1-Day Hoa Lu and Tam Coc Tour from Hanoi with Sampan and Cycling

The journey

Trip highlights

• 01 Explore the ancient capital of Hoa Lu with visits to historic temples
• 02 Drift through Tam Coc's stunning waterways, famed as "Halong Bay on land"
• 03 Enjoy scenic cycling through rural villages alongside limestone mountains
• 04 Savor local cuisine with a buffet lunch and Tam Coc panorama views

Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel and visit the historic Dinh and Le King Temples before cruising through Tam Coc's majestic limestone caves on a scenic sampan ride. This full-day trip from Hanoi also includes a peaceful cycling experience through rural villages, rice paddies, and canal-lined countryside. Enjoy local cuisine and take in the stunning landscapes that make Ninh Bình one of northern Vietnam's most memorable destinations.

Explore Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel and visit the historic Dinh and Le King Temples before cruising through Tam Coc's majestic limestone caves on a scenic sampan ride.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 1 Day

Tour type Shared

Activity level Easy

Accommodation Not 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 Ancient Capital and Tam Coc Sampan Cruise

• 07:00 - 07:45 - Our guide will meet you at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter and begin the 110 km journey through the verdant countryside landscape. There will be a short break en route.
• 10:00 - Visit Hoa Lu Ancient Citadel, including Dinh King Temple and Le King Temple, dating back to the 17th century.
• Noon - Enjoy lunch at our restaurant, which serves excellent local cuisine.
• 13:30 - Board a small sampan to visit Tam Coc, literally "three caves," on a 1.5-hour boat trip. With Halong Bay-type views of majestic limestone cliffs, mysterious caves, and countryside landscapes of peaceful streams, rice paddies, and deserted green fields, Tam Coc has it all. You will enjoy the fresh air and peaceful moments - an excellent opportunity for photo lovers to capture special scenery and memorable moments.
• 15:30 - Enjoy a leisurely cycling ride on rural roads alongside the extensive canal network and through small villages, with the backdrop of a maze of limestone mountains.
• 16:00 - Return to our bus and travel back to Hà Nội.
• 18:00 - 18:30 - Drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter. Trip ends.

The route

Where you'll travel

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

• Pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi's Old Quarter
• A fully escorted tour with a professional English- and Vietnamese-speaking guide
• Buffet lunch at a local restaurant with Tam Coc panorama views
• All entrance fees indicated in the itinerary
• 2 bottles of water per person
• Cycling

What's Not Included

• Beverages and travel insurance
• Tips for the tour guide
• Personal expenses

Know before you go

• Please note that itineraries and schedules are subject to change without notice, depending on the weather and operating conditions.
• Customers should provide their hotel name and address in Hoàn Kiếm District for pick-up arrangements.
• If you are vegetarian or have any special food requirements, please advise the local operator in advance.
• Disabled guests are unable to take part in water sport activities on the boat.
• If you do not want to join the biking segment of the tour, you can relax in the restaurant with a cup of coffee or visit a local market.
• You can also finish your trip in Tam Coc or Ninh Bình.
• Please note that wearing shorts into the temple is not allowed.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point

Pick-up from hotel in the Old Quarter of Hanoi

Tour start

Hoa Lư, Ninh Bình, Vietnam

Tour ends at the same location as the start point.