadside scenery on the way. Arriving in Ninh Binh city, first pay a visit to Hoa Lu – the ancient Royal Capital of Vietnam, visit the two temples: Temple of King Dinh and King Le, admire the unique architecture from ancient times.

Continue to Tam Coc and have lunch at a nice restaurant with many local delicacies. Then boarding a small sampan to visit Tam Coc which means literally “three caves” (2.5 hour boat trip). With Halong bay type views of majestic limestone cliffs and mysterious caves, as well as countryside landscape like peaceful streams, rice paddies and deserted green fields, Tam Coc really has it all. You will feel the fresh air and peaceful moments, a very good opportunities for photo lovers, freezing the special moments and scenery.

Time permits, you can also visit Bich Dong pagoda nearby and climb up the mountain to have a wonderful perspective view of the Bich Dong and Tam Coc. Return to Hanoi late afternoon.

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. 4 cities · 9 Hours

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All taxes, fees and handling charges
  • Fuel surcharge
  • Lunch
  • Professional guide
  • Hotel pickup and drop-off
  • Air-conditioned vehicle

What's Not Included

  • Drinks
  • Personal expenses

Know before you go

  • WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE
  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION NEARBY
  • INFANT SEATS AVAILABLE
  • Minimum age is 15 years
  • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
  • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
  • Subject to favorable weather conditions. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be given the option of an alternative date or full refund.
  • Not suitable for pets
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • We offer free pick up service at front door hotel for all customers, tell us your hotel's stay and we'll come and pick you there

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Pickup service provided in Hanoi.
Tour start
Pickup service provided in Hanoi.
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 9 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Hanoi..

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