Vietnam · Rural Experiences

Explorer Pu Luong to Ninh Binh 3 Day Small Group Tour from Hanoi

3 Days Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Explore Pu Luong Nature Reserve’s rice terraces and rural villages
  • 02 Cross hanging bridges and see traditional giant waterwheels
  • 03 Enjoy a bamboo raft ride on Cham Stream, weather permitting
  • 04 Trek to Kho Muong village and visit Doi Cave
  • 05 Relax at the retreat with views over Pu Luong
  • 06 Cycle through limestone karsts to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital
  • 07 Visit temples of the first two emperors of the 10th century
  • 08 Take a scenic boat ride through Trang An

Discover two of northern Vietnam’s most scenic regions on this 3-day small-group journey from Hanoi to Pu Luong and Ninh Binh. Travel through mountain passes and rural landscapes to Pu Luong Nature Reserve, where rice terraces, remote villages, hanging bridges, waterwheels and a bamboo raft ride on Cham Stream offer an immersive look at local life and natural beauty.

The adventure continues with a trek to Kho Muong village and Doi Cave, followed by time in Ninh Binh, known for its dramatic limestone karsts and historic sites. Cycle to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, visit temples of Vietnam’s early emperors, and enjoy a peaceful boat ride through the striking scenery of Trang An before returning to Hanoi.

Following the small road through the terrace rice and sugar cane fields, cross the Hanging Bridges to visit other remote rural villages of Thai Ethnic.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 3 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included
Transport Included
Wheelchair access No
Cities Hanoi, Ninh Bình, Hoa Lư
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

DAY 1: Hanoi – Pu Luong (L, D) 200km

07:30 – 08:00 = Pick-up at Hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and start the Pu Luong 3 Days tour by comfortable bus. 09:00 = Short break in Luong Son (Outside of Hanoi). 11:00 = Stop at the local market of the Muong Ethnic Minority; enjoy the beautiful scenery of Thung Khe Pass (One of the 10 most beautiful passes in Vietnam)

Stop at the local market of the Muong Ethnic Minority; enjoy the beautiful scenery of Thung Khe Pass (One of the 10 most beautiful passes in Vietnam) Then transfer to Limousine to Pu Luong

13:00 = Arrive in Pu Luong Nature Reserve. Have lunch and check in. 14:30 – 17:30 = Board the van to the starting point. Following the small road through the terrace rice and sugar cane fields, cross the Hanging Bridges to visit other remote rural villages of Thai Ethnic. Stop at the giant waterwheels, ducks farm to learn about the agriculture before getting on the Bamboo Raft for a relaxing cruise on Cham stream (cruise depending on weather conditions). 17:30 = Pick up the van to go to the Eco Garden – Mountain Retreat. Enjoy swimming in the Infinity Pool. 19:00 = Dinner at the lodge, enjoy some local rice wine. Have a quiet night in the middle of the Reserve. *Sleeping options: Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat. Traditional dorm room in the house on stilts or Deluxe Ensuite Room with Air-con

Overnight at Pu Luong Eco Garden (Dorm or Private Deluxe Room )

2
Day 02

Explore Kho Muong village and Doi Cave – Pu Luong Ninh Binh 120km. (B,L,D)

07:00 – 08:00 = Have breakfast in the lodge. Enjoying the breathtaking view from Pu Luong Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat. 08:30 – 12:00 = Trek following the small roads through the terrace rice fields and cross the stream to visit remote hidden village of Kho Muong to learn about the local people in Pu Luong.(6kms) Explore Doi Cave (Bat cave), this is the largest cave in Pu Luong. (Depending on the weather condition) 12:00 = Back to the Eco Garden – The Mountain Retreat, check out. 13:00 = Have lunch and have free time to relax in the Infinity pool or walking around the village before boarding the bus to go to Ninh Binh at 14:30

17:30 = Arrive in Ninh Binh Retreat, check in and have free time. 19:00 = Have dinner at the retreat. And overnight at Ninh Binh

3
Day 03

Cycling to Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and boat ride in Trang An (B,L)

7:30 – 8:30 = breakfast at the Retreat 8:30 to 12:00 = Cycling through the limestone karsts to reach 2 temples of the first 2 Emperors in the 10 th Century in Hoa Lu Ancient Capital hike up the Ma Yen Mountain to visit the King’s tomb in 10th century and enjoy the panorama view from the mountain. On the way back, stop in a local family to discover daily life and culture and share a tea with them

12:00 -13:30 = Check out and have lunch at the Retreat 13:30 -16:00 = Go to Trang An for a boat ride in between the karst pics and enjoy the beautiful scenery and peaceful atmosphere. 16:00 =Get on the bus again heading back to Hanoi. 19:00 = Drop off in Hanoi old quarter

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Pickup service provided in Hanoi. 3 cities · 3 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Lunch
  • Breakfast
  • Bus Transfer (Hanoi -Pu Luong-Ninh Binh -Hanoi)
  • Entrance fees for sightseeing
  • Local English speaking guide
  • Bamboo Rafting ,Trekking & Cave exploring
  • Deluxe Room stay at Pu Luong and Ninh Binh

What's Not Included

  • Dinner meal, Beverages, Personal Expenses
  • Tips for driver/guide is appreciated

Know before you go

  • INFANTS MUST SIT ON LAPS
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Not stroller accessible
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Ticket provides direct entry
  • We will pick up all customers from any hotel in Old Quater or Hanoi Old Quarter

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 3 days finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Hanoi..

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