Vietnam · Rural Experiences

Authentic Ninh Binh Experiences: 2 Day 1 Night Tour, Local Market, Cooking Class

2 Days Round trip from Hanoi Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital and its historic temples
  • 02 Enjoy a sampan boat trip through the caves and karst scenery of Tam Coc
  • 03 Cycle through peaceful countryside to Mua Cave and Bich Dong Pagoda
  • 04 Take in panoramic valley views from Mua Cave
  • 05 Explore a local market and see everyday local life
  • 06 Join a cooking class to make local cakes
  • 07 Overnight at Tam Coc Bungalow
  • 08 Meals and round-trip transport from Hanoi Old Quarter included

Discover the highlights of Ninh Binh on a 2-day journey that blends history, nature, and local life. Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Capital, take in the dramatic scenery of Tam Coc, and cycle through peaceful countryside dotted with rice fields, buffalos, and limestone peaks.

This experience also includes a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, time at a local market, and a hands-on cooking class making local cakes. With meals, transport from Hanoi Old Quarter, and an overnight stay at Tam Coc Bungalow included, it’s a well-rounded escape into one of northern Vietnam’s most scenic regions.

This experience also includes a boat trip along the Ngo Dong River, a visit to Bich Dong Pagoda, time at a local market, and a hands-on cooking class making local cakes.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 2 Days
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

Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel – Cycling to Mua Cave – Cooking class, overnight at Tam Coc Bungalow (L/D)

From 8:00 – 8:30, our guide and bus pick you up from hotel and start driving to Ninh Binh, on the way, stop for a short break to stretch your legs.

Show locationDay 1 :
You arrive at Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel to visit King Dinh and Le Temple. Then approach Tam Coc Wharf for buffet lunch with Vietnamese Cuisines in our restaurant.

In the afternoon, we cycle to Mua cave with stunning rice fields with buffalos, goats…along the road till approaching Mua cave. You walk up to the top of the mountain, visiting lovely stalactites and stalagmites inside, then take a spectacular view from the top to the valley. You cycle back to the Bungalow check in then attend our Cooking class of how to make local cakes and swim before the dinner around 19:00, then enjoy the night there with bar opposite to the Pool.

Buffet lunch with Vietnamese Cuisines in our restaurant

Cooking class of how to make local cakes and swim before the dinner around 19:00

Overnight at Tam Coc Bungalow

2
Day 02

Local market – Exciting boat trip in Tam Coc – Cycling to Bich Donng – Hanoi (B/L)

From 6:30, welcome a new day with sunrise Tai Chi and a breakfast then visit morning local market to see how local people exchange goods that you have never seen in the tourist places then enjoy the exciting boat trip on Ngo Dong river with sampan boat through caves on the stunning river surrounded by Karsts with rich fauna and flora. You finish the boat trip and check out, clear the bills then savoir authentic lunch made by our chef.


In the afternoon, you cycle through peaceful villages with rice fields to visit Bich Dong Pagoda surrounded by lotus lake. You walk up to the top and enjoy the panoramic view of dramatic limestone ridges and dotted hamlets and a particularly refreshing moment, then have afternoon tea to highlight a lovely day and get on bus to Hanoi. Note: Your itinerary can be changed due to weather conditions. From 19:00, you are in Hanoi, we drop you off at your hotel, trip ends.

From 6:30, welcome a new day with sunrise Tai Chi and a breakfast

Savoir authentic lunch made by our chef

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Hanoi 4 cities · 2 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Lunch
  • Pick-up from hotel/ accommodation in the Hanoi Old Quarter
  • Transfer by A/C modern bus, Hanoi – Hoa Lu – Tam Coc – Hanoi
  • English speaking guide during the trip
  • 2 bottles of water per person on bus, water after cycling
  • Cycling in Tam Coc

What's Not Included

  • Tips for tour guide and personal expences
  • Pick up from hotel/ stay outside Old Quarter of Hanoi
  • Surcharge for Christmas, New Year, Lunar New Year

Know before you go

  • STROLLER OR PRAM ACCESSIBLE
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Not suitable for pets
  • No public transportation nearby
  • Infants must not sit on laps
  • Infant seats unavailable
  • We will pick up at your hotels/stays inside Old Quarter Area. If you stay outside of Old Quarter, pick up at meeting point: Hanoi Opera House or Local Tours Vietnam Office at 39 Ngo Huyen Street between 7h20 am to 8h00 am

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Hanoi, VN
Tour start
Hanoi, VN
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 2 days finish where they began, in Hanoi.

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